How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I first heard about bariatric surgery on TV and then researched it on the computer almost 5years ago (2004) before my actual surgery, that is how I first found out about Barix weight loss clinic in Michigan. However not knowing about out of country coverage and or how to go about getting information about the surgery and if I could get it in Canada and still struggling with my weight I just continued to research and wish I could get this surgical help. I had spoke with my family Doctor many times but never really got any results that it could ever be a consideration for me in Canada or USA. Then one day at work the summer 2008 a colleague of mine told me about Barix clinic in Ypsilanti Michigan and how she got out of country coverage for surgery and how to go about it and from there, so I tagged along with her and with her guidance got a consultation apt and from that day on I was determined to have this surgery and was going to make it happen for me to. I was so impressed with Barix and all the staff and the educational information I received to help make this informed decision about my health, there was only positive things that came from this consultation about this surgery, that helped me make my finale decision to go ahead and have the surgery. The Doctor at Barixs stated that he would provide the helping tool to a better healthier life, and I would have to work from there with my new tool and trust me when I say there was no looking back. I fortunate enough to find the most professional caring compassionate Hospital that gave me a new chance at a future healthier life.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

Well the best advice is to be determined and persistent. I went to my family doctor right away about the surgery and explained about the out of country coverage and how I needed his help and signature to make this happen, because it was certain from my co-morbidity and health perspective I qualified for the surgery it was just putting the paper work in place. My doctor stalled me saying I needed to take 6months to think about h is decision and it possible complication and side effects. So upset and disappointed I left his office doing nothing but thinking about the surgery and how I was already set in my mind it was the only tool that was going to make a difference in my life, A week latter I went to the consultation appointment in Barix and then came home from there and made another apt with my family doctor and with my friends help filled out all the paper work for the out of country coverage and took with me and spoke once again with my doctor and explained that I went to the consultation and had research the surgery and the risks and the benefits and this is what I want to do for me and he signed them, At this point it took about 3week the next day we faxed my paper to Out of country coverage (ohip) and I had a response back with in less than two week very lucky some say its also based on your BMI and your health co-morbidities which I new I would more than qualify for. I called Barixs right away anxious to get my pre-op and surgery date, Then I had a little set back due to my health and BMI and weight the surgeon ask for some pre-op surgical test sleep apnea , EKG, stress test, cardiac work up which intern slowed down getting a surgery date because getting booked and the results back from the tests he requested set me back couple of months. However after getting the results back to him I got a date about 2months after that because of time off over Christmas I was pushed in February of 2009. It seemed like forever to get here, waiting. So to sum it up I started in Sept 08 with a consultation and had surgery on February 23/09 So in actual fact it really wasnt that long four months in total. Stay on them follow up make call be stronger and persevere make it happen

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

To start you have a general work up with the nurse weight height x-ray if required basic physical information health medications ect. In your first visit youll met as a group about 10 people, the surgeon comes in and explains the types of surgeries and the benefits and risks to each surgery and which surgeries are best suited to different individuals needs, He shows diagrams and explains in detail pertinent information, Then when hes finished he allows an answer and question period, After the group portion everyone meets the Doctor one on one a more personal informal information session where you can then ask any other question you may have in private, The surgeon makes himself makes you very comfortable and he was very approachable for any questions you may have. Either before or after your surgical information you will also attend a dietician Information session which is very helpful and ask lots of questions however there follow up care before and after surgery is fabulous.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went there with a positive attitude that they were going to be able to help me loss the weigh and as they say it a tool for you to work with now in your weight loss journey, As I have said I have struggled with my weight my whole life and I was ready in my mind and body for a permanent change. I wanted it and needed it for many reasons, once I had the information session and my questions got answered I new before I left the hospital I was going to have the surgery. Seeing some of the success stories certainly helps even staff in the clinic our proof it works. The hospitals whole approach makes you feel relaxed and safe secure to move forward and have the surgery. I left there having no doubts in my mind about the surgery. My finale decision was based all on information want and desire to change my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really didnt research that as much perhaps as I should have, however I chose the RNY because I had research it and based on the information I had originally received from my friend and the clinic and researching it on the internet I felt it was a suitable surgery for my need. It had the least amt of side effects and long term issues so I felt comfortable with my decision and after my consultation with the Surgeon we discussed other options and decided this was best suited for me.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

My only fear or concern about the surgical procedure was the anaesthetic; I really wasnt scared or concerned about complication or dying because I kept a positive attitude. I just kept thinking that other than my weight Im young and healthy women and will do fine. Not to mention that the surgeon I had and the hospital have done thousands of theses and there success rate is excellent. However because Im a single mom of 2 children I did sit down with them and explain to them the risk of any surgery and anaesthetic and complications that could arise, but we all have to keep positive thinking and every thing would go fine, I did put basic thought and some follow thru into my personal affairs because the hospital has you fill in power of attorney for medical decisions forms. Some pre planning ahead protect my self and my family dont dwell on it. The staff in the pre-surgical area and the surgical and floor staff at the hospital makes you feel very comfortable relaxed, safe and reassured thru the whole process, and it helps to have someone with you that loves and care about you, I had my sister by my side the whole time. I also started attending a support group before my surgery and they were very supportive in many different ways. Find someone to talk to about you fears or concerns and ask questions

