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

I went to a pain management specialist because of chronic knee pain. He suggested the gastric bypass. I thought he was crazy until I started researching it and then went to an orientation meeting at Morristown Memorial Hospital. It was very informative; obviously a sales pitch for the surgery (not in a bad way)and I went home with lots to think about.

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

I brought a completed package to my first visit with my surgeon. I had already had my psych evaluation and nutritional evaluation. When the papers were submitted to my insurance (CIGNA PPO, self funded by hubby's company) it was approved w/in a week. My advice is to make sure your doctor's office submits the paperwork. We thought mine was sent in far before it was, and that caused unneeded anxiety waiting for an answer that could not come til the papers were forwarded:)

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

My husband accompanied me to my first surgeon's visit and together we just asked all the questions we could possibly think of that were not answered by Dr. Abkin. Dr. Abkin was extremely friendly, very professional and very direct in his answers. Just what we needed to feel confident.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My confidence in the surgeon and my confidence in God's blessing on my decision made me decide to go ahead with the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The procedure was recommended at Morristown Memorial and I was satisfied with the information I received about it.

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 must say that I had complete trust in God. He helped us make the decision and kept me at peace during the entire procedure. Also, the thought of death did not disturb me as I believe that I would have been in a better place with my Lord, Jesus.

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 family was extremely supportive. The have respect for my opinions and those of my husband. Except for a short time that my mother got concerned, all of my experiences with family were positive.

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

I arrived at Morristown Memorial Hospital at 10AM on Monday, August 26, 2002. My surgery took place at about 2PM and it was completed by about 3:15 PM including the repair of a hernia. The staff in the pre-op area were wonderful. Hubby came and prayed with me prior to surgery and I was at total peace. Woke up at about 5PM to see my family (hubby, mom, daughter) and it was uphill from there on. Very little pain. The nursing staff was readily available for all my needs. On Tuesday morning, I was made to sip some liquid and after that caused no discomfort, I was given a "meal" (my first since Saturday night); The rest of my stay was uneventful. I walked and slept and ate my liquid meals. I left the hospital on Wednesday morning and was home by 12:30PM.

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

NO

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 was calm throughout that period. The only time I experienced some anxiety was when I was waiting for insurance approval. But that was minor inconvenience.

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

I would say that I was tired in the afternoons for about a month. Other than that, I was not hungry, I was able to rest and I think my recovery was (as the medical term goes) unremarkable:)

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

Morristown Memorial is 70 miles from my home. I don't think this had any affect on my aftercare.

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.

I can't recall all of the details of my early diet, but I will say that the education at Morristown Memorial rivals many of my friends' education. I was given a rigid diet, going from liquids, to soft foods to primarily a protein/veggie diet. Sugars, crunchy snacks and all the other obvious 'bad' foods were off-limit to me. Even now, 16 months later, most of those foods are out of my life, except for an occasional 'bite'.

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

I rested for the first couple of weeks, but walked every day. After my staples were removed, I started using a recumbent bike for exercise, since I HAD horribly bad knees.

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

I've used various types. I started with powdered capsules and opened them into yogurt; I thought I'd get maximum absorption from that and my bloodwork proved me right. Now I use a liquid by choice but can easily take a tablet or capsules. I do take b12 once a week, if I feel a bit sluggish, but I am careful as my b12 was high in one of my testings.

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 occasionally vomit. I do not get nauseous, just get a tight, uncomfortable feeling in my esophagus area. I then must eliminate the food. It happens rarely now, but is not linked to any particular food. My husband says he thinks it could be related to stress, which I seldom experience. I did experience hair loss in the 4th month; it was disturbing, but I just decided that if needed, I'd get a wig til it was over:). Never, never DUMPED. I never ate anything I was not supposed to eat, thus I was saved from this very uncomfortable fate. Now I am able to eat moderate amounts of sugar without incident.

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

Nothing

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

I attended a few support meetings at Morristown Memorial and found them very helpful. Since I was 70 miles away and have had enormous family support, I stopped going after a few months and have not suffered from lack of support.

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

My scars are very small; the largest incision is about 1.5" while most are .5" and one is .75". Nothing I did not expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at 220lbs., and again at 200 lbs. I started at 272. I am now maintaining at 152 by choice and will continue to lose my last few pounds during the first couple of months of 2004.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I see no difference in how I am treated. I was never self conscious about my weight and never allowed it to define me. I did have one bad experience with a family member who just could not deal with my success, but she was the minority in my life and after the initial hurt, I've learned to deal with it. My marriage has not changed either, because my weight was never a factor in my relationship with my husband.