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

The previous owner of Adcraft Business Mail (where I work) Myron Crespin. Told me that our insurance might be able to cover the costs. I learned more about it - It took me 1 1/2 years to get a green light for surgery (6 mo course, Options, then Dr. Tanaka's date)

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

Once I learned more about the WLS - It took me 1 1/2 years to get a green light for surgery (6 mo course, Options, then Dr. Tanaka's date). Advise: Have patience, it'll get.there.

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

Strange, to simply put it. I expected Dr. Tanaka to be strange any way. Most of the patients for the Options class I attended went to him. Advise: None - just hope he doesn't request sleep apnea testing (took another 2 months to get a date after that)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being above 400 lbs, my joints (knees hurting) getting heavy osteo-arthirithis, my daughters being so young.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the best, most practiced procedure R-N-Y

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?

It can get scary, and there is nothing I can say to avoid these fears in anyone. I can say that the rewards are tremendous.

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 entire circle of family and friends were very supportive.

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

I was out 2 weeks, everyone has been very supportive.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. I have no complaints. I was there for 4 days. What was most important to bring? Underware, toothbrush and paste, a great partners (like my wife)

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

none

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 ate, got a few dumping syndromes and then thought about food less. especially Jack in the box.

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

Excercise, a must. At least walk as much as possible to avoid feeling tired.

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

From Los Angeles to San Diego (apx 120 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.

1&2-cottage cheese, yogurt, non-fat milk protein shakes. 3&4-same as above, shredded chicken breast, tuna

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

better

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

chewable multivitamins

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?

so far slight nausea effect seems to suck the most - especially during work

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

Not eating the junk I once ate - which is really the BEST part about it. The waors is getting used to not eating all that junk.

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

very important but hven't made time to attend any

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

Healing very well. I expect no visible scars in the next few months.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

This blows, now at the 380-377 range and been there for about 1 1/2 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Somewhat, that maybe because of my weaker state.