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

I've researched the bariatric surgery online and at first didn't think I could consider it for myself.It seemed so scary. I have tried many diets and the last one was the Optifast diet where I spent over $6,000.00 on. I lost 40lbs and gained over 60lbs after that. I have so much pain from arthritis that I see no alternative to relief than to get the weight off for good.

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

I have Regence Blue Cross insurance. The requirement was a BMI of 40 and over and 5 years chart notes from my doctor showing a weight problem. My doctor also had to write a letter stating the need due to co morbidities. (arthritis mainly for me) I am still waiting for the approval. It takes 7 days to 6 weeks for the approval process. The insurance company told me to call back this Friday to see if it is approved yet. So that is what I am going to do tomorrow. If approved, the insurance company will pay 95% hospital costs and 65% doctor costs as he is out of network. I was denied due to the fact that I didn't send in chart notes with 100 lbs overweight showing. (I was in a hurry to get information to them.) So I resent chartnotes with that information and am in an appeals process right now waiting for the results.

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

First and foremost, come with a list of questions. Research as much as possible beforehand. My surgeon was very informative but after leaving his office I realized some questions that I didn't write down, such as since I have a small hernia from a previous gall bladder operation...can I wait till after the surgery to have it repaired when I get my tummy tuck so my insurance will pay for it. He had suggested that he would fix it during the WLS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

DESPERATIONS......PAIN.........DEPRESSION...LOW SELF ESTEEM....

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the Lap Surgery RNY because I didn't want any more hernia's. My mom had a large hernia from another type of surgery and they tried to repair it three times and it is still there. It looks gross and it affects her self esteem. I hope that my surgeon can do it lapryscopically. My gallbladder operation was lapyscopic and I only had a very small hernia in my belly button. My doctor said I am a candidate for lapryscopic RNY but he could not gaurantee it because things happen during surgery that can alter that decision such as an intolerance to the gas they fill you up with.

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 guess after having all the problems with my weight where my quality of life is crap. I figure, it can only get better. If I die, then that is too bad. I really don't wish to live like this anymore. I can only see myself deteriorating to the point where I will wish I was dead. So I pray that all will be good.

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 felt that they could support my wishes. I did get a feeling from some that I was taking the easy way out. But they just can't relate. I understand this and know that I am the best judge of what I have to do for myself.

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

My boss is completely supportive, but thought I could lose the weight without surgery. Whereas, I told him that has been tried before and I know that this is the only way for me.

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 nurses were good to me and very attentive. They also got me up to walk often. I was surprised at how weak I was after the surgery. I slept alot. My stay was 4 days and the walking improved my strengh day by day. Bring slippers and robe.

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

I was told that my previous gallbladder surgery caused my stomach to get stuck to my pancreas with scar tissue. So after they were inside me lapryscopically, they had to pull out and go "open". I guess the staple gun shot off once and they had to repair the damage. So I ended up with a g-tube.

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

The weeks following my surgery, I found I could only sleep in the recliner in my front room. It was hard to get in and out of as my stomach muscles were week and sore. I spent at least 6 weeks in that recliner until I bought an adjustable bed. I have arthritis in my lower back that is excrusiatingly painful. So now I sleep in a semi upright position to alleviate my back pain. The first 6 weeks were the worst because I had that g-tube in. It always kept pulling and scabbing around it caused pain especially when I got up. After the tube was out, I felt 100% better. I started going to "Curves" and now my energy level has skyrocketed.

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

My first few weeks home were the toughest as I couldn't do much without being exhausted. I quit all pain medications right away so I could get my head clear by the time I needed to go back to work. I wasn't in much pain anyways. It was the tiredness that got me. I could only sleep, sleep, sleep. It was hard to drink the proteing drinks. I would have a two ounce glass that I would sip very small sips from. I don't think I drank as much as they recommended at first. I was terribly thirsty, but couldn't drink the water as it would fill me with air. Eventually, I realized if I drank from a straw and had ice water with lemon in it, that I could get it down better.

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

I had to travel 30 miles to the Wish Center in Renton. My husband took time off work to drive me. The appointment times are in the afternoon when the traffic is at it's worst. So I planned on going to the minimun appointments neccessary. 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months a year. The rest of my care would be with my PCP. I didn't go to any support group meetings as they were at night and too far for me to drive by myself. I found a support group closer to home.

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 week I could drink maybe 6 oz of protein supplement a day and no water. Then the second week I was able to drink 8 oz and then also would eat sugar free fudge cycles. I could drink about 4 oz. water a day also, but ever so gingerly! Slowly I have worked up to 40 oz of non fat milk a day and 24 oz. water. Solid foods are a little rough. I have troubles remembering to chew, chew, chew. Chicken in particular is easier if I eat a little salad, fruit with it. It just clumps up in my esophagus if I don't alternate bites. I can usually eat about 1 or 2 ounces of chicken in one meal. Total I can only get in about 1/4 - 1/2 cup food in at a given meal. I can't eat bread,potatoes,or noodles; but enjoy a couple of wheat thins occasionally. The texture/ temperature of the food/liquid is the key. It is all a learning experience and being involved with a support group online helps me to understand and be patient.

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

I went back to work two weeks after surgery. Before that, I just sat in the recliner all day. It was a little tough focusing at work, as my head must have had some anesthesia still fogging it up. Eventually after my g-tube was out at 6 weeks, I became more mobile and began "Curves" Now I am more active than before surgery. I got a burst of "life" back and am so excited about living!

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

Barriatric Advantage - B-12, Calcium, Iron. Flintstones with Iron - Multiples I went to my PCP and got a baseline blood test to see where I needed to supplement. My iron was a bit low. The rest was good.

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 had to force vomit about 5 times after eating too fast and not chewing enough. It was the only relief from the over filled pressure in my esophagaus. I also learned not to drink water when I am full as this makes things worse. I dumped twice. I learned my lesson and will not eat over 10 grams of sugar in a meal, or anything greasy. This is a "good" deterant.

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

Well I didn't enjoy injecting myself to keep from getting blood clots for two weeks. I didn't enjoy the g-tube. (but not all patients get one), The worst thing was the lack of energy afterwords and the extreme thirst. (I just wanted to guzzle water and couldn't!) Sitting around the house for 2 weeks was BORING!

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

I go to Disappearing Acts support group on The third Thursday of the month and meet with other WLS people. We share experiences and advise. I also go online and talk with Obesityhelp.com people. It is very educational to read all the messages. Most of my questions have been answered for me here.

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

My scar is raised and red. It is a little sore in the most raised spots. It is about 1/8 inch wide at the widest part. I guess you could say it is a little ropey.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had three plateaus and I know it is because I was eating too many crackers or nuts. They are very fatning. So when I plateau, I just cut back and the weight starts rolling off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They seem to be more respectful towards me. My daughter has stopped calling me "lazy". Well, I can do more now. Strangers are more polite too. They smile and greet me, when before I was invisible to them.