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

By reading Carnie Wilson's first book. I was skeptical and felt that this was too extreme and could never be the solution for me. The next diet, I was sure, would solve my problems and would keep me from having to have anything like that done to my body. Only the next diet never worked, no matter how hard I tried.

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

I had to switch insurance to get approval, from HAP to Blue Cross. It meant a delay in my surgery, but my personal physician was very helpful in getting some of the surgical pre-testing done even while I was still under HAP. Once the insurance documentation was submitted to Blue Cross, I was approved in one week.

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

It was difficult, because the office was crowded and everything was behind schedule. It was a very long day. I ended up having to leave to pick up my son from school after being there for nearly seven hours, still not having talked to the surgeon. I returned the following week to finish up my "first visit" and liked the surgeon very much.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health concerns. My diabetes was affecting my energy, my moods, my appetite, and in general just made me feel awful. I also did not like having to go on a CPAP. It was the neurologist who prescribed the CPAP who first suggested bariatric surgery. Although I'd read Carnie Wilson's book, I could not believe that this was for me, and felt my personal doctor would also be opposed. The neurologist encouraged me to look into it, and said that he knew my personal physician, and that he'd be strong advocate. And he was right. It was the encouragement of these health professionals that finally helped me decide that this was a step towards health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After doing my own research and reading, I met with two different surgeons: One specializing in the Roux-en-Y and the other in the Lap Band procedure. In the end, my personal physician and I together decided that the Roux-en-Y would be the more effective solution for my particular health concerns, even though it's the more radical operation.

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 afraid, both of dying and of complications. But a little bit before surgery, I sinply decided that I was not going to die from this procedure, period. It also occurred to me that I was not so much afraid of dying as I was of change. In other words, I decided that I would live through this, and I would therefore have to learn to cope afterwards. I then decided to take everything one day at a time, which has been helpful. I would say to anyone with these fears this: You are right to be afraid. This is not a procedure to enter into lightly. It is NOT the best solution for all obese people. But if after careful research and mature consideration, you decide this is the option for you, take resposibility for your decision. Work closely with your doctor and be absolutely honest with every health concern you have, as you go through the screening and pre-testing process. Then follow all instructions you are given TO THE LETTER. By taking charge of your health in this way, you will help increase your odds.

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 was initially opposed to this surgery, until our doctor explained to him in detail why it was necessary in my case. Then he became much more supportive, and since my surgery has been absolutely wonderful. My mother-in-law was afraid but refrained from commenting, which was something I appreciated. Other relatives were sympathetic and supportive. My friends were (and are) wonderfully supportive about this, which has helped so much.

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

I am a housewife and a writer, and work out of my home. My housework is far behind of course but my husband has really taken up the slack due to my 5-lbs lifting restriction for three months after surgery. I am grateful that I do not currently work outside of the home---I cannot imagine having to go through pressures at work in addition to this, and I respect people who are able to cope under those circumstances.

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

I was in the hospital for three days. I got very little rest despite having a private room because of noise. However, the staff was very compassionate and fellow patients very encouraging. It was very, very helpful to be place on a floor with other bariatric surgery patients. I found that most of the things I thought I'd need were unneccesary---I found I was unable to read, for example. I think bringing earplugs is probably a good idea and I wish I had.

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

While still in the hospital, I ran a slight fever due to a bit of fuid in the lungs. I did my coughing and walked and walked and after a day, and got much better. I was also dehydrated the first few days, but was fine by the time I was released. I also had a slight skin reaction to the staples used to close the incision, which was painful and was something I did not expect. Otherwise, complications have been few to none so far (almost three weeks out).

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 anxious and not at all excited. But I kept busy, followed instructions, and by the time of surgery felt physically and emotionally ready. Visiting this board and learning about other people's experiences was extremely helpful, also the encouraging e-mails from so many people.

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

I've been in discomfort during the past 2 and 1/2 weeks simce coming home from the hospital. I've had to take everything very slow. Even though my recovery has been quite good, without any major complications, it is still not an easy experience. You have to take it a day at a time. One of the best things I've found is this: If you begin to feel anxious or depressed or overwhelmed (and you will), get up and WALK. Get moving. Even if it's only for ten minutes, you will be happily surprised at how much better you will feel. And it feels good to take charge of the situation like that too---gives you a feeling of power over your situation, knowing that a little bit of exercise will help, and that you have the power to do that.

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

The hospital is a 45-minute drive away, so there was no impact at all.

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.

Many foods are off limits, and I do not test those limits. I have had no nausea or vomiting whatsoever and am working hard to try to keep it that way by following all instructions to the letter. Right now I am on a protein supplement, plus about 2-4 oz of protein a day (I'm up to about 70-75 grams of protein a day now.) My tolerance is slowly increasing.

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

Very slow, and I have needed the pain medication I was given. But I take less each day, and my activity has definitely increased. Even when I was tired, I would get up and move every couple of hours, and the activity does help. And it makes me feels good to help out a little around the house. Each day is a little better.

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

Optisource, 4 of them a day.

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?

All I've had is gas, and I've taken Tums and Gas-X for it which has helped. Re sleeping, I haven't slept this good in years, no kidding, even with the post-surgical discomfort.

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

The first few days post-surgery. The first day I was out of it, but afterwards, felt pretty miserable. I told myself it'd get better each day and it has. Also, dealing with the fear factor has been quite a challenge....fears of complications mostly, of infection, of vomiting, and so forth, none of which I've experienced at all.

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

I attend a support group through my hospital (Hurley in Flint MI) and it is very important and very helpful.

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

The scar is pretty major. Yes, it is what I expected. I am not thrilled about it, but I could my blessings that things have gone so smoothly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet---but I already feel beter about myself which is interesting. I did not expect that.