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

I saw an ad in the Reader for Alvarado Hospital's weight loss surgery program. Since I had an HMO & was with Aetna HMO I went to the seminar at Sharp. I was very impressed, but also scared.

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

I can't speak for everyone because my insurance approved in 2 business days. Boy was I shocked. All I can say is get all your information together to be submitted. Keep on the doctors office & the insurance company. Please if you get your approval letter don't wait to call your doctor. I think that's so stupid. People want to see how long it takes for the doctor to call them, you want this surgery you have to call the doctor.

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

I saw two different surgeons. The first surgeon I don't know if I could have handled their stipulations. I would have been on liquids for 3 weeks but the doctor I did have the surgery with I was on liquids for a week which I was able to handle. I like my surgeon, he was very nice, efficient, & knew what he was doing. I say just ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My friend Allison had surgery and lost 130 lbs. I said to myself & my fiance' that's it I've had it. I can't take this anymore. I'm not healthy & I am tired of being fat. So I called my primary doctor and she set me up with my referal.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor helped me on that. He only did open rny & I said ok.

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 to mentally prepare myself for my worst fears, but I had to decide what my worst fears were. If I died, that was it for me, it would be my family & friends that would have to deal with that. What if though I had terrible complications that I couldn't lead a normal life?! Tear in my stomach or the stable gun misfirering & doing permenent damage. I dealt with it.

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 fiance' & friends were so very supportive. My one sister didn't like the idea but gave me the support I needed. My other sister was so against it that I had to stop speaking to her for 4 weeks. It was horrible, but I didn't need the stress & aggravation.

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 days and I begged the doctor to let me go home. The hospital stay was ok but it wore me out. Most important things to bring is lip gloss, chapstick, or vasaline. You will need it. You can bring magazines, comfy clothes, hair brush, clips, bathrobe, & other stuff you would bring to a hotel.

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

My surgery was a complete success. There were no problems until 2 weeks after, I wound up getting an infection in my incision. It's painful & I'm still dealing with it today. I am told that this is common especially among women that have had c-sections.

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 am coping well. I do get sad & depressed & it is hard dealing with what I can eat verses what I should eat. Even though it's an item I can it my stomach may not be able to handle it. Thank God eggs are ok for me lol.

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

My time home after surgery wasn't so bad. Yes I was uncomfortable but I felt no pain. I was surprised cause I"m a baby. The only time I felt pain was when this infection grew and we are dealing with that now.

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

I live in Chula Vista, CA and my surgery was in Poway. It's about 40 minutes to the hospital & the doctor's office.

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.

The first week I would have chicken broth (beef didnt agree with me), sugar free jello, & unsweetened drinks. I am able to hold down crackers, mashed potatoes, but becareful what you eat. I can drink 2%milk but you have to watch your sugar intake.

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

I was walking alot more the first week after surgery, now with the infection I do not walk as much as I should. But that will change. I spoke to the doctor & he said to walk walk walk. He's the boss.

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

chewable multivitamins, calcium, iron, tums, and zinc.

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 dumping & it was horrible. I do throw up alot of phlem, I am nausious at times & my sleep is irratic. I am 3weeks out. I just let it ride. There's not much more I can do about it.

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

Dealing with the doctor's office. The office manager at the time was so nasty. I didn't like her at all & I was told by my doctor's office that I wasn't the only one to complain about her.

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

I chat at obesityhelp.com, I have the website that my doctor's office has posted which is thinnertimes.com, & I also attend support group meetings at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital.

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

My scar is long because I had open surgery. It is healing nicely but now that they had to open part of it to drain the infection it's very uncomfortable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet however I know I will get them. I have lost 28lbs in 24 days so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, my fiance' keeps looking at me & tells me how much thinner I'm looking.