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

A friend of mine told me about it when I was expressing my frustration at being unable to lose weight. She was in the process of getting approval. My initial impression was fear that it was a drastic surgery and permanent and didnt think my insurance would cover it or I would be able to afford or be approved for it. I researched it online & after a few days presented the idea to my husband. He supported me in going forward to contact the bariatric office and investigate further to see if this was right for me & if I could get approval.

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

I already had BCBS of WNY. I was lucky in that they had it in their policy that if certain conditions were met (prior structured attempts through primary physician to lose weight, recommendation by primary care physician, co-morbid conditions, etc.) the surgery was covered with certain copays & co-insurance for the hospital stay on my part. It was handled well through my surgeon's office & I had no problem getting approval. My advice is to go to a bariatric office that is a "center of excellence" in bariatric surgery as that seems to help with the insurance.

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

It was kind of surreal. He was very nice & took the time to answer my questions. He assured me that I was a good candidate & despite the Hashimotos I should be successful. (My biggest fear was having this surgery to find out that I still couldnt lose weight due to the hypothyroid disorder).

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My unhappiness combined with all my health problems & back pain and the assurance by Dr. Pham that Hashimoto patients do just as well as any other gastric bypass patient. I felt like this was my last chance & only hope at a new lease on life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Upon researching, I liked the fact that gastric bypass has a much higher success rate in reaching goal (higher percentage of excess body weight lost) as well as a quicker weight loss (which I felt was better for me). I also did not want a foreign body in me (the lap band) nor did I want injections to adjust the band, so the RNY via endoscopy was my choice.

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 knew that if it worked, it would actually save my life as well as improve my quality of life dramatically, which outweighed the risk of complications to me. I will say, the day before and the morning of the surgery, I was very scared & emotional, and wondered if I would see my loved ones again....or if I was doing the right thing. I just put my faith in God & the surgical team & it was the best thing I have ever done. I knew if it worked it would save me physically & emotionally.

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 mother was totally against it. She worried I would die on the table or have terrible complications. She was not very supportive. However, now that I am at goal and healthy & happy- she tells me how great I look and how well it worked for me. My husband and son were totally supportive. They just wanted me to be healthy & happy. They were so supportive after surgery- taking care of me & reminding me to walk, to do my spirometer, to take my vitamins, etc. etc. To this day they still support me & remind me when I get off track or want to eat something I shouldnt (that they know will make me sick!) My Dad also was supportive- he told me he loved me & hoped this would help me to feel better & get healthy. He has always told me how proud he is of me and how he could never do it or "sacrifice" like I have to lose the weight. My sister in law was my best supporter. She was for it from the day I mentioned checking into the surgery & still tells me to this day how proud she is of me. She helped a lot with my mom & my feelings of self worth throughout this journey. My friends who are aware of the surgery have been totally supportive & encouraging. I havent told everyone however. When I told one of my husband's aunts that I had my surgery (after she noticed at a family gathering how much weight I had lost & asked how I had done it) she commented "Oh- you cheated & took the EASY way out- I am not so impressed anymore!" These type of reactions made me more selective on who I told or HOW I explained the surgery to people. I enjoy telling people who may be considering the surgery or who truly seem interested & have questions. I also dont mind defending the surgery or explaining to someone that it is NOT a magic bullet or the EASY way out...but sometimes it gets frustrating as people have their own uneducated opinion about it.

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

I was out of work for 8 weeks. I had to tell human resources what surgery I was having, as I had to be approved for disability. However, I did not tell my supervisor what kind of surgery I was having- I just told him I was having issues and had to have abdominal surgery to correct a health problem. However, I do know through co-workers that the rumor and buzz around my surgery was people wondering if I had gastric bypass. I lost my job there about a month after returning back to work so they were never able to see my final result.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was very informative. I was glad I attended for the information, as well as to hear other patient's reactions and questions. I was suprised at the different levels of commitment from people who were looking to have the surgery.

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

My hospital stay was not pleasant- mainly my own fault. I had issues that stemmed from a variety of things. I had urinary issues & they re-catheterized me. Because of this (and because I just felt awful & didnt get up) I did not walk like I should have. This slowed my recovery & I had breathing issues...(I also didnt do my spirometer like I should have- lazy!!) The nurses, for the most part were awesome, understanding & caring. I was hypersensitive to smell however, and the smell of the hand sanitizer (pure alchohol) as well as some of the nurses' cologne made me feel terrible....I got sick of being poked by needles for blood draws & shots daily....and I was just miserable. Because I was so unhappy, I finally decided I had to do something about it (and had read that you HAVE to walk- plus the nurses kept trying to get me to walk some) and I got up and started walking...(at one point, one of the nurses practically dragged me around the hall!) Once I started doing this, I was well on my way to recovery & was discharged within 24 hours. (I was there for 4 days). I found that all the stuff I brought was really useless to me (my cell phone, a robe, etc) as everything I needed was provided- just needed chapstick as lips get dry & clothes to go home in (loose, baggy, comfy). I was too tired or uncomfortable to do much but sleep & watch some TV.

