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

I first became aware of WLS in the 90's. Couldn't understand why people would do something so DRASTIC to lose weight. (Of course my understanding improved after fighting obesity for another coupla decades!)

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

I was denied when I first requested it in 2003. Was told I hadn't tried enough. (I had tried so many things, it had to have been a lack of documentation) Sortly thereafter I became completely disabled by my weight and went thru pure hell and I endured numerous other surgeries including the loss of my right Achilles tendon. I'm sure the insurance company paid at last triple what they would have spent on weight loss surgery! Finally after successfully fighting for my Social Security and Medicare, and gaining, losing, and gaining more weight, I get the all-important insurance approval,and scheduled surgery. 12/5/11

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

My first meeting with the surgeon was in a group setting with dozens of potential recipients. It was informative, but ovewhelming. I would suggest researching the different surgeries online, prior to the meeting so you have some idea which surgery you want and why.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Numerous success stories all around me. Even those who experienced serious complications said they would do it again!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Discussed pros and cons with surgeon. He convinced me to go with the tried and proven RNY.

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?

Yes, The fears are real. I had previously promised a friend I would NEVER have the surgery when his cousin never re-gained consciousness following her surgery, but living another decade with morbid obesity, I decided I would die soon anyways, without the surgery, at least with surgery, there was a chance I would live! I got my affairs in order and scheduled surgery!

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 friends and family were very supportive. My weight had weighed heavy on their minds for many years. They feared losing me to morbid obesity and rejoiced in my decision.

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

Disabled

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

Overwhelming but interesting. My surgeon REQUIRES attendance. I was glad I attended. Bring someone with you, it's great to have someone to discuss it with.

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

The 3 day stay was pleasant. Bring a back-scratcher. LOL

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

No complications. Pain was gone in a week.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

No anxiety, just excited.

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

First few days were rough, but I never had any regrets. Just looked forward to the future.

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

Only 25 miles. Not a 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.

The first couple of weeks post op were challenging. Liquid diet got old fast. I got tired of the sweet drinks and puddings in the hospital. Much better when soft foods were added. Three months post-op now, I can eat anything but dense meats, ie. steak, pork chops. I don't have the dumping syndrome, so I can even eat sweets, but very limited.......there is little room in the stomach for nutritious food, no room for junk.

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

After about a week, it was back to normal. My stamina increases as the pounds decrease.

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

Daily multivitamins, calcium with vitamin D, sublingual B12, zantac, and protein suppliments as needed.

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?

Side effects were minimal. Some nausea and vomiting if eating too fast or with difficult to digest foods, ie. meats mostly.

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

It was not near as bad as I had anticipated. I was pleasently surprised!

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

I have a little support group among my friends who have had the surgery. (about 5 or 6 friends have had the surgery) Those people are very important as they understand what you're going thru! And they often have good advice!

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

I had 4 tiny incisions and a drain hole........all well-healed and barely noticable. Much smaller than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None, just trying to remind myself that it took years to gain all this weight, I'm not gonna lose it overnight!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, but I expect to.