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

I heard about this surgery 20 years ago and could not convince my doctor this was an option. He said I was too young(28) and with two small children it was too risky. So, here I am 20 years later, my children are raised, I've spent thousands on dieting gimics, some I'm sure just as risky as the surgery would have been and this time hoping someone will listen to me.

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

I was very fortunate dealing with my insurance company. Once I was told by my PCP that I was a good candidate we sent the information to my insurance company and in about two weeks I was notifed that I had been approved!

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

I went to meet the surgeon with a list of questions I just couldn't seem to get the answers for on the Obesity web site. He was very patient and answered my questions very well and in plain 'ol english, not medical terminology that I couln't understand. I like Dr. Murayama very well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After phen fen was removed from the market and I started regainnig weight I was feeling so hopeless and pathetic. I felt like I couldn't even do something so simple as not eat! Except it isn't 'so simple'. I have fought this battle all my life and this feels like my last and best chance to finally have a healthy normal life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have had surgery in the past, two c-sections and a hernia repair. I understand the from the recouperation point of view that the healing time is much shorter and easier in the lap procedure. So the lap was my first choice although I would have done either, my surgeon prefers to do laps on anyone with a BMI under 50. A lap it is.

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?

Since I have had other surgeries I do know sort of what to expect and the only part I intensely dislike is when you first come out from under the anesthetic, that feeling of not quite being awake or asleep. I am not afraid of dying, I have greatfaith in God and confidence in my physician and his team. I am also a firm believer in when it's your time it really doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing.

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 was plesantly surprised, all of my friends and family were very supportive of my decision to have surgery.

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

I didn't tell my employer what surgery I was having, only that I was having surgery. After I was off I had to call the company nurse for some information and at that time was asked and she had no response. I guess I'll know when I return to work.

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

The hospital and staff were really great. You come in the morning of the surgery and everything goes so quickly that you don't have time to even be nervous. It was great!I was in three days total, and was ready to go home on day 3. I was told all I needed was an id and they would furnish the rest. I did take a robe and slippers, chap stick and those lysterine strips and the stuff I brought I did use. I was glad I didn't take anything else because I would neber have used it.

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

I had no complications, everything went very smoothly. I was very pleased.

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 am three weeks out and I feel great, no anxiety. In fact I am surprised at how well I feel. I do alot of walking and I do think that helps. The only thing that does bother me is my ability to eat anything I have tried with NO difficulty or discomfort. I understand this is just a tool but if I didn't have the healing scars I would be hard pressed to know anything had been done. I thought this part would be easier.

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

My experience was wonderful! I was slightly uncomfortable the first couple days but by the end of the week I was walking a mile. I had very little trouble with food or dumping. I know everyone has different experiences so I may not be a good reference.

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

The hospital I went to was within a mile of my apartment. I went to my home town though for recouperation and that was 3 hours away. Everything went well, I stayed with my best friend and her family for two weeks. It was very comforting enviroment to heal in.

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.

The first few weeks I was on liquid and soft foods and that was fine. I think I did well until about 3 months when I really started experimenting with different foods. I experimented with sugar(strawberry pie) and that was a big mistake and the other thing I still can't tolerate sugar. The other foo I can't eat is any meat reheated but especially steak. I have no idea why, but steak reheated makes me very ill immediately. I love shrimp, fish and chicken and do well on all of those.

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

I was walking a mile by the end of the first week and have gradually built up to 5 miles a day and am now 4 months out.

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

I take prenatal vitamins and vitamin B12.

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?

The most noticeable effect is the hair loss, I have alot and no one else has noticed it but I sure have. I am 4 months out and it seems to have let up alot. I only had dumping episodes when I overate or ate foods that I knew better but tried anyway (ex. strawberry pie)

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

The worst part is that I didn't do it years ago! I would do this again in a minute if I had too, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself!

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

Northwestern Memorial Hospital has a great support system and support group that meets onnce a month. 3/1007 I was involved with a support group in my area but my working hours have prevented me from staying involved and I have gained back some weight and am terrified. I thought dieting was done in my life but not so.

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

My surgery was a lap so I have five tiny scars that will be barely noticeable a year from now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a grand daddy of plateaus when I was four months out, it lasted three weeks which felt like forever! It has broken and I am off and running again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most people do not even recognize me! It has been great, my confidence is at an all time high and I think people react to that. I feel so much better about myself and physically and I think it shows.