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

I found out about it because I have always been interested in the medical field. I guess I really sat up and paid attention to giving it serious thought when I had heard that Sharon Osbourne had the lap band done. I had thought it was dangerous up until the lap bang came out. It seemed like a safer procedure. Ultimately, I ended up getting a complete gastric bypass.

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

I couldn't get approval from my insurance. I am paying for many many many many MANY years. LOL! The insurance companies don't want to pay. I had referral letters and still I was denied. If you can find someone who will cover your surgery, GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!

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

Jeremy Korman is an amazing man. He sat in the office with me and answered every single question I had. I am sure he gets the same questions over and over again. But he answered them as if he was answering them for the first time - with great detail and no rushing me out the door. He is INCREDIBLE!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My divorce. I was on the verge of suicidal and I needed something in my life that would help me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I trusted Dr. Korman with his decision. He told me the lap band has proved successful, but the weight loss is not as great.

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?

You know honestly at that point in my life (I am not proud of it but..) I didn't really care whether I lived or died. I had just been through a failed marriage, declining health, and I felt so bad. I did have fear! Great fear. But I thought to myself 'What if this could be the best thing that has ever happened to me? Am I going to let my fear win because I am afraid to take a chance? Or am I going to take a risk and go through it knowing it could change my life?'..... AND IT DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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?

They are wonderful. They are my rock and have supported me through thick and thin. I wouldn't change a thing.

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

They were supportive. When I returned to work they couldn't believe the difference they saw in me, even within that little amount of time. I told them the truth and I had lots of sick and vacation time so I took off three months.

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

Bring a funnel for all the water you will drink.... HAHAHA just kidding. I stayed my full 4 days because my surgery was out of pocket. If I paid for 4 days I wanted 4 days dang it. Bring antibacterial soap, nightgowns and besides the obvious things to bring (toothbrush etc.) bring inspirational books. I read a lot.

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

I have had low energy still. I had to double-up on iron because labs showed a deficiency. I had some foods that didn't agree and some weird stomach aches here and there. I lost hair a lot. It is still thin but it's coming back. It's a small price to pay!

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 anxious and scared. We all go through that with any surgery. You just gotta tell yourself it will be ok. I really researched my doctor. I think it helps when you know how much experience your doctor has, where he has studied and earned his MD. Facts like how many surgeries he has done, if he is board certified, what the outcomes were, were there any complications. You rely on it as your comfort.

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

I thought to myself OMG! I will NEVER be able to survive on just liquid for an entire week. Boy was I wrong. I could barely get the protein down let alone anything else. It was scary to drink or eat anything for the first time. You wonder what is going to happen. You don't feel any hunger. Eating becomes like taking medication. You do it because you have to.

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

I went all of about 80 miles or so to Inglewood, CA.

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 have not really had good luck with breads. Some meats upset me. Steaks. Stuff that is really chewy. I can pretty much eat everything, but I wouldn't want to. Fried foods are gross to me now. (I wasn't big on fried foods before surgery either). The key is moderation. In the first few months you are told to stick to high protein beans and mushy foods. I loved soy beans in the pods. Boil 'em up and serve it to me lightly sprinkled with salt. :) You aren't allowed meats until 5-6 months post op. You don't get much of an appetite but your appetite comes back. The good thing is you get full fast and you can control it! It will never be at the extent it was before. I try to stay away from carbs, eat proteins first on my plate... tuna is a meal I try to fit in almost every day.

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

Hahah oooh. You are asking the WRONG person on this one. I became involved with tae bo. I was dedicated to it for about 4 months but I slacked off. Right after surgery you get up and walk around. I have always done a bit of walking so this was ok for me. I also try to go to the gym. I go to Hollywood and dance on the weekends. That is my exercise along with how much I run around at work.

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

Bariatric Advantage - Calcium, multi-vitamin, B-12 (shots and suppliments) Iron doubled, because I became anemic. I had always suffered from it mildly. I get the ISOPURE low carb protein powder - best tasting stuff you can find.

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 think I have slightly experienced dumping. I got cold and clammy and sweaty. The first food intolerances were the worst. When you throw up it doesn't taste bad because it has no gastric juices, but I had problems catching my breath during vomiting. It feels aweful but nothing too terrible. My hair loss has been the worst. My hair is still thin.

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

It's been the most wonderful thing in my life. I wouldn't take it back for the WORLD! It wasn't a bad thing at all.

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

Dr. Korman's aftercare program is one of the best! We have a counselor we can talk to and support groups every month. The Dr. is so dedicated that even he attends a majority of them! What Dr. does that on his day off? And every year we have a bariatric family get-together.

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

It is like a cat scratch. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued at a few stages as my weight began to stabilize.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Heck yes. My friends have always been there but the guys that finally take notice in you are funny. Then you don't want to give them the time of day because you think to yourself, 'Where were you when I was bigger? I know what you're all about buddy!'