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

I first saw Live Light commercials back in the early ninties when I was in high school. I thought it was awesome that people lost that much weight but I never thought it would pertain to me. At the time I was only about 25 Ibs overweight and never thought I would be to the point that I needed that kind of surgery.

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

My insurance company, General American, is very difficult to work with. They repeatedly told me that they never recieved the letters my doctor sent for approval. It took me three months of calling almost everyday and pitching a fit to get any results. My advice to anyone seeking approval is to stay on their butts! Call constantly and immediately FAX or send by CERTIFIED MAIL any documents that they request.

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

I actually got quite a bit of good information the first time I met with my surgeon. She was very patient and took the time to answer every single question that I had. To get the most out of your initial meeting with your surgeon, keep a list of questions that come into your mind before the meeting. Bring it with you to the consultation and don't be shy about asking ANYTHING. This is your body and make sure you understand what is going to happen and if any special needs you have can be met.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being fat and I was REALLY tired of fighting it all of the time. I wanted something that could help me keep the weight off forever and was willing to take this drastic measure to obtain that tool.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor specializes in the lap RNY procedure and thats the procedure she would rather do. I agreed because it sounded like the least invasive and the best choice for me. I didn't want the scarring and the chance for hernia.

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 think that the surgery is pretty safe. I am having lap instead of open and I think that is safer. My doctor is great and I have complete trust in her. The only thing I am worried about is having a bowel obstuction which I'm told is pretty rare.

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 does not want me to have the surgery. They are very concerned about the complications associated with the surgery. My very best friend supports my decision and has been very involved with the whole approval/getting ready for surgery process.

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

I have not shared my decision with the people I work with. They are not the type of people to be supportive in that kind of situation and I don't think it is any of their business. I have told my family and my two best friends. I will take 5 weeks of leave from work. The doctor told me I would probably want to go back in 3 weeks but I took five in case of any complications. I can go back earlier if everything is okay.

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

I was in the hospital for four days instead of the originally planned three. I just didn't feel well and stayed the fourth day. My doctor was great and took excellent care of me when she came to check on me. The nursing staff was another story. They need serious retraining in the care of patients that have had major surgery. I will never seek treatment in that hospital again after the rude and uncaring attitudes that I recieved from the staff. Make sure to bring your toiletries (Shampoo,toothpaste,deoderant) a nice big robe so you can walk immediately after surgery and a book or games to play by yourself because it gets lonely.

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

The only complication I had was I had not digested my last meal before surgery and I had to have a drain tube. The pain of that drain tube was worse than anything elso. The doctor now posts to her patients that they cannot eat certain things as it will not clear the stomach before surgery. (I had a HUGE salad the night before and the lettuce had not digested)

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

For the first 5 weeks I felt like total crap. I couldn't walk without the incision in my side hurting horribly, I threw up EVERYTHING I ate or drank because I had not yet trained myself to take my time and CHEW properly. I had no energy and was quite depressed because I was so bored! I also had a small ulcer that made swallowing water difficult. I informed my doctor of all of my problems and she immediately gave me solutions which worked.

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

I was tired all of the time. I had to take a nap after even taking a shower! I did venture out to Walmart about 1 1/2 after surgery but I ended up having to use one of those scooters because I couldn't walk very far. Make sure that you have someone close to help you. This is major surgery and you WILL need help at least once or twice.

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

My doctor is local thank God! I only had to travel about five miles.

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 4 weeks I only ate egg,low fat yogurt, mashed potatos, jello, sugar free pudding and beans. I tried a VERY thin slice of wheat bread and it came back up. Weeks 5-7 I started eating pasta, dry cereal, baked potato, salads, all different kinds of vegetables and corn bread. By weeks 8-9 I could eat a medium sized piece of french bread (On some days) and stuffed pasta such as ravioli and lasagne. I still can't tolerate frozen meals such as Lean Cuisine and haven't dared to try any sweets or sodas. I do drink decaffenated Tea w/sweet & low, sugar free koolaid and crystal light. I listen to my tummy and what I think it can handle. The doctor gave me guidelines but I really listed to my body.

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

For the first 3 weeks I had little energy. I could really move around a lot until the 4th week and did not start exercising until the 5th week. By the 8th week I was at full strength and bursting with energy.

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

Centrium vitamins. Promod shakes 3 times a day. Prevacid twice a day.

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?

The vomiting was the worst because I did it constantly. The pressure that builds up in your chest before you actually vomit is horrible. I use to TRY to throw up just so my chest would stop hurting. I finally learned to slow down and chew my food properly. It's now rare that I throw up and if I do it's because a small piece of food is stuck in my stoma opening.

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

The total lack of energy. I HATED not being able to take care of myself for those first few days!

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

My doctor's office holds support group meetings with motivational speakers about once a month. I really enjoy them and have learned a lot. Also my best friend is a total support group in herself. She's been there for me every step of the way and I don't know if I could have made it without her. Having support after surgery is SO important. You are on an emotional rollercoaster for a while after the surgery and need someone to talk to and lean on.

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

I only have five little scars. They are smaller than I expected and didn't require any changing of dressings like I thought they would.