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

I found out years ago watching the discovery channel. I thought it was too expensive, too dangerous, and too unpredictable. Later when the newer versions emerged I thought it was the easy way out. Once I began to do true research I was intrigued.

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

Get a case manager immediately. The case manager has your best interest at heart. Also with the case manager you get a list of "to do's" and this will keep you from spinning your wheels. Further, the documentation of what you are doing to help yourself lose weight (whether it is working or not) will help you prove your need for the surgery.

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

I was disappointed I had a list of questions all prepared but the Surgeon acted like i was infringing on his busy schedule. I believe that if you go to the new pre-op orientation you will get most of your questions answered. Then when you meet with the Surgeon you will be more direct/specific with your questions for him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My family one by when was developing Diabetes and poor vision resulting from the desease. I felt that it was only a matter of time before I joined them. Also all the vsrious entertainers and close friends of mine who were battling poor health truly concerened me. I was not ready to lay down and die and I felt as if I were in this slow agonizing torture chamber and I was dying one small piece at a time. Existing was not the same as living to me!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I joined my support group 18 months prior to entering the Bariatric program.

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?

Only the Anesthesia concerned me. I do not do well being put under. I have been known to wake up during 5 previous surgeries. The Anesthesiologist then over compensates and I have had a hard time waking up once put back under.

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?

I did not tell anyone. My support system was severly lacking when it came to my family and positive re-enforcement. That was the best decision that I ever made. No undue anxiety, no fuss, no fights, no un-solicited opinions, no projections of their fears. It was wonderful! If left to do it again I would not change a thing.

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

I told them the truth. I was supported and encouraged by HR and my Supervisor. I was out 8 weeks because I had 3 surgies within 15 days. WLS, Hernia repair and a UFE (uterin Fibroid embolization).

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

I was there 4 days. I had a private room and very attentive nurses. I stayed at Summit Hospital. Summit has a Center of Excellence Certification for WLS. Bring a positive attitude, music, books, re-newed spirit and a good sense of humor!

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

I had complicatios from the Hernia repair and not the WLS. The swollen hernia was pressing against my new pouch and I could not eat harly anything. I was mentally Hungry and therefore very andgry because I could not eat. Angry because I was not told that the Hernia would or could cause such a complication and that the problem could exist for over 1 yr. Grateful for the amount of wt I lost as a result. If I had it to do over again, I would not change a thing except my attitude!

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 a great relief, fear, anxiousness, anxiety and joy. Fear becuse I had hit a plateau and I was concerened that I would start back in my old habit of giaing weight due to boredom. I was councerened that my boredom may cause the surgery to be postponed due to a re-gain. I was nervous because I did not want any negative emotions to spoil what I had been waiting a lifetime to achieve (Normality).

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

I could not eat anything on my ok list given to me by the Surgery Ctr. I had to go to plan "b" which was self-taught. Organic baby food. Yum Yum:) Don't laugh it saved me and I kept my lab work in order. People may expect to have an extended stay on one or more of the food stages. As a result be propared to adjust you routine and attitude. Lack of energy may play a large part during this adjustment period.

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

6miles. No affect on aftercare. However, beware of PA's who do not ask question about medications prior to WLS. When I was released from the hospital I was told to reduce my Lasik (the medication was given to me to relieve my very swollen ankles only) not for BP or any other reason. The dehydration which naturally occiured during this period coupled with that which insue due to the mediacal cause an Electrolyte Embalance and heart palps occurred!

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.

I could not eat anything that was not considered a soft solid or stage 2 food. In fact I remained in stage 1 1/2 for about 6 months due to my hernia repair pressing against my pouch. ALL FIRED, FATTY, HEAVY CREAMED OR DAIRY PRODUCTS, POTATOES, RICE, STARCHY OR HIGH CARB. FOODS, HIGH SUGAR OR CORN STARCH FOODS. ANYTHING OVER 14G OR SUGAR, CAFFEINE. Every two to three wks my taste buds changed as did my ability to tolerate certain foods.

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

mild walking only. I would drive to a nearby mall and walk the mall as it was winter time and I was very cold. I would try the treadmill but it was too much as I could not get enough food on board to support the expended engery.

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

Flintstones chewable w/o iron, b-complex sub-lingual, b-12 shot, calcium, iron infused, potassium.magnesium

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?

dumping currently. I logged what i eat and tried to avoid either the food or the action causing the dumping.

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

The approval process

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

I have my Bariatric support group East Bay Bariatric Support group. It meets every 3 rd Saturday at San Leandro Hospital. It is very important. If, I miss a Saturday I fell the loss deeply. I am cusrrently considering some Therapy this is my I year anniversary and I have some concerns and issues I would like to address.

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

I have five dime size scars set in a diamond patern which can barely be seen at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently in a 3 month plateau/holding pattern. I am trying different exercises, different food, diffrent activites to get past it. I will left you know how I fair. I know that when I find the right combination I will be on my way. I am still losing

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and not always for the better. Men are more bold in their approach both verbally and physically. Larger women now give me attitude as if I defected to the other side. Female co-workers stop looking me in the eye or speaking directly to me. I see a lot of eye rolling and attitudes. I work in the Retail industry where a smile can either make or break a sale. Couples are a challenge as the wives are jealous and the husbands are too attentive.