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

I had 2 friends that had bariatric surgery. I originally felt that I would never consider this because it was too drastic. But once my health started going bad the decision was easy.

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

Healthnet HMO was very difficult to get approval for the wls type that I felt was best for me even thought he surgeon accepted their insurance and my pcp referred me. It was only after changing to Blue Cross PPO that I got my approval. The best advice I can give anyone it be persistent and never give up. Use all your resources to get info that will help you get what you need.

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

I was nervous but went prepared with a list of questions that i had. i asked the questions and jotted in answers to go over later with my spouse. Do your homework before going...know something about the procedure the surgeon does..have questions prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I made the decision to have surgery after being diagnosed with arthritis in my joints and moderate to severe sleep apnea. I felt that I had to do the surgery to regain overall health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did research on the different surgeries and had friend that had had different types. I compared their experiences with the research and made the decision that was best for 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?

Stay positive and focus on a positive outcome. Your body reacts to the stress of worry. Don't worry be happy!!

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 husband and children were very supportive, while my parents and grandparents were originally skeptical.

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 all the way both before, during and after 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 3 days. I was in California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. I had wonderful nurses and it was a great hospital. However, I had the bariatric bed from HELL!! I think the darn bed was possessed. It was the most uncomfortable, tempermental piece of furniture I have ever had the displeasure to come in contact with. I think they threw it away after I left..

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

I had not complications.

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 actually was very lucky and felt relatively well after surgery. My energy was good and things went smoothly.

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

Eat small amounts, get rest and let your body heal. It is important to walk small distances and move!!! YOu must not be a couch potato..the more you move and follow doctors orders the better you will feel

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

I traveled 46 miles.

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.

Beef and dairy were off limits for awhile. The first weeks it was broth, jello, chicken, seafood, peanut butter and protein drinks. Everything was in small amounts and was chopped at first. eAch week saw something new added to the diet.

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

I walked daily!! Every hour i walked 5-10 laps around my pool or around my block. MOvement really seemed to help me heal.

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

I take pre-natals, calcium and Potassium.

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 little nausea and practically no vomiting. I am experiencing some hair loss but hair dresser says all is well.

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

THAT DAMN BARIATRIC BED FROM HELL!! Truly that was the worst part..if I they would have let me sleep in the recliner in my room I would have.

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

A monthly meeting with Rabkins group and a small group of friends that have had the surgery locally.

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

Very straight and shrinking just like the rest of me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateaus are regular and occur about every 10 days. Then suddenly I start dropping again. It has been like clock work. At 8 month post op I have lost 145 pounds and wear a x-large or large...it is way cool!! At 12 months post op..I have now lost 168 pounds and wear a size 12!! That is mega cool!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really..but they do seem surprised at my changed appearance.Many people that haven't seen me in awhile are shocked and some do not recognize me until I speak.