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

The only complication I had was actually from the hiatal hernia surgery that they ended up doing at the same time. When I got home & started eating I had horrible shooting pains- that turned out were from acid reflux into the area that was healing from the hiatal hernia. My bariatric office prescribed Prilosec daily & that took care of it.

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 better daily- stronger, walked more each day & lost weight rapidly which made me feel great emotionally & physically. I really didnt have any anxiety except over transitioning to new foods or when I had to go back to work, traveling & worrying about what I would eat.

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

I stayed downstairs in a recliner to sleep at night as I could not lay down & then get out of bed (caused me a lot of pain on my side). I spent my days sipping, planning my protein shakes, what food I could have & walking all day. (I journaled my food, drinking & medications). I also enjoyed being off work & losing the weight- I felt more confident & better physically & mentally every day.

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

45 minutes. 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.

It started out clear liquids, to full liquids, to pureed, to soft proteins to a mainainance list provided by my surgeon. A lot of tuna & chicken. I had a hard time with eggs at first & still feel they arent the easiest on my pouch at times. I avoided anything with more than 5 grams of fat and/or 5 grams of sugar. I still try to do that. I measure EVERYTHING whenever possible. started out being able to eat 1 ounce of food at a meal- at 2 years post surgery I now eat 4-6 ounces at a meal. Pork chops or dry meats similar to that are difficult if you dont chew them enough & I have had a couple times where I felt meat got "stuck" in my pouch causing pain for up to an hour. Sweets were off limits for the first year and a half. Unfortunately, I got brave & have tried a few in the past 6 months & in small quantities found I can tolerate them- this has been an issue lately with me craving sweets & carbs & gaining 2-5 lbs back. I am currently doing the "5 day pouch test" to eliminate these sweet cravings & the grazing I can get into. High fat foods (ribs) make me feel very sick after eating a small amount. If I eat something with too much fat or sugar (usually when eating out) I know within 1/2 hour as I go into a "food coma" and become sleepy, lethargic and feel sick. It takes about an hour to resolve. I try to eat just healthy, low fat, low sugar, 3 meals a day of 4-6 ounces, and 2 protein shakes daily in between.

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

I worked out a lot at first as I was not working. I walked a lot on the treadmill & did some bands for strength exercise as well as the WiiFit plus. I am more active now than ever- I walk the stairs whenever I can - park far from stores, etc- & get in at least 30 minutes a day on the treadmill or walking outside when possible.

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

Bariatric Fusion 4 chewables daily; Biotin 1000 mcg; Vitamin D 2000 iu and 2 unjury protein shakes daily.

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?

sleep disturbance for the first few months- I had terrible insomnia for a while- could only sleep a few hours - it was awful! It eventually resolved over time. My hair started falling out at about 4 months and continued until about my 1 year anniversary. It wasnt really noticable except that it was all over the shower, I would have handfuls when drying/styling my hair & I was shedding all over my clothes. My hair looked a little thinner but I didnt have any bald patches! The biotin seemed to help & it has been growing back in.

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

My first few days in the hospital I felt just awful & thought I had made a huge mistake. I was just miserable! So glad I got thru them - once I got home everything improved daily.

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

I dont attend one, although there is one available at the bariatric office. It just is not convenient for my schedule unfortunately.

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

I have little or no scars as I had the endoscopic procedure.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a couple of plateaus- I would have to look through my blog to see specifics. I remember increasing my water & protein would get me out of the plateus. Lately I have struggled with carb/sweet cravings & grazing that has caused me to gain & lose 2-5 lbs up & down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people treat me much different as a thin person, unfortunately. It is sad. I get more respect- and some people who were not friendly before are now very friendly to me as a thin person. No one looks at you like you are "a pig" when you are out eating or if you talk about food or desserts, etc. When I am shopping (clothes) I feel more confident & not sure if it is my perception of how people look at me or how I perceive they are. Either way I feel better about myself, am more confident & feel good about myself which I think also translates into how others perceive me as well!