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

I don't know when I first really heard about bariatric surgery but I do know that I thought that it was for people who just couldn't walk or get up any more. I felt it was very drastic to alter your internal organs when all you really needed to do was get off of your rear end. I thought people were trying to take the easy way out.

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 after the first and second letter. I ended up going to a step 2 meeting with some of the board members at BCN. That seemed to do the trick. My advice? Keep appealing. Do not give up. Keep monthly appointments with your doctor and MAKE SURE they write down that you are on a diet. You need the caloric level, exercise if any or reason you can't, weight documented. Every TIME. They questioned me because one month I saw my pcp for a cold and the weight issue but she did not write that wetalked about weight.

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

I had a consult 2 yrs before having my surgery. My doctor was very matter of fact. He now has a informational meeting that I think is the best. Even if you decide not to have surgery with him it is worth going to. He explains the different types of proceedures and the pros and cons.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was finally approved. I knew that this was my only way out of the huge weight gain I endured. I had not quit trying to loose weight by traditional means even after my first denial. I was scared but I knew that it was for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched which proceedure offered the most weight oss for the fewest side effects and chose the RNY. I knew that I wanted to have a little extra kick me in the butt if I ate the wrong stuff.

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?

Oh boy was I afraid. I have young children and I couldn't stand the thought of leaving them. I was lucky that I did not have many co morbid conditions and I knew that I was relatively healthy. I worried maily about being put under and I cried many times from the fear. I ended up writing my closest family members a short letter to be read in the event of my death. Mostly to my husband and kids but I also included my mom and sisters. That was hard too because I really had a lot to say but you can't say it all! That gave me some peace of mind knowing they would know that I loved them.

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?

I have been blessed and nearly everyone has been supportive. I know that there may be extended members who think I should have just gone on a diet. All I can say is that they have not walked a mile in my shoes. This surgery was for me. Of course I wanted to be different for my kids but I really did it for me. I needed to feel healthier, mentally and physically.

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

I had surgery on a Friday and came home on Sunday. Bring strechy pants and a very comfortable bra. Get up and walk asap!

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

The only thing that I considered a complication was that I could not swallow even my own spit at first. I tried to swallow but foam would come right back up. As it turned out it was just swelling from where the intestine was connected to the pouch. I sipped liquid by about 2 am.

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 great. I had pain for about the first 4 days and took some pain meds at night for about 3 nights. On the fist Thursday after my surgery I went to the camp ground with my mom for the day. On the next Tuesday I went to the zoo for the whole day. I was a little more tired than normal and had to rest but I felt great.

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

Get plenty of rest. The first week you will wonder how in heaven you will go back to normal routines but by the end of week 2 you will be ready for work again.

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

Every thing was local for me. All was within 10 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.

I was on clear liquids for about 4 days when I came home. I had a hard time just getting enough to hydrate myself. I added soft foods like yogurt and runny cream of wheat and pea soup near the end of the first week. Try to get some protein in because I could tell right away that I had more energy after drinking broth or pea soup. I could not eat meat when I first tried but if I mixed it with a gravy or sauce it went down better. I still eat on little plates. Now after a year I can tolerate some sugar but not a lot. I try to keep it under 17 grams. I have to be careful about starches like bread or potatoes. I feel sick sometimes after eating those things. I still miss being able to take a good drink with a meal.

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

Within 2 weeks I was back to normal activity. By the end of month 2 I was ready to start an official work out program.

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

I have taken Bariatric Advantage chewable vitamins.

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 had hair loss big time. It started in month 2 and has just slowed in month 11. I tried different product and making sure I was getting enough protein but nothing seemed to help. I cried a few times but I was lucky that most of the thinning was seen mostly by me. Question? Why does just the hair on my head fall out, why not the arm pits or legs??

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

Dealing with the the mental hunger. Feeling down about eating because you can only get a bite so whats the point. Feeling nauseaous after eating to quick and having to take time out to recoop.

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

There is 2 years of after care included in Dr. Pleatmans fee. That entitles you to seeing the surgeon and the nutritionist. There are also support group meetings too. I have been back to see the doc once after surgery. I was not really impressed because he didn't even ask to see the incisions. I had to ask him if he wanted to see them. I kind of feel that since he has been paid, his concern is over. That is my experience and opinion.

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

The scars are very minimal. No complaints there.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do feel like people, exspecially men will acknowledge me more now. I had a guy just hold the door and I totally feel like he would not have looked me in the face when I was near 300 pounds.