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

A couple of ladies that I work with had the surgery performed. I was impressed, but scared. I waited 2 years before calling Dr. Callery and attending a seminar.

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

I had no problems with insurance approval. Dr. Callery had me tested for sleep apnea due to my snoring problem. When the test came back positive, he submitted the request. It was approved on the first try. The approval took about 3 weeks.

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

I met with the Physician's Assistant. Write down all of your concerns or questions. This will help you remember everything you want to discuss. They are very open to answer any of your questions. The seminar that Dr. Callery had prior to this appointment was very informative. I learned a lot at this meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I weighed the most I had every weighed in my life. I wanted to be around my children for many years to come. I missed the closeness that my husband and I had shared. Due to the increased weight gain, my asthma and snoring were getting worse.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Callery only provides one procedure (RNY).

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 had many fears. I thought about everything and anything that could go wrong. I then stopped stressing and prayed about it. I knew that God would see me through the surgery. He did and I came through without any complicatons.

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 mother was hysterical when I told her about the surgery. She was very against it, but tried to keep her opinions to herself. My husband and kids were very supportive. I didn't discuss this with my co-workers, only the few that are close friends. One friend seemed a little stand-offish and I feel that our friendship has changed since I've had the surgery. My family is now totally excited about my weight loss, even my mother.

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

I told my supervisor exactly what I was doing. He was very supportive. I was out of work for 7 weeks.

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 from Monday morning to Wednesday morning. The staff was wonderful! Items to bring include slippers (for walking), book, toothbrush, shampoo, etc. It is very important to use the spirometer for your breathing and to walk every 2 hours. I feel that contributed to the low amount of pain that I had.

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

I had very little pain and no 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?

Every week I feel 100% better. I have more energy than I've ever had. I've regained that close relationship with my husband and children. I feel like I've been given a new life. The emotions and feeling are incredible.

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

The first couple of weeks are hard. The amount of liquid you can drink is very small. I crushed up ice cubes and poured crystal light over them. This and sugar-free popsicles were a lifesaver. You'll be amazed at how little you can eat and become full.

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

Luckily my surger was only about 30 minutes from my home. It is very convenient and worked out great.

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.

Every week my tolerance for food becomes better. The first couple of weeks I ate soups. Then graduated to soft foods like tuna, scrambled eggs, protein shakes, etc. I am almost 2 months out and can eat almost everything. Rice, corn and doughy breads are off limits until 6 months out. I'm trying to stay away from sodas because they can stretch the pouch. I have to watch my cheese intake. If it's mixed with anything (large amount) it doesn't digest well and that is the only thing I've gotten sick on.

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

The first couple of weeks I completely layed around except for walking around the house every 2 hours. I didn't want to overdue it. My energy level now is 120% better.

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

I take a multi-vitamin 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've only vomited about 5-6 times since surgery. Around the one month period I experienced dumping, but nothing recently. I do get nausiated, but when this happens I know exactly what caused it. My hair hasn't started falling out yet.

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

The worst part of the surgery for me was getting used to the blood thinning shots in my stomach and the IV they gave me before surgery. After the first couple of shots, I was fine.

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

Dr. Callery has several support groups located throughout San Diego. As well as a nutrition group. I feel they are very helpful. You can discuss any problem you may have and see if others have experienced the same thing.

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

My scar is about 5-6" long. It is longer than I expected, but Dr. Callery does plastic surgery inside and out, so it looks great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

For 3 weeks I stayed the same and when I returned to work during week 7, I started walking during breaks and lunch. The first week I dropped 4 lbs. Walking is a big plus!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

For the most part everyone is being very supportive. The strange thing about work is that people who never talked to me before were asking about me while I was off. I've seen one of my friendships change during this time. Others had warned me that some friendships might change after surgery.