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

I started researching it many years ago and at that time couldn't find a surgeon in the Chicago area. I almost made arrangements to go to Ohio and have it done. I was afraid of being in a lot of pain and being far from home. Plus, I was toldd the recovery time would be 6-8 weeks. My son was 11 years old at the time and with a husband who works many evenings, I knew I was still needed for school meetings, homework, etc.

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

My experience was positive. My primary care physician was supportive and worked with my surgeon and the HMO to get it approved in a timely manner. It took about a week. My advice: call your insurance provider and find out exactly what is needed to move the process along without any "snags"

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

My first visit was very positive. I wrote down several questions on a piece of paper so I wouldn't forget to ask. Remember: no question is silly......this is your body and you have a right to know exactly what to expect. If possible, bring a spouse, sig. other, or family member with you for support. It is extremely important to know everything about this surgery: what will happen when you go home, how you will feel, the way in which you will re-learn your eating habits.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that diet and exercise does not work for everyone. Some people, like myself, need to take this "drastic" step. I knew that after going through surgery (and the pain involved) I would have no choice but to succeed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

To be quite honest, I did not make the decision. My HMO referred me to the surgeon on their plan. He only did one type of surgery so my decision was made 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 tend to be optimistic about these kinds of things. I was not afraid of dying. I was more afraid of facing the pain afterwards. Millions of people have surgery every day. All surgical candidates are required to have certain medical tests done prior to the surgery. I figured if there was a problem with my health, it would be detected then. Also, the anesthesiologists where I had my surgery have a lot of experience doing this type of procedure so they have experience working with obese patients. If you are afraid, discuss your fears with the surgeon. Be be prepared to make the decision on your own. The surgeon will give you the pros and cons, but obviously won't make the decision for you.

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 famiy was not in favor of this. They couldn't understand why I would want to put myself through the pain and possible complication of surgery. My friends were more supportive and thought I was very brave to do this. My family was wonderfully supportive after the surgery and they remain so now.

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

I had my surgery Monday morning and I went home Wednesday evening. Most of the staff was attentive. It's important to get moving after the surgery so I would suggest bringing slippers and a bathrobe with you to the hospital. Also, some magazines (light reading), or a personal stereo with favorite music. The soap in the hospital is small and very harsh, so shower gel, soap, shampoo, etc. is another thing someone may want to consider.

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

No complications at all

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 excited and couldn't wait to get it done. The day of the surgery I became very nervous. I realized "this is it" and knew that when I woke up I would be in pain. I just told myself that a few weeks of pain is worth the next 30-40 years of my life living as a thin person.

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

OK, this is the hard part and I don't want to scare anyone off here but I'll be honest. REMEMBER, everyone feels different things and everyone copes differently with pain and I have no tolerance for it. The first week was a nightmare for me. I got tired of laying on my back and when I tried to turn and rest on my side, I was in horrible, horrible pain. As the intestine and new stomach heals some people feel the need to go the bathroom often. I was one of those people. Whether I had any food in my system or not, I remember spending a lot of time in the bathroom. There were times when the pain was so bad I asked myself "What have I done". Plus, a mild case of depression set in and I found myself becoming teary at time. The fatigue was great and I spent a lot of time sleeping. If I had to do this again, I would force myself to get up out of bed and get some fresh air. I waited too long to do this. when I finally got outside I felt much better and the depression went away. Remember, this was only a week. Everything was uphill from then on!

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

Only about 45 minutes (depending on traffic) so it did not affect my aftercare.

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.

First week: broth, jello, sherbet, skim mild. Second week: baby food, pureed food, yogurt, apple sauce Gradually more food was added in small quantities. Food has to be eaten slowly and in very small bites and chewed very well. I have been able to tolerate most foods however, some types of beef have not easily digested. One month post op and I can eat 2 oz of protein with a small serving of vegetable and 1/2 baked potato.

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

I spent a lot of time laying down and sleeping. That was a mistake. I should have forced myself to go out and take small walks. I have started walking and swimming and feel sooooo much better now. I returned to work after 4 weeks and felt pretty good. I'm now in my 5th week post op and feel great.

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

I take one multi vitamin with iron daily, plus 100mg of calcium

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 think the worst was the "dumping". When I ate too fast, or ate something that didn't agree with me, my stomach would spasm. This alleviated itself when I went to the bathroom. It's a learning process of knowing how your new stomach will react to food so it will be ongoing for a while.

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

When I first came home from the hospital. I had a hard time tolerating the pain.

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

I don't really have any formal support group. My family and friends are very supportive and encouraging

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

The scar begins under the brest bone and extends vertically down to about 3 inches above the belly button. I expected it to be much worse. It just looks like a thin red line.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Nothing too much to report yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A lot of people have been telling me how great I look. Treating me differently though? I don't think so.