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

I attended a seminar about 5 years ago and researched on the internet. I was really scared about it and later had to back out due to having to have a spleenectomy. THis year with the help of my daughter and the support of my husband I researched Lap Band Surgery and attended a Seminar with my husband at my side for support, where I found out I could again have the Gastric Bypass. I felt more at ease after this seminar with Dr. Moran, he and his staff explained everything. My husband was suprised when I signed up for an appointment that night and said I needed to think about it. I said there is nothing more to think about, I am taking charge of my life and health. I have to do this or I am going to die.

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

My doctor had all of my pre-op testing done before submitting to insurance. THis included, Psyciatric, nutritionist, Cardiologist, Pulminologist, Gastroenterologist. When they submitted to insurance, I got my approval in 2 weeks.

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

When I was at the seminar, Dr. Moran said that he would see me at the first visit and every visit thereafter, unlike other places where you see the surgeon only after approval. I liked that, he would get to know me before surgery. When I went for my appointment with my husband in tow, His wonderful nurse got my profile, answered questions, had us watch a film on WLS. THen Dr. Moran came in and examined me, talked to me about the different surgeries and talked to my husband about what to expect. That meant more to me than even he will know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew after talking with Dr. Moran, that this is the only way that I was going to be able to sucessfully have the chance to loose the weight. I have tried every diet imaginable and would only gain more weight. I was ready to get my health back and my life back. I was not ready to die. I was already on 3 blood pressure medications and 3 diabetic medications and cholesterol lowering meds. I was tired of this life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After watching the films and talking with Dr. Moran and my husband I just knew this was the best surgery for me(Laproscopic Gastric Bypass).

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'm a nurse, so of course I had fears of dying. I also knew that if I did not do something about my weight, I could die of a stroke or a heart attack. Dr. Moran put me at such ease. I was not having a lot of medical problems yet, from my Blood pressure and diabetes, but I am almost 50 now and know what was down the line, maybe dialysis, stroke, heart attack. I love my grandchildren and want to be around to see them grow up and get married.

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?

Only my husband and children knew I was going to try and do this at first and was fully supported by them. I did not tell my mother or sisters until two days before the procedure. I did this because I wanted to make sure I got approved by insurance first and secondly I did not want them to discourage me because of fear of me dying. THey love me very much. After I told them they were very supportive and call me everyday to see if I am okay, and tell me how proud they are of me.

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

I did not tell them what surgery I was having, just that I was having surgery. My surgeon wrote on my LOA papers that I was having abdominal surgery.

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

The staff was wonderful. THe hospital is a small hospital and is old. I was there 2 days after surgery. I brought my gown, robe, slippers, and outfit to wear at home, toothbursh and tooth paste. Trust me there is no need to bring a gown and robe, you will only be wearing theirs due to I.V.'s

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

None at all. Just pain from trapped gas. Other than that, I did not even know I had surgery, except for the drain tube in my left side.

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 fine until two days before the surgery. It was hard to sleep at night due to the anxiety, and even had some chest pain from the worry. It's funny thought, the day of surgery I had such peace, no worry or anxiety. My husband and daughter were with me. I had prayed at church and the whole week for God to give me peace and strength. He did.

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

I've only been home 4 days. Everything is fine. I cannot tolerat broth or Crystal light for some reason. It was not a problem at first. I am doing fine on sugar free popsicles, water and caffeine free tea. I can drink the broth from homemade soup though this is good. I never knew how hard it would be to drink 64 oz. a day.

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

About 40 miles. No problem.

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.

As above. Popsicles are my lifesaver. Water and Sugar free tea. I will update as I progress. When I got on regular foods around the 2nd month and now in to my 4 month, I cannot tolerate eggs or chicken, I love these foods but I get nauseated just thinking about them. I tried them about every two weeks and finally this week, July 5, I was able to eat cheese and scrambled eggs and BBQ chicken on the grill.

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

They got me up the morning after surgery, I was walking the hallways three times a day with the help of my wonderful husband, who never left my side the whole time I was there. Since I have been home, the next day I went to the movies with my husband. Everyday, we go to the grocery store or to Walmart or Lowes, and I walk around about 30 minutes or so.

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

After my one month check up my Dr. started me on two flintstone vitamins a day and 2 tums. I take a Vit.B12 shot every month

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 haven't had any so far. Hope I want. Just got nauseated on thinking about eating broth.Yuk.

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

Nothing bad at all except trapped Gas.

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

Have had none yet. Just this website

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

Just small scars where the instruments were inserted. Some swelling a bruising, less than what I expected. Now at 4 months out my scars are not even noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at a month out for about 2 weeks. Since then I loose an average of 3 lbs a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone knows I've had the surgery now. Everyone now tells me how good I look and are very complimentary. People that count have always been nice to me.