| My Surgeon and Surgery Group Experience |
| Pre-Surgery Weight: 372 pounds Surgery Date: 10-10-2000 Surgeery group: Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego, Ca Surgeon: Dr. Tanaka I was referred to Pacific Bariatrics by my Nurse Practioner at Mesa West Medical in Bakersfield, Ca. My insurance company was Aetna HMO, and was I lucky because they were a pleasure to deal with. Pacific Bariatrics held an informational seminar in Bakersfield and started the process of my surgery approval. Dr. Tanaka spoke at the seminar and covered everything from pre-op to post-op. Their staff gave me a packet that included information about the surgery, a test I had to pass in order to have surgery, and a medical history evaluation. After I completed the test and filled out the medical history eval I sent the information to Pacific Bariatrics who then applied to my health insurance for surgery. I had a consult with an internist, met with the surgeon, and had a psychiatric evaluation all in San Diego California and all on the same day. After I passed all of those Pacific Bariatrics sent away for final approval for surgery and within two days my insurance company approved it!! They then set a surgery date for October 10, 2000 which was a month away from when I got approval. When I went to San Diego a day before the surgery I was greeted by a staff member who took the people having surgery on a tour of the hospital and showed us informational videos. They took my final weight and the next day I had surgery. I was very nervous the morning of and once in the operating room was given a sedative and the last thing I remember was a doctor saying hello to me before knocking me out. When I woke up in the recovery room I felt no pain and didn't think I even had the surgery!! I was taken to a room all to myself and given pain medication if needed. I stayed in the hospital for 4 days total and the nursing staff was absolutely wonderful. Dr. Tanaka visited me a few times and I must say he had either a very dry sense of humor or bad bedside manner (Im going with the sense of humor part) because he made some weird comments. I am still very happy with him though because I trusted him completely with my life. He is very strict though and wants you to drink alot of water and protein drink. Overall I would recommend this group and surgeon to everyone. |