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

I have followed it for many years, from the news, internet then in the past 2 years from a personal friend who had it done and now to new friends that are also looking into it or have had the surgery.

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

Thank God I have great health benefits through my employer State of CA Dept. of CA, Blue Shield. I am disability retired now but my covereage is still great. No problem getting approved at all.

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

It was very informative and I felt very comfortable and was in no way afraid to ask questions of him or his staff. One should not hesistate to asked any question one has of their doctor - it is you life, your health.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized I couldn't do it alone. I realized that the surgery is only a tool, the tool that I needed to start me on the necessary lifestyle change I had to do if I wanted to have a better quaility of health and life logevity.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY was the only one that my insurance would cover AND my doctor prefers this one; done laparoscopacly.

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?

No fears honestly. I have faith that I am making the best decision for my health. I have no other health issues like diabetes or high cholestoral, or high blood pressure. Sleep apnea but nothing else so my chances I pray are better at a quick recovery and a safe future. I pray a lot.

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 had thought about the surery for a few years so they were not surprised then I asked my doctor to be recommend for it. They are excited because they want to eat healthy and they love me and know I love life and this weight loss will give me more energy to share life with them. I want to surprise my extended family with my weight loss when we go back home (Southern CA). I can't wait.

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

Disability retired.

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 2 nights and 3 days. It was a great experience as far as hospital stays go. I had a very professional and informed nursing staff who knew how to care for WLS patients. I am glad I was told to bring chapstick! With the meds your mouth gets real dried out and my lips were real chapped. Other than that everything was available at the hospital. I did bring shampoo to shower and of course my toothbrush and comb.

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

No complications from the surgery itself. I went into surgery constipated and it was not gone until a day after surgery. The nursed were a top of it and my doctor made sure I had a BM before I was released.

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

After my initial visit with my surgeon I put myself into the mind frame that I had already had the WLS. I lost 15 pounds from 12/09/06 to 02/02/07 just by watching my food intake and of course the 10-day pre-op liquid diet my doctor put me on. I was not anxioius only in my mind did I want to 'chew'. I pray a lot!

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

I am on my first week post-op and I feel good. Sore, a bit slower in my walking but all in all I am feeling OK. I am getting my protein and water in with minimal challenge. I have heard that some people really have a challenge getting their protein and water in. I wake up at 7:00 am and am in bed by 9:00 PM. I am a bit worn out at the end of the day. I take cat naps here and there. I am also taking my pain meds regularly. I have been able to take them less often now but the first 3-4 days I took as often as I could.

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

I traveled approximately 55 miles one-way. No it doesn't affet my aftercare.

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.

No added sugars, no carbonated drinks. No caffeine. No fried foods. Still on my liquid diet for 1 more day, then one week of introducing clear foods, somewhat like babyfood texture. I haven't reach the introduction of 'regular' foods yet.

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

I am walking regularly, as far as I can go on the treadmill. It isn't much but I do get myself up and walking about hourly.

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

Centrum chewable multi-vitamin gets my iron dose in, 2x Calcium Citrate chewables 3x gets my cal cit in. I received a B12 shot in hospital but I will be taking 2 sublingual B12's in the future.

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?

No side affects thus far. Thank God!

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

My constipation!

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

My supportive family and friends. Also I look forward to attending the Bypass Buddy get-to-gethers at my hospital. The OH.com has been the best support ever.

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

Six small puncture wounds. Very minimal sars. I expected just that.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not there yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not there yet.