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

I heard about it along time ago, dont really know how or when. But as for when I became interested was when my co-worker/friend mentioned to me that she had submitted a letter to Dr. Scott's office and they approved her and so did the insurance co. I have to admit I was jealous but she told me that I should inquire about it. I was excited to do it but very skeptical because she is 100# heavier than I am. But I did it and sure enough, not only am I 106# overweight but with the health issues, I was approved quickly. That was the easy part. Now convincing my husband to let go of his fears enough to support me on this has been more difficult.

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 problem getting insurance approval. I really did not think I would be approved but my friend/co worker was approved after the first letter, of course she was much heavier than I so I still did not think I would be approved but I figured I would just check and see. I called Dr. Scotts office, they asked me my height, weight and any ailments. I gave them my information and she said that just by that alone I was qualified to submit for insurance approval so they sent me a small packet of information to fill out and once filled out I sent it back to the Dr.'s office. 13 days later, they called me telling me tht I had been approved through insurance and was ready to set me up with a date...HOLY COW, I wasnt even ready, I just wanted to know if I could. So I had to get ready, after 3 reschedules. I finally was blessed with this life saving surgery. Thank You God.

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

Honestly, He didnt talk much. I spoke to his assistant Amy more than anything. I think I actually seen the doc for about 2-3 minutes. But he was fantastic when it was all said and done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

FAT, MISERABLE, DEPRESSED, EMBARRASSED, UNHEALTHY, CRYING ALL THE TIME. I just hated myself. I have a wonderful husband and family but I hated myself and was hurting all the time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

MUCH MUCH reading, plus Dr. Scott's office has a great reputation for the Open RNY. They do not try to persuade you in any direction but I talked to several people that had this surgery with him and were totally happy and full of praise. Enough 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 minimal fears of death, mostly it was just of post op pain that I feared the most. I would have to say that my fears were far worse than the actual pain. I made myself crazy worrying and was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. The hospital did everything possible to keep me comfortable. I would have to tell people, do your research on pain control. I am a firm believer in the Epidoural (sp?). It was the best thing for me. JUST DO IT.

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?

Well, all of my family was very supportive except my dad and older brother. They were just very ignorant to the surgery and the outcomes. My dad had a sister that died from complications to a similar surgery but hell, that was 20 years ago and so much has changed since then. Now they are all happy about my progress and happiness. Dad still isnt sure I should have done it but he is happy in what he sees.

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

Well, most of the coworkers were pretty supportive. I only had problems with my immediate supervisor. She is one who believes in "Just exercise and push away from the plate". You could probably guess that she has never been obese in her life right....... Well now she seems to be a little jealous that I am getting thinner and almost catching up to her since she is not thin.I was totaly honest with them about my decissions. I was out of work for 2 weeks. Then went back full time.

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

Hospital was great however it is a training hospital so there were just so many nurses that I just could not keep track of them. Every couple of hours there was someone new. But they were all great. I was in the ICU for the first day then in a regular private room (thank goodness) for 3 days. I felt most important to bring was, Brush, good toothpaste, good shampoo and conditioner, soap, lotion and slippers. They supply all that but its not the best. I also took my journal to keep track of my feelings while there.

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

I only have one complication, its a lump at the top of my stomach that is due to a lot of scar tissue mix together with the muscle and it cause A LOT of pain the first 2 months but now its slowly going down and less and less pain. Other than that its just learing how and what to eat and not drinking before, during or after meals. I still cant do that even now 4 months post op.

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 felt so excited and anxious. I was so silly crazy with anticipation. My husband was great though, he listened to me and my stories every day. But my best friend and companion through this whole thing helping me get through the waiting was this obesityhelp site. I dont think I would have survived without it. Thank You so very much.

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

The first 2 weeks was not so bad at all. I was able to move around pretty easily, I was up cooking for the family two days after coming home. I had to sleep on the couch for the first 2 weeks. I was still pretty numb from all the meds they filled me with. After that two weeks, I started feeling a few more pains and difficult trying to eat cause I was not hungry but It was not that hard really. I did really well according to my doc.

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

I was 4 hours away from my Dr. and hospital. It didnt affect my aftercare. I do all my blood work and weigh ins at my pcp here in my home town but go back to the surgeon every 3 months for the first year.

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 two weeks I was on a clear liquid diet, VERY tough to deal with. Then on week 3 & 4 I was on soft foods and was able to eat, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, tuna, thin shreds of chicken, different things of that nature. Then after that I was starting to try different solids and to this day the only thing that makes me sick is chocolate icecream. I can eat anything.......I mean ANYTHING. and that scares me. But nothing makes me throw up unless I just over eat or drink ontop of a full tummy.

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

I was active from almost the very beginning. My husband kept telling me that I better start slowing down but I couldnt. I had things that needed to be done. I was a littel slow but I was getting around doing daily chores and things after about the 3rd day home.

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

I have taken two multi vitamins and 4 fish oil pills every day since coming home. I have to admit, I have not been taking the protien drinks or liquid. But all my levels are good so I am ok so far.

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 have not had any side effects other than hair loss and its still coming out. I am 4 months post op so I still have a little while to go dealing with it but it has not been to bad so far. Hopefully it stays that way. I just cope by dealing with it, nothing I can do so I have to right??

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

Not being able to eat like you want to and the weight not coming off as fast as you would like.

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

There is a support group in Lubbock but its 4 hours away so I dont attend. I am told that it is such a great help, wish I could go but I just cant.

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

Its not that bad at all. About 5 to 5 1/2 inches long, thin, light pink and starting to fade already. I expected much worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a couple of plateau's since surgery. I am on one right now as we speek dammit. I had one about 2 months out and now another one. The first one lasted about a month and so far this one has lasted 4 days shy of a month. Please pray for me. I am going insane.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really, I have always been treated pretty well by most people but my friend that had it 3 months before me said that she really notices it a bunch.