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

Reommended by Dr. Princeton when I was seeing him, asking for help in losing weight. He informed me of the surgery and wrote me a referral to see a surgeon for the Gastric Bypass Surgery, as he felt this would be a more successful start for me.

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

It wasn't that difficult to get approval from Medi-cal. The Doctors had me do a ton of tests, EKG, Chest Xrays, Lab Work, Sleep Apnea Test, Psychological Evaluation, etc. Once all my tests were complete, they sent them off to the insurance with a recommendation letter, and I was approved on my 1st try!

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

Very informative. I left feeling at easy and secure with my choice to have this surgery. I felt very comfortable choosing them as my doctor. To get the most out of your appointments...ASK ALOT OF QUESTIONS! Ask about the risks, the aftercare, the long term effects, nutrition, excercise, and anything else you can possibly think of. If you don't walk away from your appointment with total security and faith in that doctor, then don't go back. Find another Doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was beginning to fail. I was developing high blood pressure, was always tired, out of breath. I was always staying home and never going out. I felt as if I were losing control of my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The procedure was recommended by Dr. Martin & Dr. Chung, at their orientation.

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 have no fears really. I feel that if my time has come, it has come. Otherwise I'm having this surgery to regrain control of my life, and start living it again!

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?

They were very supportive. They asked alot of questions out of curiosity. Some of my friends lacked concern or even care in fear of risks, jealousy, or whatever their motivation.

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

unemployed. doesn't apply.

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

My stay was enjoyable and pleasant. I was there for 3 days. The most important thing to bring is something to do, as you get bored laying there, and definitely a comfortable pillow or 2!!

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

No complications whatsoever

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 overwhelmed with excitement. I was very happy and couldn't weight to begin my new life.

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

I was very sore. Not realy in pain. Just sore. Tired. I couldn't stand up completely straight for 2 and 1/2 weeks. I wore my wrap for my 1st 2 weeks for extra support. It made it easier for me to move, and gave me some security. I had a slight fear my guts were gonna fall out. Hehe.

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

about 90 minutes away. I live in Hanford and had to drive down to Bakersfield. It didn't affect my aftercare at all. I made my appointments.

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 was on pure liquid diet my 1st 4 weeks, soft mushy foods til about 6 weeks, after my 3rd month i pretty much eat whatever I want, but I'm smart about it. Everytime I get ready to put something in my mouth I have to ask myself if it will provide me any nutritional value. If it doesn't I don't eat it, because I need the room!

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

Every few weeks my daily activities, and energy levels increase. I'm able to get up and go and now it is at the point I never want to stay at home!

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

1 Super B Complex Daily 2 Flintstones Complete Daily Vitamins 2 Citracal Tablets Daily 1 Biotin Tablet Daily

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 hair loss my first 9 months. I didn't have any bald spots, but my hair did get drastically thin. Not to the point I needed a wig though.

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

Not being able to eat your favorite old foods, while others eat it in front of you.

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

Well, I have made many friends through the internet who have been a great emotional support for me. I have a great aftercare program through Dr. Martin & Dr. Chung. They work well with my primary physician to take excellent care of me, and Debb Murr checks up on me pretty regularly.

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

Hideous. Its about 8-10 inches long down the center, from my breastline to my belly button. Actually I think it looks better than I expected. I expected to look like frankenstein. HAHA!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well from october to november 2006 I started working out at curves everyday. Well for that whole month I technically didnt lose any weight, and I gained a pound. I had an emotional breakdown because I feared my surgery wasn't a success. The doctor informed me thats because I started working out. I lost inches, so I actually gained muscle and lost fat. But i'm good now!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!! People are always looking, praising me on my success, smiling, acting much friendlier towars me, my kids have commented how guys are always checking me out. I never even notice!