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I sat down and explained to my two sons what I had decided to have gastric by pass surgery. Explained the benefits and risks, and explained how important it was to me and to our future as a whole family. A little apprehensive and even scared, but very excited and supportive. I was very fortunate my entire family was very supportive. Just be open and honest with them and let them know it for your better health. My sister went with me out of country to the hospital to support me during the surgery, When I returned home my father stayed with me for a week and then was only a phone call away. My two sons age 19 and 13 were there for me also and were very supportive helping me thru my post surgery time 100% Im so blessed to have such wonderful kids.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I spoke with my employer about 2months before about my surgery and explain my choice to have Gastric bypass surgery. They were very supportive both before and after my surgery I took 8 week off from work mostly because of the type of work I do and then returned modified for 4weeks.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I had an excellent stay in the hospital, the staffs are wonderful and very attentive to your needs, and my stay ended up being 5days in Hospital. I took far too much with me, all you really need is cloths to go home in. If you want your own pillow a pair running shoes and a night gown, really limit the stuff you bring you dont need it.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I was fortunate enough not to have any complications from my surgery it self it went wonderful and healed up well. However I did have complications after surgery from the pain medication I received after surgery. I took an allergic reaction to the morphine and dilaudid they gave me post surgery for pain, They stopped all pain medication and with in couple of days I improved just fine, I also experienced a lot of gastric pain and bloating which is very uncomfortable and that took a while to pass even with aid of medication and nursing intervention.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I personally had a 5 hour drive home from the hospital which seem like forever, however once you home your immediately start to feel better, I followed the rules that they set in place I walked every day x3 short walks build your self up and followed the meal/food plan set in place for post surgery, Struggled a little with my bowel movements for a few weeks but it works it self out. I would say after being home a week I was regaining my energy and having to remind my self to go easy and remember that I just had major surgery inside, The coping portion is the not over doing to fast, I continued to get support from my support group which is wonderful

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Take it slow dont rush your self, every day your home you start to feel better and have more energy, you often have to remind your self that you just had major surgery, Take plenty of warm showers it makes you feel good. Get plenty of rest you may feel the need to nap in the afternoon and walk frequently and get plenty of fluids in. By the time 3 week on to 4 week I had full energy back and felt great,

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I traveled 5 hour from home to the Barixs hospital in Ypsilanti Michigan. , Just plan ahead, other than comfort during the ride home from surgery the drive is long and tiring However I believe the travel and distance was all worth the end result And the shopping is great.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

They recommend you to try and loss some weight before surgery to help reduce liver size before surgery, then you have to go on clear fluids 24hrs prior to surgery and take bowel prep the day before for surgery also. The hospital that I chose has a very clear book and education portion giving by the dietician before and after surgery of the diet that needs to be following on a schedule all broken down by week from the dietician. So for the first 6 weeks you follow a pre set guide line of intake starting off with fluid then puree, minced, small cut up and then back onto solids. After 6weeks back onto regular food small portions and chew well. We have a 5 and 30 minute rule in place stop drinking 5minutes before you eat and dont drink for 30 minutes after you eat to help in food and protein absorption. I have been lucky enough to tolerate most food post surgery chew well. Im almost 4 months since surgery and the only thing I havent tried is breads most people from my support group say it doesnt do well even 1 year after surgery so I havent tried it. Im sticking to as much sugar free or splenda products as possible, reading the labels on food products and sticking to the health teaching that they provided us with. Since my surgery I have found some thing I used to like I cant tolerate sweet food and some food make me have a lot of mucous. Over all I have been doing very well with foods no complaints problems or issues.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I m a couch potatoes limited activity before surgery, however they told us to walk everyday after surgery short walks build your self up so I came home and walked 2 or 3 times a day and then when given the ok to go swimming I went almost every day for 2 months and then I returned back to work and all has but stopped, I still swim 1 night a week in an aqua fit class and walk with my job a far bit I still swim as often as I can fit it in I very much enjoy it . Other wise I really need to increases my activity level. I have a weak knee and my feet and ankles still hurt most of the time due to the excessive weight Im caring, so Im hoping between weight loss and surgery on my knee in the future. I want to get more physical get active and develop a higher energy level that I will be able to get more active. I have good intentions but follow thru not so good. I have just joined the YMCA so Im hoping that me and my children use it to it full potential.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take 2 sugar free childrens chewable vitamins a day and I chose to take a B12 sublingual every other day or even 3 times a week that was all that was recommended by the doctor after surgery. Youre to try and maintain your protein level that is set for you be the dietician on a daily bases. Follow Doctors instruction after each routine blood work 3, 6, 9, 12, months they will notify you of any changes or needs.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I have been very fortunate I only experienced a small amount of nausea no vomitting with in the first week or two after surgery, I have had episodes of dumping of and on but based solely on what I have eating. No hair loss as of yet Im only four month out of surgery some say that could still come yet. Actually I have decreased to almost no medication since surgery and sleeping better and have been very fortunate and Im coping very well. Taking one day at a time.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The whole process from start to finsih went very smoothly I just wish I had know about it and sone it sooner

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I belong to a bariatric support group that meets by monthly. I believe it very helpful education, information, clothing exchange and general support from people whom are going through the same thing at all different levels, The hospital dietician stills follows up with me and I seen the doctor at 2, 4, 6, weeks and follow up with my blood work every three months and phone calls to communicate due to the out of country travel distance. Everyone need support at some time it helpful.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I have 6 small puncture wholes that only required steri strips of tape to close. They healed very well and there small but noticeable but worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost a far bit of weight with in the first 4 weeks and then hit a slowing down period / plateau however I have been fortunate enough to continue to still loose weight weekly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have started mentioning that they can see small changes happening and for the most part are very encouraging. Due to my large size / obesity it will take a little longer for changes to be drastically noticeable