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

I spoke to someone who had it done and immediately I was "all ears!" I tend to do too much "homework/research" on everything, so there were no surprizes for me. I wanted it done no matter what...I would take the risks over dying from obesity!

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

I had no problems with approval fro gastic bypass. I was considered morbidly obese and I had medical problems also. I had high blood pressure, boarderline diabetes, pains in back, knees and ankles and upper respitory issues. You definately need to go to a surgeon who is experienced in this and his staff experienced in dealing with insurance companies. My feeling was that I was over weight my whole life, I was willing to wait 1 year to get in with a top surgeon!

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

I went to the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania. It seemed caotic but they had everything under control. The nurse/doctor had sheets of papers (pre-printed) with tests that needed to be done. They did all the insurance stuff at that point. the only advice is HAVE AS MANY QUESTIONS WRITTEN DOWN AND READY TO BE ASKED! Go in with a notebook and pen. In my case, if you didn't ask the DOCTOR then, you won't get him again until your next visit. They have a team of nurses/nutritionists...but not him. His staff did answer all other questions I had. They even give you their email addresses. He did not hurry me and took his time. Just remeber, you are NOT their only patient and he is the Chief Surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to grow old with my husband and be able to see grandchildren. I wasn't even 40 and had a list of ailments as big as Texas! Enough was enough! If I was going to die, it wasn't because I was going to do nothing! This is not only a "physical challenge" but more importantly a "mental challange!" You need to find people who support you and your decision and talk to yourself!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Since I have tried EVERYTHING, I learned that I needed to take a drastic approach. I needed something that would "punish" me if I ate something "bad". I needed reprocutions! I was actually praying that I was the person who could not/never tollerate sugar! Thankfully, I still am! Each person needs to get in touch with themselves and be realistic about your TRUE needs/wants. I had enough of the excuses and wanted something permanent and drastic. I KNEW that was the only way 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?

Like I said earlier, I research things to death! When I decided to have this surgery, I had no fear of dying . I felt confident with my doctor and his team. I spoke to ANYONE/EVERYONE about my surgery. I heard the good and the bad. I feel the more educated you are, the more people you have to talk to and have to support you...you are good to go!

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 were very supportive. I did have 2 friends and 1 family member that thought I was crazy for doing this. I still talked to them and wanted to hear their side. Most of their opinios were based on fear, fear of me dying. When I told them..."If it is my time, it's my time-it was meant to be" they were Ok. Knowing I was that determined made them not "lecture me". After surgery, everyone was supportive. By then, you know who you can go to and who you should avoid. This is YOUR decision...you need to make it for YOU.

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

I am a housewife...AKA a "domestic goddess"! I had my surgery done on a Friday and was up walking Saturday, showering alone on Sunday. The only thing that kept me down was how tired/sleepy I was. That lasted for about 10 days. I have the personality of "I can't sit still". I was at the mall with a friend after that and just kept moving. You need to nap when you are tired though.

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

My care in the hospital was good. The nurses were great. I really didn't ask for anything and kept busy by walking. It is a very busy hospital, so I learned where everything was. I got my own ice water, crackers, towels...I felt bad asking! They want you to walk anyway! I stayed an extra day because I got a fever, kept me on the anti biotic IV an extra day. I wore their gowns, but I brought a cheap pair of flip-flops to wear. The thought of wearing socks, walking in them and then getting in bed..EEEK! I threw the flip-flops out before leaving the hospital. Also bring chapstick..they give you vaseline but I like the tube better.

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

I had an infection in the hospital, I think from the cathrater. I also got H-pilorie (can't spell it). Apparently, it is common and it is fixed with antibiotics. Other than that...if you do what you are told and nothing else...you will be fine! Don't eat things you are told not to, walk and keep dringking water...all day! If you have questions, don't be afraid to be a pain! ASK!

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 soooo tired! Other than that, a little stiff. You need to move alot slower than you are used to moving. Take your time, but keep moving. Any anxiety, depression, moodiness...I shared with my girlfriend. The husband "listened" but the girlfriend HEARD! She yelled back when I needed it. Also, you need to keep your head in the game. You need to talk to yourself and remind yourself why you did this to begin with. The "pain" is only temporary.

