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

I first found out about this through the news. Then I went to a seminar in San Diego explaining the surgery. This was about 2-3 years ago. When I found out Kaiser would do a referral, I began my quest for information through the Internet.

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

Actually, I had a very easy time of it. I have Kaiser and Dr. Davenport is my PCP. I saw him onApril 19, 2001 we did blood work, urine tests, ekg and then it went to the Kaiser review person. He approved it and the Pacific Bariatric group called me on June 4 to set up a lecture date. On July 12th I attended a lecture in Riverside. On August 1 I went to San Diego to be seen by my surgeon, cardiologist and the psychologist and then on 8-21 they scheduled surgery for the 30th of October. Total time 6 months. I am very persistent and always ask if a form can be faxed or "is it ok if I pick it up?" or what can I do to expedite the process. I think I did real well, this time!

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

I have a great sense of humor. Dr. Tanaka is very serious. I think I caught him off guard. So be serious! Be absolutely sure of all the questions you have re: surgery, anesthesia, pain meds, hygine, everything. The doctor and nurse are there to help. So ask away!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided when I was absolutely positive that I could not do this alone. That I needed more than a support group to keep me in line. But most of all, it is the fact that I do not want to die and not see my grandchildren grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Actually, the Pacific Bariatric Group only perform the open RNY so I did not have a choice!

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?

Dying from surgery or from a stroke or heart attack...which is worse? I have a better chance with the surgery. I have a mother that is an Registered Nurse and a daughter that is a Physician's Credentialing Manager so, if anything goes wrong, one of them will correct it..Even if I die.

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 daughter is very excited. My mother is very worried. I am getting alot of mixed feelings and emotions from my friends.

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

My supervisor says it is great and that I must go ahead with it. I told him when I first started the process that I was going to have this and that I needed to do this for me.

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

I was in the Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego. The nursing care was the best. I was actually there for 6 days. I had 2 "attacks" that turned into anxiety attacks. The doctor kept me a little longer to make sure all was well. I cannot think of anything special to bring. The nurses and staff pretty much supplied all that I needed.

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

No complications from surgery. Like I had said, I was having anxiety attacks but only due to personal stress.

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 extremely excited about the surgery and not worried at all. I knew that this was for me and that it was the only way that I was going to become a healthy individual. The anxiety that came after the surgery was the fact that I was under alot of personal stress. This had nothing to do with the surgery.

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

I do not belong to a support group. Nor have I joined a program. Actuqlly, I do not know where one is located. I really do not feel like I need one, now.

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

My scar is very long and off to the side. Still very pink. I did expect a scar so this was not a surprise to me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at 6 months now and have been at this plateau for weeks. I have lost 90 pounds but I cannot seem to get this 10 pounds off. I am very anxious to hit the 100 pound mark!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY! When I was heavy it was like I was invisible! Now the men are talking to me, people are telling me how good I look. I have been invited out much more often! It is amazing how the extra weight makes one an outcast!