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

I have a cousin who had the surgery about 5 years ago. He was originally 500 pounds. He was overweight all our lives. since we were kids. And I hadnt seen him immediately after his surgery until he had gotten down to around 190 pounds, and oh my God, he looked awesome, I wouldnt have recognized him if it wasnt for his voice. That was the day I started doing my own personal research on the surgery.

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

I was a military dependent at the time. And the family doctor and clinic I was assigned to was on a military base. So, I believe those 2 factors made my approval a little easier. Because it was ALL military; the insurance, the family care provider who initiated my referral, and the hospital where it was performed and the surgeon.. Were all on the military base. All of my required medical documentation for the previous 5 years was already in their possession, my struggle with weight was fully documented.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was great. She was full of lots of information. I had a lot of questions for her. I suggest any potential patients, to make a list or write down any concerns or questions they may have prior to meeting their surgeon. No matter how silly or dumb they think the question may be...ASK.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt like my lifestyle had changed so drastically. And I wanted my life back to the way it was. No matter which diet plan I tried, I just seemed to be getting bigger and bigger.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a procedure that was most permanent. And after all the research I did, Gastric Bypass was 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 did fear complications, as anyone in their right mind would. But, my biggest fear was "getting any bigger" and having health problems due to obesity. After speaking with my surgeon and any and everyone I could find that had the surgery, I realized that if I just followed my surgical team's every direction, I would have great success. I also prayed a lot, and put my fate in God's hands.

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 and friends thought I was CRAZY!! They all said, you're not that big... You dont need that. You look great all the time, you're beautiful...etc. But they were just looking at the outside. So I explained to them what had been going on in my body and in my mind over the previous 5 years. and they were all like "wow, we didnt know you were having ailments due to your weight, and you were depressed".. After that they were all very supportive. I wouldnt communicate anything differently if I could to them. They needed to know what I was planning, like it or not.

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

I did tell my supervisor, and she was very surprised. because like everyone else, she didnt see me as that big. But she just wished me luck, and said let her know if there is anything she could do to assist me. I was out of work originally for 4 weeks. and could have gone back. my body was physically ready. But emotionally, I wasnt ready to go back to work and face anyone. I needed more ME time. It was a lot going on in my head and in my body. I had to learn to make a lot of changes in my life. and needed more time to make those changes without the interference of work, So I took an additional 4 weeks off. for a grand total of 8 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was pleasant. the staff at Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, NC was great. I checked in on Wednesday morning November 2, 2005 at 6am. My surgery was at 8am (I think). And I checked out on Friday morning, November 4, 2005 at 10am. I think any patient should bring whatever "house" clothing makes them feel comfortable; i.e. robe, slippers. Also any reading material you like.

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

I had absolutely no complications from the surgery.

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

well, I didnt have weeks. I started this process in september 2005. with all the pre-testing, and stuff. By the end of October I had every test (physical and mental) done. From the Pap smear, Mammogram, Psychological tests, Blood tests, etc. were all complete. My hospital also required a certain number of Pre-Op support group meetings, which by the end of October I also had under my belt. By the end of October I was told I would probably have a date of Late december or early January. Then on November 1, 2005, I was getting a pedicure and my cell phone rang. It was the head nurse. She said "Simone, Dr. Olson has a clear spot for tomorrow morning for surgery. And she told me to find a candidate who had all their stuff in order. I was wondering if you would be ready to have your surgery tomorrow morning. If so, I need you here at the hospital tonite by 5pm. for labwork and Xrays, and then you can go home, dont eat after 8pm. and then come back in the AM for your surgery." Oh my God, I was so excited, I never did get my pedicure finished. I immediately went out for one last final good meal "italian". I felt very relieved that all this was soon to be over, and I was on really on my way to Slimness...

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

I have heard a lot of stories from people from pain, to stories of anxiety, wanting ot eat things they shouldnt. I didnt have any of those issues. I guess everyones threshold for pain is different. I was actuallly home alone for my first 2 weeks home from the hospital. And it wasnt bad at all. the worst part was trying to bath myself. But I was glad I was alone, because I didnt have anyone there eating anything that might have made me feel uncomfortable.

