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

Was interested in anything that would work... wasn't aware of how sever this surgery was tho

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

My insurance is Kaiser. Its a long drawn out process but in the end its well worth it.

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

Was kind of unhappy about the meeting. My surgeon wanted me to join a gym (get a personal trainer which is super expensive) lose weight and do all this with painful arthritis in my knees. So I set out to get this surgery and went to the gym... paid for the personal trainer and lost 13 pounds before my surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had too many things healthwise not to do it. Sleep apnea, adema in my ankles, asthma, my blood pressure was slowly becoming elevated and the worst of all was the arthritis in my knees. Without this surgery I don't believe I would have survived the next 10 years.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor that I was referred to only performed 1 surgery and that is what I had.

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 didn't have any fears. I should have because I had a complication. I found out I'm allergic to morphine and went into a coma. This is scarey now that its over with, my doctor was very afraid for me and was afraid I might not make it thru the night.

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'm very lucky, my parents and family and all my work friends and even my special man were all very supportive.

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 too. I took the full 6 weeks off. Even now if I'm not feeling well after lunch they are sympathetic.

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 4-1/2 days. Hospitals are not fun... don't expect to get alot of rest there, seems they always want to take your blood pressure or give you a shot or change an IV... I needed to get back to the hotel to get some rest! Bring a robe and slippers and your prescribed medicine.

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

Yep - was allergic to morphine (didn't know it before) I went into a coma and woke up in ICU with tube down my throat and restrained. I was totally confused and had no clue what happened to me. Luckily I had my parents with me and they explained what had happened.

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 so excited and anxious to go and do this. I always wanted to talk about it to anyone. I especially liked talking to people in my support group that had been there and listened to all their advice.

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

It was difficult for me especially being on the liquid diet. Watching TV I about went crazy. You don't realize how many commercials are all about food until you can't have any. I returned immediately to the gym (with my Drs. approval) and walked alot.

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

I live in Sacramento and traveled to San Diego. My Drs. group comes to Sacramento periodically to check up on their patients.

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.

First three (3) weeks were liquid, broth, water, popsciles, jello. Then they added back malto-meal cereal, youghert, mashed potatoes. Not much because 3 bites and your full. Next they add back chicken. Small bites and chew until its mush. Then they added back a few veggies cooked to very soft and pasta very soft. This is the stage I'm at now. I personally have had a difficult time keeping food down. I'm now at the point where I go 4-5 days without incident and then I don't do well.

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

8 days after surgery I was back at the gym doing my water aerobic exercises. I walked when not in the pool.

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

I take a chewable multivitamin. B-12 once a week. I take viactin. its a chewable calcium supplement. (makes me think I'm getting a piece of chocolate!)

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 had/have a problem keeping food down. I try really hard not to over eat or eat too fast (prime reasons for food coming back up) I'm only 2 months post op, but I've heard some people even 1 year post op still have problems keeping food down. I have only dumped once. I don't ever want to do it again. I ate something too greasy and I thought I was going to die. I was on the verge of calling my sister to take me to the emergency room when it finally subsided (2 doses of Imodium AD later)

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

The beginning. I felt "what have I done to myself" I don't believe I was prepared for how sever this surgery was. At this point, I feel I'm glad to have done it, but I wish I would have been more prepared.

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

I belong to Kaiser Support Group. Its very important for asking questions and they have guest speakers that have great things for the bariatric patient. I strongly suggest finding one and participating.

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

Its still big as life because again, I'm only 2 months out. And its still healing and sometimes itches like crazy!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm losing steady... 56 pounds in less than 2 months. I think this progress is wonderful.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people first say how they can see the difference in my face and body and secondly they all say I have a different attitude. They say I'm happy and bubbly and personally I don't see it, but its very nice to hear.