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

About 10 years ago, I had a brochure sent to me about the surgery, but was a wild dream. And I was sure my Ins. would not pay for something that drastic. But I dreamed about it for a few months, then quit thinking about it all together. Then last year(l998) I was surfing on the internet and run into a web site and started looking into it, because I thought it would be my last hope. I researched it for about 1 year, before I even told my husband what I was thinking about doing.

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

I had no trouble with my Insurance. My husband works for the Railroad, and we have very good insurance. I called them even before I found a surgeon, and they said they would pay for it, when the surgeon sent a letter of my co-morbidities. I know alot of people have alot of trouble with Ins., so I felt very fortunate that this was not a problem for me.

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

I made sure I was very knowledgeable about the surgery, and it seemed to help. I think he accepted my case, because I knew what I was getting into. He was very easy to talk to, and he had caution and concern for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am an older person (52) and wanted to have a good quality of life for the rest of the time I have left. Most of all, I am an older mother and still have a 16 and 13 year old boys at home and wanted to enjoy their sports with them and be able to do things with my husband, again, in every aspect of my life, and marriage.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was on a couple of support groups on the internet and they answered alot of questions, and I could see the problems with the surgeries that are available. I had leaned toward the VBG, because it was less invasive, and I wouldn't have to take alot of extra pills with this surgery. And then when I had my consult, that is the only surgery my surgeon did. So It worked out fine 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 was raised to believe in prayer. Before I even started my research for this surgery, I ask God to please let me know if this was His will for me. It went pretty smooth for me. And things happened without incidence. I also became very knowledgeable about the surgery, and I think this is very important. I had kind of a hard recovery, but I think it was because of my age. I didn't bounce back as soon as I thought I should. And my surgeon reminded me that it was a major surgery. I never once thought about dying.

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?

My husband and children were very concerned about me going thru' surgery, but were very supportive of my decision. My parents and other family were equally as supportive. I always want to talk about it, and will if I get ask the question or see a place where I can fit it in. I want everyone to know about this surgery, especially those that could benefit from it. When I go see my parents or siblings, I have to weight in, as they want to know how much I have lost to date, and how do I feel. They always compliment me, and I love that. My PCP did not want me to have the surgery. But since he has seen how wonderful it has been for me, he is all for it, where I am concerned.

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

THIS IS AN UPDATE AS OF 8/20/2000. I STARTED A JOB ON 8-9-99. AND MOST OF MY CO WORKERS KNOW ABOUT THE SURGERY THAT I HAD. THEY ARE ALL AMAZED THAT I AM STILL LOSING WT.(SLOWLY)AND HOW MUCH I CANNOT EAT. THEY ALWAYS FORGET THAT EATING IS NO LONGER A BIG THING FOR ME. AMERICA ALWAYS HAS TO CELEBRATE AND FELLOWSHIP WITH FOOD. I WILL BE OFF FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS(10/16/00) WHEN I HAVE RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY, BUT IF I NEED MORE TIME, THEY ARE ALL FOR IT.

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

My surgeon keeps his patients alittle longer than most. I was in for 8 days. After I was in my room, I could have ice chips and used the sponge tongues for moisture. I had my surgery at 6:00am on a Wed. By Mon. we did the barium swallow to check for leaks, and then I was able to have jello, soup, pureed foods, and all the water I could handle. I took the cheap house dresses that snapped down the front. Slippers that were easy to put on without bending over. I just wore the slippers, cause the hosp. had the gowns that were exta big and gave me a robe that was extra big. I had baby powder, lotion and my tooth brush, paste, and brush. Don't take alot of stuff, you won't need it.

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

At my first consultation, I got my surgery date. It was about 3 weeks from that time. I was elated, and couldn't wait to start my new life. I didn't have very many negative feelings, as I had already put it into the Lords hands. I just kept telling myself that life was as bad as it could get and that this would make it better. I had already decided to make this work. Especially after all the internet infor. I had read on the special support groups.