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

Don't expect much! You will be tired and sleepy. Your body just went through a major change. It needs to mend. Take it easy and rest. If you don't take the time to heal, your healing may take longer. Listen to your body.

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

I didn't travel far. I live in the suburbs of pa. and only traveled to the city.

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.

Each doctor will tell you something different. When I first got out of surgery, I was allowed only liquids for 10 days. Then I moved to puree/soft foods for 10 days. Baby food is a quick fix but tastes gross! Stick with applesauce, ricotta cheese, scrambled eggs, sugar-free pudding, cream of wheat...that kind of stuff. Then I was able to move to "normal" food only if tolerable. Small pieces and chew into mush! It's amazing on how full I got with such little amounts of food. I could not drink for 1/2 hour after I ate. That was actually hard for me. NO SUGAR ALLOWED. It will cause dumping and you are in agony for hours. I had a hard time with fruit juice because of the sugar. At almost 8 months out I could tolerate fruit but to this day (14 months out) still no juice. I feel lucky that I can't have the sugar. One of the "drastic reason" why I chose this surgery! The miracle is, after the surgery I actually craved healthy foods and not the junk I was used to eating. I'm not sure why,but I don't/haven't missed anything sugary or junk food like! Other than sugar, I can eat anything, I just don't have the taste for it anymore!

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

The first 2 weeks is slow. The only activity I did was to walk around the house, get my mail and nap!After that, I have a friend who "made me" go out with her for a ride in the car or a walk in a small store. That's what I needed!

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

I take a multi vitamin and calcium with D everyday.I started out with chewable vitamins but the sugar was making me sick. I used the sugar free childrens vitamins until I was able to swallow adult vitamins. That was about 3-4 weeks. I had a hard time taking tablet form pills. I did find vitamins in capsule form which are easier to swallow. I give myself B12 injections every other week. You need to get your blood tested every 3 months to watch for the B12 level. Even though it is in normal range, I was having "nerve symptoms" in my leg and needed more B12. Each person is different with that level.Occasionally I take iron and stool softners. That is on a as needed basis. Again, talk to your doctor.

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 did have "hair thinning" for about 3 months. I was told it was because I wasn't getting enough protein. So, I kept on drinking the protein shakes everyday for about 6 months. I think it helped. I have alot of hair so I never got too thin, but it used to come out in small clumps. Then it slowed down and eventually stopped.

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

The only thing I can think of was I was so "freaked out" about coming home with that drain and hearing how bad it hurt when they take it out! I worried for 10 days, thought I was going to pass out, felt sick...when the nurse removed the drain, I didn't even feel it! I felt real stupid! There are some "stumbling blocks" with any surgery. I honestly can't think of any "worst part". This was the beginning of a whole new life for me! I was so excited to have it, that nothing was going to change my mind.

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

I had a visiting nurse come to the house 2 times. She checked the drain site, vitals and anything else I may need. My main support group was my family and friends. They were there for the physical as well as the mental aspects of the surgery. You NEED some kind of support! Don't think you can do it all by yourself!

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

I have 3 small incisions and 1-2 1/2 incision. The larger one has faded to almost nothing. The smaller ones are more noticeable. I also have a tiny one from the drain site. They are more "puffy" than the larger one but I consider them my "reminders" of how lucky I was to be able to have this surgery and start a "new" healthy life. It's like being given a second chance to live!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I really didn't ever plateau. I was pretty consistant but only loosing 2-3 pounds per week. I was getting frusterated because everyone I spoke to was loosing 10+ pounds a week and then 5+ each week after. I asked the doctor and he told me it really depended on how much weight you needed to loose. But every once in a while I would drop around 7 pounds out of no where. It comes off quickly no matter how you look at it!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Other than all the attention you will get from people you don't see often...not really. The people I don't see often, still can't recognize me! I actually had someone ask me if I had a sister because I reminded them of some else! I thought that was great! Especially when they realized it was really me!