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

I saw Dr. Quebbemann's invitation to an informational session on The New Program in the "Orange County Register." I spoke to my husband about it and we both decided to call and register. Dr. Quebbemann's presentation was very well organized, giving statistics about the success and failures of dieting, the surgical procedure of gastric bypass as well as the adjustable lap band procedure. Along with Dr. Q, a psychologist by the name of Dr. David Engstrom was available to answer questions, along with two patients who had bariatric surgery about one year previous. We were encouraged to ask any of these individuals as many questions as we liked.

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

This is definitely the nail-biting stage. I didn't think my insurance company would approve my laparoscopic gastric bypass as I didn't have any co-morbidities. However, much to my surprise, they did. My advice is to pursue it with your physician and insurance company, appeal if you have to and be persistent.

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

Informative. My husband accompanied me to my consultation and we both came with questions as to what to expect. Dr. Quebbemann answered all of our questions and made us feel comfortable in discussing the procedure. I scheduled my surgery the same day I saw him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The risk factors I may have to face if I kept up with the lifestyle I currently had.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a permanent procedure. I'm sure the lap-band is a great device, but I'd heard too many people say that they could outsmart it. Also, the weight loss is not as dramatic with the lap-band and I just didn't like the idea of having a device implanted in my body.

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 really didn't have any fears. I knew I had come to a point in my life where I had to do something drastic to change my lifestyle. I went in with an optimistic attitude about how my life would change for the better after I had this surgery and it certainly has.

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?

The only person who knew I was having surgery was my husband. I purposely didn't share the information with family and friends as I didn't want them to worry about me and I didn't want anyone to talk me out of surgery. My family still doesn't know, but will be pleasantly surprised the next time they see me. I told my best friend the day I came home from the hospital. She was surprised at what I had done, but is very supportive.

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

I work out of my home and didn't have any reason to share this information with my employer.

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

My hospital stay was very uneventful. I spent two nights in the hospital and was home before noon on the second post-op day. After surgery, I slept the remainder of that day and night. Early morning of post-op day one, a nurse came in to remove my catheter (yeah!). After that, I was able to use the restroom with assistance from the nursing staff. I dozed off and on, but felt pretty alert.

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

None.

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 really didn't have any anxiety. I knew I had made the right decision for me. I went about my usual routine and before you know it, the day had arrived.

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

I took it slow my first couple of days after I got home, but by day four, I was back into my work routine. Since I work out of my home, I had the luxury of getting up when I wanted to and taking a nap if I needed to. I am proud to say that I attended my surgeon's support group meeting exactly one week post-op. Everyone in the group was amazed at how well I had done and that I was already out and about. I'm now entering post-op week four and feel fantastic. I'm amazed at how my energy level has increased and I feel so much more comfortable with myself.

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

About five miles to the next community.

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 two weeks post-op, you are pretty much on liquids -- protein powder, soup, etc. I was also able to tolerate jello and applesauce and non-fat and low sugar frozen yogurt tasted great. I'm now in the pureed/soft foods stage. Yes, some foods are easier to tolerate than others and food that doesn't agree with you, comes back up, but I look at it as an effective way of knowing what you can and can't eat. Carbonated beverages can be hit and miss. There are days when I tolerate them better than others. Sugar free Kool Aid and Crystal Light are great substitutes.

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

I notice a difference in my energy level every day. I don't dread some of the things that I used to. I feel like I am able to accomplish more daily as I have more energy. I am definitely sleeping better.

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

Centrum chewable multivitamins Liquid iron drops (you can't taste them in the protein drinks) Calcium chews (Viactive Milk Chocolate taste like candy!) Tums are also a good form of calcium Met-Rx Milk Chocolate Protein Powder (I like to add orange, banana and mint extracts to it to jazz it up)

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'm really not suffering with any major side effects. If I eat something that doesn't agree with me, I will vomit, but not that often.

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

The worst part was the barium swallow that my physician ordered before I was released from the hospital to home. It tasted horrible! Other than that, I can honestly say the whole experience has been very positive and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

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

Dr. Quebbemann has an awesome support group who is run by a psychologist by the name of Dr. David Engstrom. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about surgery, has a date or is post-op to attend. It's a chance to discuss various experiences with patients at varying stages post-op. I didn't think I'd enjoy attending as much as I do and look forward to attending every two weeks.

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

Practically nonexistent. I have five very small (about 3/4") incisions on my abdomen. Dr. Quebbemann didn't use sutures, just steri-strips. I don't think I'll have any long lasting scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had any since surgery, but I'm sure I will somewhere along the way.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I've lost 27 pounds as of this date and I treat myself differently. I don't dread getting out of bed in the morning and I love the fact that my clothes are loose fitting and my belts on the last notch.