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

I thought it took me along time to bounce back, but everyone reminded me I had just had a major surgery. I didn't go anywhere for almost 6 weeks, as I couldn't wear a bra. And being so big, and a woman, you don't go out in public without a bra!! LOL!! My scar is from just under the breast bone to the top of my belly button, which is over a foot long. I had 48 staples. One bad thing for me, is I didn't walk like I should have right after surgery. My children and husband waited on me hand and foot. It is very important to walk, walk, walk.

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

I traveled only 45 mins. from where I live. Coming home it seemed more like hours and hours. When you are ready to go home from the hosp. be sure your family brings you a pillow that you can hold agains your stomach to help with the corners and bumps in the road. I still see my surgeon every month and will up until 1 year post op.

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.

My surgeon said I could have anything I wanted, just so it was pureed. The first morning I was home I had about 1/4 mashed banana, and 1/2 soft egg. The second morning I had the same and for some reason it wouldn't go down. So that was the first time I had to vomit to get rid of it. It wasn't convulsive, like before surgery, and it only tasted like it did going down. But I sure felt better after it was gone. I only use the vomiting as a tool, like the surgery. I don't vomit much anymore, but still will eat to fast or not get something chewed up good enough, then will have to get rid of it. I don't eat bread, rice, pasta, some meat. I haven't had beef yet, because of the little ribbons in it. Chicken and pork are the easiest for me to eat when I eat meat. And sometime I can't eat them. But that only tells me that my surgery is still working. When I get ready to eat, now, I want it to be good for me, and I want it to taste good, as I can only eat about 4-5 bits, unless it is liquidy or very soft.

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

I didn't seem to get any energy until about the 3rd month. I slept alot, and went thru a depression, which is normal. We have so much to deal with, mentally, physically, and we are losing our best friend, food. It comforted me well, so it was hard to lose that friend. But I will and am healthier for it. I am very active now, and almost hyper, low on patients, I want to do things now, and sometimes have to wait on my friends and family, LOL!

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

I take 2 childrens chewables, 2 tums for calcium, and now that I am going thru menopause, I swallow a prempro tablet. Other than that, a pain reliever once in awhile if I need it. I still do chewable as much as I can, so that I can eat breakfast right away if I need to. When I have to swallow whole tablets, it will hurt for about 10 mins. and I don't like that pressure. So I'm fine with the chewables.

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 never did have nausia. The vomiting comes if I am not aware of what I am eating or chew well, or eat to fast. I'm 7 mos. post op, at this time, and I am doing very well. Once in a while I will get to full and will spit up saliva that has gone down on top of the food before it dumps from the pouch. When I first come home from the hosp. it was hard to sleep, because I was not a back sleeper, but would get so tired that I would fall asleep in the recliner, and would wake up with a sore back because I didn't move all night. I only slept for 2-3 hours at a time, because I didn't do enough to get me tired. This lasted only up until I was able to sleep in our waterbed, then I had to use a pillow to put under my stomach to sleep on my side. It's very uncomfortable for awhile, but well worth it. My hair loss has been minimal. I have consumed high protein grams since surgery. Don't know if this is why. I had very thick hair to start with and would lose some at the 3 month mark after my babies were born. And thats just about how it has been after surgery. I just keep it very short so I or anyone else notices it. I had no dumping with the VBG.

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

The recovery!!!

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

I think if you can get into a face to face support group it would be very beneficial. I have had the support of my family and friends. And the internet onelist, and this website. When I need to talk, I have friends that are sympathic toward me and help me to get thru' certain crisis.

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

Its about 1 foot long and my surgeon told me what it would be like. My badge of honor. LOL!! I'm now at 12 mos. post op and my scar is turning white, or skin color. It itches at times. I plan to get rid of it with the reconstructin surgery I will have in the near future.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I finally hit one about 3 wks. ago. I went for 2 weeks and didn't lose an oz. I upped my water to l cup/ hour and lost 4#s the nest week. I know there will be more, but I think I can handle them. I have alot of info. from the support list on the internet. At 12 mos. I am only losing about 3-5#s a month now or less. But knew this would happen. To this point I have lost 106#s and If I never lose another # I will be happy. I just feel wonderful. I would like to lose another 60#s.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but it is because I feel different, and respond to them differently.