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

I began to learn about Roux-en-Y when I went to Pacific Bariatrics' lecture, and then went on to learn more about it on the internet. When they told us at the lecture that this was the "gold standard," I was impressed enough to want to go on.

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

I was fortunate in that I had TriCare insurance, because my husband is in the Navy. They approved me on the first referral letter.

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

I was a little scared, but Dr. Tanaka put me right at ease. Anyone planning a first visit to a bariatric surgeon should do a little homework first. Our visit went smoothly because I understood up front what we were going to do, and why.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could, and something told me the time was right. I want to live to see my kids grow up -- that was my deciding factor.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Pacific Bariatrics only did open Roux-en-Y, and they noted that it is the only procedure recommended by the National Institutes of Health. That sold me.

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 told Dr. T I needed to get back to my children, and I was afraid I would die from the surgery. He told me that was the least of my worries. If you're afraid, pick a doctor you trust, one who has done hundreds of these procedures and knows his way around the care of obese patients.

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 extremely supportive. My friends were too. I was very lucky. But even if they had not been supportive, I would have had the surgery. It's my body, my life on the line. I did this for me, so I could live a full life.

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

I was not employed at the time. Since I lost weight I have gone back to work, and my boss is thrilled with my progress and very encouraging. I'm the only woman on a construction site, and the guys are SO great about telling me how great I look. They're all cheering me on.

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

I stayed at Mercy in San Diego -- best care anywhere. Pillows, lots of pillows! I could have used some more for my poor buns!

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

No, I did not.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first couple weeks were scary. I thought of food constantly, and wondered if I had done the right thing. But I could feel myself getting smaller, and that pretty well relieved my fears.

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

You have to rest. You will be sore. You have to give your body a chance to heal. I tell everyone coming after me, this too shall pass, and you will feel so much better. Give it at least a month.

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

It was 15 minutes from my house. Very handy.

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 follow a strict protocol set up by Pacific Bariatrics. Within a couple weeks I could eat a one-egg omelet or other softer foods, like cottage cheese. String cheese became a staple for a while. Even though I am allowed to eat chicken and fish, I still (at 7 months) hae a hard time digesting them if I am not very careful about chewing. I no longer crave sweets at all, and in fact find the protein drinks to be too sweet (but very necessary).

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

At first I was very tired. Now, after losing nearly 130#, people are having to keep up with me! But it took a good while to get to that point. The first month was definitely the hardest.

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

A high-potency women's multiple daily, Stress-Tabs (for the high b-complex) daily, calcium-magnesium-zinc complex daily, b-12 twice a week. Protein drinks (Pro Complex or Ultra Pure Protein) on a daily basis, and often a protein bar for lunch.

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?

Dumping is no fun, but it's a good side effect in that it keeps me from eating a lot of stuff I might try. I have lost some hair, but the Stress Tabs have helped tremendously.

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

Waiting too long to decide to do it -- wish I had done it 5 years ago!

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

Pacific Bariatrics has monthly support groups in San Diego that I attend, and they also have one in North San Diego County that I frequently attend. In addition, a few of us who met online have our own little group, less formal but every bit as important, that also meets monthly. I would have a MUCH harder time getting through all these changes without my wonderful support groups. They are truly soulmates.

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

It runs from around the sternum to the navel, it's pink but not horrible, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Yes, I had surgery before, so I knew what the scar would or could look like. Dr. T does a nice job!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 18 months out, I have seen my weight loss slow considerably, and I've been on a plateau for about 2 months now, up and down the same 5 pounds or so. I know that this is a direct result of 1. Poor food choices; 2. Not enough water; and 3. Not enough exercise. In my new location I am just now getting together with a new primary care physician -- I intend to work with her to break through this plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and I think I treat life differently. I'm smiling almost all the time, and people notice how up-beat I am.