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

Initally, I thought I would never have WLS. I thought it was too radical. Then when I realized I couldn't do it on my own, I didn't like the side effects from RNY and I wasn't interested in Lap Band. It wasn't until I finally researched the Duodenal Switch, that everything fell into place in my mind.

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

I had Medicare as my primary and they covered it. BCBS denied it all the way through the approval process.

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

It was wonderful. He is a fantastic man. To make the most out of your first meeting with him/her be sure to have a complete list of your questions. In other words, do your homework before you go!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't loose it on my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, research, research. When I read that you could eat normal & retain my normal functioning stomach & have no dumping syndrome, it was very clear that the Duodenal Switch was for me.

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 was an obsessed freak about dying. I would tell people you are more likely to die in a car accident than you are in surgery. If you are morbidly obese, you are going to die too sooner than you should. With WLS you have an excellent chance of getting most of the weight off.

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 mom & husband were supportive. My dad was not. I would advise anyone who wants to keep this private to not tell anyone but your immediate family & swear them to secrecy. WLS is a piece of juicy gossip, and people cannot keep their traps shut 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 am self employed.

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

My hospital stay was rough. I had a hard time recooping. I was over-medicated, and they had some trouble with my breathing & sleep apnea. They also had to cut my wrists many times to try and get a blood gas reading. It was awful. I was there for 6 nights. Most important thing to bring - Carmex.

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

I ended up with pancreantitis 1 month post op. I was hospitalized for 4 days and I fully recovered.

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 was excited and scared. I coped with the anxiety by continuing to educate myself online about the Duodenal Switch at www.duodenalswitch.com. I also wrote explanation letters to family and friends in case I didn't survive the surgery.

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

The first week home after my Open DS was rough. I cried during my first shower because it seemed so impossible. I HAD to have my mom & husbands help. I could not have made it without them.

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

3 hours

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 soft food the first week or so. Then I progressively added everything else. Within 3 months, I could eat small normal meals. I do not have to chew things to a mush, I can drink while I eat. No one would ever guess I had WLS by watching me eat.

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

It was low the first 6 weeks, then went back to normal.

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

2 Womens one a day, 3 Citracal + D Petites, 1 Vitamin D 50,000 i.u. 3 times a week.

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 hair loss was hard, as I already had very thin hair due to hypothyroidism. It lasted about 6 months. I bought a wig. Now my hair is the same as it was pre-op, but I LOVE my wig!

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

The hospital stay and the first week home.

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

I am 3 hours away from any support groups. I use Obesity Help & www.duodenalswtich.com message boards for support.

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

It is long and crooked. I am having it revised when I have plastics. It is longer than I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had many plateaus. If I eat junk food all day, I loose the next.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I don't like it either. People who couldn't care less about me before, are now interested in being my friend. (DREAM ON!) Also, most people cannot talk to me about anything besides my weight loss and it is annoying.