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

I had to travel about 10 miles. So distance was not a factor for me.

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.

After the first 6 weeks that was outlined in detail by my medical team, when I was able to play it by ear and trial and error. I didnt have a problem eating much of anything. I stuck to doctor's orders, regarding no alcohol, no caffeine, and no carbonated drinks. EVER!! I was told everything else would basically be my own body's tolerance level, and that every patient handled every food differently. So I started on the experimental phase. And while experimenting, I realized I couldnt eat chicken without throwing up. And I no longer liked steak. it just didnt taste the same. But for some odd reason "sugar" sat very well with me the first 10 months. But Ive heard lots of people say sugar makes them sick. but once I hit the 10th month, all of a sudden out the blue; sugar and carbs started causing me to get sick and have like a passing out type after effect. So I went to the doctor and they said I have Reactive Hypoglycemia. I was then sent to a nutritionist; who gave me a new way of eating, and dealing with the pass-outs (crashes) that I have. And how to counteract it. So, other than that. I can eat just about anything. So the only thing i really have an intolerance to now is sugar, and some carbs. but that I can deal with, by just eating a good amount of protein while having any sugars or carbs. Then I dont get that pass-out feeling.

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

OH, wow, my activity level got higher and higher every single week. I went to the mall 1 week after surgery, to just walk around and get out of the house. And I felt amazing. I felt healthier, and lighter. And honestly I dont know if I was healthier or lighter, or if it was all in my head. But I didnt fight the feeling.

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

Since my surgery I take every day, a multi vitamin, a B-complex pill, a calcium chew. And thats it. Except on days that I feel I havent gotten enough protein, I will drink a protein drink such as Protiva's Profect.

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 only side effect I had after surgery was a little nausea. It wasnt a big enough problem for me to be concerned with I just ate a cracker or two to settle my stomach. Then a few months after surgery, I started experiencing hair loss. I wasnt concerned with the hair loss, that was a minut problem to me, because if necessary i would cut it all off and wear a wig. Instead, I started giving my hair protein treatments. and let my hairdresser know, and she used all products that had large protein contents, and then I got me some weave...hahaha. I do believe my hair is still shedding, and probably will for a long time if not forever. But that is small compared to the overall picture. I will just wear weave or short hair... No problem.

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

The worst part of the whole process for me. was when I got sent home after surgery with that tube hanging out of my stomach with that bulb on the end that kept filling up with fluids... eeeeeeel.... that really grossed me out. but it was just 1 week. and I was so glad when they took it out. I just hated having to clean it out every day.

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

My hospital has a once a month Post-Op support group meeting. I believe it is very important and helpful. because you learn a lot from other patients. Even if it is just a great sugar-free recipe. Or places to eat that let you order a kids meal. the support group meetings are a great place to find out anything you need, and swapping of clothes, recipes, experiences, etc. Great networking venue. I have also made some lifelong friends through these meetings. which is a plus. We get together for meals. which is important. because its hard to eat out with regular folks that havent had the surgery, because it feels strange sometimes. so every once and a while, me and a couple others will get together at a nice restaurant and order 1 meal, and 1 appetizer for the 3 of us. and it is plenty to go around.... we love it.

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

I have 5 small scars. 4 of them kind of look like short railroad tracks or tictactoe boards. and the 5th one is just like a pencil hole where that drain was at. So, yes it is what I expected after the Laparascopic surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

3 months after surgery, I had reached 180 pounds, (dropped 56) and was stuck there for almost 2 months. I thought something was wrong. Then finally the weight started dropping again. and within 3 more months I was down to 160 and then a month later 150. and then by the 9th month I was 140. so I only had 1 plateau about 3 months after surgery, and smooth sailing since.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes, everyone treats me differently, especially men. They are coming out of the woodworks. Its a good feeling. emotionally. Even though some dont even know I used to be big.