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

My mom had a gastric bypass in 2001. That was the first I'd ever heard of it and I was dead set against it. I thought it was a terrible idea. Then I decided maybe it was right for her, but that wasn't something I ever wanted to do. I tried to really watch my caloric intake and start working out more, which worked great for about 6 months, but wasn't anything I could maintain. When I went to nursing school was when I started to think maybe WLS was what I needed to do in order to save myself from a lifetime of health problems.

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

Because my BMI was so high, I was immediately approved, pending completetion of certain requirments (being followed by a doc/dietican for 6 months, pharmaceutical intervention, and a psych. evaluation). As soon as I got all of that turned into the surgeons office, I was immediately approved and set up for surgery!

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

The first meeting was a group informational type meeting. I really enjoyed listening to Dr. Forney explain the different types of surgeries, the pro's and con's of each, and give his professional opinions of each. I work with Dr. Forney at the hospital (I'm an RN on the medical/surgical floor), so I already trusted him, but it was really wonderful to get so much information. I think the best advice I have for getting the most out of this meeting is just don't be afraid to ask questions. The surgeons are there to answer your questions and help you come up with the best plan. Ask, ask, ask!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After all the success I had with the Fastin, I knew I wasn't going to be able to maintain my weightloss or new healthier habits without some kind of medical intervention. I knew I didn't want to die of a heart attack at the age of 30, and I knew I needed help. WLS just made the most sense for my needs.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Forney explained to me that at my age and with my history, he really felt the Lap Band was the best choice. He explained that it would give me a way to forever control my hunger (with adjustments), and that it could be completely deflated if I got sick, or if I got pregnant, so that I could get all the nutrition I needed. He made me feel really comfortable about the Band and I definately agreed with him at the end of our conversation.

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 work on a med/surg floor, so I'm well aware of the complications that can occur with having surgery. I was far more concerned however about the actual 'going under' part than I was anything else. My nurse anesthetist was fantastic and he really put me at ease. Dr. Forney talked to me when I went back into the pre-op area and reassured me as well. My advice for others is just to take a deep breath, ask any questions, and don't be afraid to tell people you're scared. As soon as I told the nurse anesthetist I was afraid, he immediately gave me medication to help relax me, and I had him and the OR nurse right there giving me encouragement and reassurance.

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 family and friends have been 100% supportive as soon as they learned of my decision. They've asked lots of questions, learned some things on their own, and always been my 'cheering section'. I'm currently 3 days post-op and staying with my mom and dad. They've both been wonderful helping me get around and get comfortable, encouraging me to get up and about, and reassuring me that the 'run over by a truck' feeling is normal.

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

My unit manager and unit supervisor were both very happy for me and have made sure I didn't feel any stress about needing so much time off so quickly. I told them exactly what was going on and that I would have to be off work for at least 2 weeks, but that I took off 5 weeks just in case something were to happen. They've both told me to take as much time as I need to make sure I come back at 100%.

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

It was ackward for me to be a patient on the floor that I work on, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. My nurse was fantastic and my friends from nights all stopped in to say hello and check on me. I was in the hospital for about 24hrs total. I had actually brought a bag with me in case I had to stay over night, but I never used it. I never even had mom bring it in for me. I used the toothbrush and toothpaste provided by the floor and since my clothes were still clean from the day before, I just wore those home. I did bring chapstick and my cell phone with me...and I'd recommend that to anyone going into the hospital.

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

The only thing that happened was that I got a really terrible shoulder cramp. I have no idea where it came from or what caused it, but it was the most painful thing I have ever felt in my entire life! The surgery was nothing compared to that cramp!! My nurses brought me pain medication and heating packs and that really fixed me up. I'm still a little sore from it, but it get's better every day.

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 really excited and really nervous. I just kept telling myself that everything would be okay, and I had wonderful people around me telling me the same things. It really helped to have my mom, who is an RN, around so that I could tell her all of my fears and hesitations and have her reassure me and comfort me.

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

My first two days have been a lot rougher than I thought they would be. I wasn't expecting to be this sore and tired. I really thought I'd just rally right around and be back to normal in just a couple of days, and that hasn't been the case. I really feel like I've been run over by a truck, but the more I move around, the better I feel. And I keep reminding myself that taking a break and a nap isn't a sin.

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

Scottsbluff is about 90 miles away from my home, but since I work there, that wasn't any big deal. Mom works at the same hospital and she actually rents an apartment that's only a stone throw from the hospital, so if I'd been worried, we could have stayed in town. I feel like my aftercare has been better being at my own home with my parents than it would have been had I stayed in town.

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.

Right now I'm still on clear liquids. Powerade Zero, strawberry, is my friend!! And water, too. The only thing that I really crave is water, actually. It's a little frustrating not to be able to chug a big drink of water, but I've found that a couple of small swallows is really all that I need to have that craving satisfied, so that works really well. I'll start on full liquids tomorrow, and I'm excited to try some milk!

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

Right now my activity level is pretty low. I'm still really tired and sore, but it IS only day 3. I get in and out of bed by myself, walk around the house, sit up in chairs to visit with my family, etc.

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

I haven't taken any yet, but Mona (the bariatric educator) gave me some free samples to try, which I'll do tomorrow. Apparently you just suck on them like hard candy. We'll see how they go!

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 have only gotten nauseaus once, but I never threw up. I laid down quickly and it passed. Other than that, I'm to recently post op to know about any of the rest.

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

Just that I'm so sore, for whatever reason, I really wasn't expecting that. But it get's better after each nap!

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

My mom had a bypass in 2001, and my aunt had a lap band in '07, so they've been my support group for the most part. It's been nice having them around.

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

I still have my staples in, but the incisions look fantastic! I'm really, really pleased with how they look.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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