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

I found out about it from my MD at Kaiser hospital in Fontana. I was very scared at first, knowing that the surgery involved stapling part of my stomach. I was afraid I would endure a lot of pain after surgery. I had heard so many different side effects that people would tell me. Diahrrea, nausea, vomiting.

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

It took a long time to go through different channels, about 6 months. I was beginning to think I wouldn't be approved.

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

My surgeon was late, because of an emergency situation, but I was happy he could see me this day as Los angeles is a long way from where I live. It was a quick visit, but he took the time to ask me if I had any questions. He answered my questions even though I was very nervous.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not lose weight all my life and always continued to gain it all back plus more.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not have a choice, it was given to me by my doctor.

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 really think about this, I just did it, and said to myself that I was willing to try this, since it was my only hope to lose weight.

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 was very supportive, but, very concerned about what would happen after surgery and in the future.

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

They did not know I had any surgery.

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 days. It was very frightening, but the nurses were very helpful and answered all my questions.They really try to make sure you are pain free, the whole time. Most important things to bring are a gown, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant,.

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

The only thing I had was a mild reddness around the staples. The staples had to be left in a week longer.

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 very happy and relieved that the time was finally arriving. I was really looking forward to it, but had mild anxiety.

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

In the first few weeks, I suffered mild nausea and vomiting. I was weak, and slept a lot. People should expect to rest a lot.

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

I had to travel 50 miles to the hospital. This did not effect 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.

I can only eat chicken, fish, cottage cheese, vegetables and fruit. I can't eat ice cream, lowfat milk, red meat, anything oily.

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

I was not able to walk very far until about 6 month afrer surgery.

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

I take a vitamin B12 shot once a month, multivitamin supplement, and 2,000 mil of calcium a day.

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?

nausea and vomiting only lasted temporary, and it came and went. I still have periods of dumping syndrome, if I eat something that is not right with my system.

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

Having to drink liquids for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Not being able to drin any liquids after surgery( for only 24 hrs) My mouth was so dry all I did was ask the nurses for water.

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

We have a web site for patients, as well as group lectures and discussions every so often that is hosted by the UCLA medical group doctors and nurses.

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

My scar can be seen, but it has faded, and has seemed to fade as the months go by. It is not a wide scar either, as I might have thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right around 1 year after surgery, I experienced a plateau. I have continued losing the weight but, it has slowed down. On the average last few months I have lost maybe 4-5 lbs a month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I still need to lose more weight, so It hasn't changed. I will say that it is a remarkable change, a difference between then and now.