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

I first learned about the surgery from an online friend who was going to have it done in July 2000. I thought she was out of her mind and I figured I would never have it done. Then a co-worker staretd talking to me about it in August 2000 because she wanted to have it done. My interest was really peaked when I saw that Carnie Wilson had it done and the wonderful results she has had from it. I was still terrified and skeptical until I started researching information on the internet and then I found this WLS obesity help.com and it was the stories and support of the people on the web site that helped me make my decision as well as the guidance of my own primary care doctor.

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

I have PHS Chater Insurance and I was approved immediately for the surgery. I saw the doctor on February 26, 2001 and that morning the letter was faxed to them and by afternoon the call came from the surgeon saying I was approved.

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

The first visit with him was just like any other doctor visit. He did a mini physical and talked to me about all the reasons I should have th surgery. He then explianed in detail what to expect before, during and after the surgery. He told me what I could expect, possible side effects and possible death. He was very thorough and answered any questions I had. He also has an email address that he allows you to email him at. It may take a few days to get a response but he has always answered me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well, I was having some trouble with my back and my circulation. I went to see my medical doctor and he told me that I really needed to seriously do something about my weight. He said as I get older, it will only get worse and the more health risks will occur. I then saw a cardiologist and he also confirmed that I needed to get rid of this weight immediately as it was putting undo pressure on my heart. So knowing that.....i knew I was a ticking time bomb and that I had to do something immediately.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well, I had read many stories about people who had gastric banding and other forms besides the open RNY, which is what I eventually had, and it seemed like they had complications and many had to have surgery again to correct problems. I trusted my doctor and knew that what he recommended would be what was right 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?

I had the normal fears about the possibility of after surgery complications and even death but a few days before surgery I put my life in God's hands and knew that he had opened the door for me to have this procedure done and that he knew I had a child and family that needed me. The fact that I could die from NOT having it done scared me more than actually having it done. So the day of surgery I was at complete peace and had no fears or worries at all. I was not even nervous the day I went in for surgery.

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?

Many of my friends were very supportive of my decison and a few were not. They thought I was crazy to put myself through such a drastic ordeal. My family was completely against me having it done. They were so afraid that I was going to die or that something serious could happen. Once they saw how serious I was about it, then they started to accept it more and more as time got closer.

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

Well, my boss and supervisor were a little shocked that I would take such a drastic step but they were also very supportive in my decision. I told them I would only be out of work like 3 to 5 weeks at the most as long as there were no complications. And as an added incentive, they are going to pay me $5.00 for every pound I lose. i had surgery on March 27, 2001 and plan to return to work on Aoril 23, 2001.

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

I checked into the hospital at 5:45am on Tuesday March 27, 2001 and by Thursday they were ready to send me home. It was at my request that they let me stay until Saturday morning. I was in a lot of pain and I knew no one would be home those two days so the doctors agreed to let me stay. My hospital stay was wonderful. the nurses, doctor and nursing assistants were all great. As far as what to bring, I brought my own slippers, clothes to wear home on discharge day, and a robe that buttoned up the front. I also brought some of my own toiletries, even though the hospital gives you some, they aren't as good as what I used at home.

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

I had absolutely no complications from the surgery at all. I am now 2 weeks post-op (April 11, 2001) and I still have not had any complications. I do find if I drink or eat too fast my tummy hurts but I have had no dumping or vomiting at all.

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 only 2 weeks post-op and really haven't had any problems at all. I have gotten a little down and depressed with not realy being able to eat "normal" food but then I have never been a patient person anyway. I just have to retrain my brain so that I don't slip or go back down the wrong path.

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

Well, I am only 2 weeks home from the hospital and I really can't say much of anything except get lots of rest, don't do any heavy lifting, and don't force yourself to eat or drink too fast. My suggestion is to buy a toddler sipper cup and baby spoon and fork to help you eat and drink slowly.

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

My doctor is only about 15 minutes from where I live so it wasn't a bad commute at all.

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.

Well only being 2 weeks post op, I am only on stage 4 now, which is soft and pureed foods. I have found that eggs bother me. I am basically living in cottage cheese, cheese and crackers, pudding and water. I havent ventured into too much else.

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

Well, about 2 days after surgery I really started to do things around the house. I was doing dishes and laundry and light cleaning. I didn't overdo it but kept myself a little busy until I got tired. Now, 2 weeks after the surgery, I find I can get a lot done in the morning but still need an afternoon nap.

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

I take a chewable flintstones everyday and i was taking calcium and then realized I bought the wrong one. Calcium carbonate is not absorbed by WLS patients so I have to find chewable calcium citrate.

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?

Being that I am only 2 weeks post op, I haven't had any problems with nausea, vomiting, dumping or hair loss. i am praying that I don;t have any problems at all.

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

The PAIN.....I had terrible pain in my incision for the first week and a half. I would say that learning to drink slowly and eat slowly and not drinking with your meal is a bit difficult too.

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

I go to monthly support group meetings that my doctor runs at the hospital. I also have met a lot of online friends who are going through this journey too and have been a wonderful source of support. I also turn to the web site for information and support.

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

I have a 6 inch scar from just under my breats to just above the top of my belly button. The scar has healed beautifully as scars go. I knew what to expect going in so the scar was not surprising at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

too soon to comment on this area.....

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

too soon too tell.....