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

I heard about it from friends. I was really leary because I had heard about some deaths and that scared me but I went to a seminar to learn more about it and I got really excited about the whole bariatric surgery.

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 issues with getting approved. Pacific Bariatric did most of my leg work. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Once it was sent to the insurance company I got approved within 2 days. I had heard horror stories how it took weeks even months to get approved. I was really blessed when I got approved in 2 days. Have patience.

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

I have a great Dr. I made up a list of questions for him and he answered everything I was concerned about. Even after our session I could call to ask more questions

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went to some special classes about the surgery and I had made up my mind after all my classes then I met my surgeon and that was it, I'm doing the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance would only do the RNY, stomach bypass.

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 had the same fears at first until I went to the seminar and I learned that Pacific Bariatric had done 10,000 successful surgeries. I felt more at ease.

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 all supportive before and after. My son even had the surgery in March of 2008.

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

I let them know I was having the bariatric surgery and they were very supportive. I had my surgery Sept 25th of 2007 and I went back to work December 1st of 2007. Out of work 6 weeks. I could have gone back sooner but I was having issues with throwing up. So I wanted to get that under control first.

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

I had a great staff of nurses when I was in the hospital. My surgery was on a Tuesday and I got out of the hospital Friday early afternoon. Bring chapstick with you, slippers. I didn't bring alot of things some people bring Ipods or CD players. I brought lotion also.

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

The only issue I had was throwing up. I was very careful what I ate or drank.

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 overwhelmed all at the same time. My family and friends got me through all the anxiety up to my surgery date.

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

Make sure you continue to walk, walk, walk, sip, sip, sip on that water and crystal light. I had a hard time drinking the water so my doctor told me to drink Crystal Light. That helped me alot.

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

I travelled about 140 miles. I went to San Diego, Ca and I live in Hesperia, Ca. My surgeon goes to different towns once a month so I go to Riverside to see my Dr. This was easy for me. Not a problem at all.

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 stayed with soft foods for about 3 months, then I tried white chicken, I would throw that up, not good at all. Hamburger meat was ok once in awhile, not very often. I love Dannon Lite & Fit Yogurt, it has very little sugar and is only 45 to 60 calories. I'm nine months out right now and I can eat a little piece of sliced ham as protein. I still can't eat steak, roast, pork chops. I still have to watch what I eat. Remember to EAT SLOWLY VERY SLOWLY. DON'T DRINK WITH MEALS.

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

I walked 4 times a day then I would go to curves and worked out. Walking is very good for you.

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

I take 1 B-12 once a week, 1 multiple vitamin a day. My labs have been perfect. I also take Biotin for hair loss.

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?

My side affect was the nausea and I did lose some hair. Once in awhile I still throw up but that is usually my fault because I eat too fast so I have to really focuse on eating slower.

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

For me it was nausea

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

I go on ObesityHelp.com. You will learn alot off this site. Having support is very important.

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

I had laproscopic and I don't have much scarring. My Dr. was very pleased. I'm 60 plus years old and I healled really well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on a plateau for a little over a month now. So I am really watching what I'm eating and trying to do more exercising. I think I broke the plateau now. I started losing again. I was really getting depressed because I wasn' losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No