Changed my Life - Torrance, CA

I was quickly reaching a point where I couldn't walk more than a block. In my case there was an avalanche of events. I had my diabetes doctor recommendation, then my internist, then a foot and ankle doctor all say to me "have you heard of gastric bypass?" Then I was on a family trip, and suddenly I couldn't participate. I couldn't walk, I couldn't fit in a roller coaster, I had because of a broken foot started using a wheelchair. Then the straw that broke the camels back was when the actor James Gandolfini passed away of a heart attack while in Italy on a trip with his son. That was a cold slap of reality for me.
The process with Dr. Takahashi was not simple. It was carefully thought through, and very well managed. She is a professional, and I've seldom met a doctor who is so widely respected and admired. The lead up to surgery was six months. It was full of hoops; and I now understand why they were all in place. It took that long to prepare me for a major change in my life. I also quickly realized that my doctor did not accept failure. Also that she was not into this for the money, but for the difference she was making in people's lives.
I'm not going to go into the details of the procedure, that's easily found on the internet. I will say that I got excellent care from Torrance Memorial, and Dr. Takahashi's staff. All these years later, I still go in for a yearly check-up; and have available to me monthly support meetings as needed.
What I do want to tell you if you're considering this procedure is to remember this is a tool. I lost, and have kept off 136 pounds. My health is greatly improved. For me the whole process was, in looking back, not a big deal. For me, and I realize everyone is different the post surgery pain really wasn't significant. The initial return to eating (liquid diet, protein drinks, etc.) was eased by seeing weight drop off of me.
Several years out now, I eat pretty much everything I want, just in very small quantities. I can have a taste of anything I want. Instead of a steak, maybe I'll have a hamburger patty. I've never felt deprived. I eat slower, I chew better and I enjoy the flavors more. I try to limit carbs. Protein first, vegies then carbs. I'm not perfect, but it's not hard. I keep an eye on the scale, and if I gain more than a few pounds, I get strict and exercise more. Exercise is key, just walking makes a difference.
When Dr. Takahashi tells you to do something, listen and just do it. Don't try to reinvent or do it "anther way." She's got the experience --- cut to the chase and follow --- it will go easier on you. Realize that you're making a commitment for life. You will have to take vitamins, you will have to follow your new diet. It's not fun is you stray to far or too fast.
Again, we're all different, but don't be scared away by people and their stories. "I had a friend, who's mother's cousin ate a burrito after the surgery and they died..." all this stuff is BS. I never could figure out why people would even tell you this stuff. You eat too much, you puke. Pretty simple. You eat the wrong stuff, you puke. Then you learn. Some of us slower than others. Follow the Doc's rules, you'll be fine.
If you need this, you've tried to loose weight and it hasn't work, then do it sooner than later. If you're diabetic, don't wait until the disabling side effects have set in. I wish this option had existed years ago. Also remember that the procedure being done now is not the same as 10 to 15 years ago.
Dr. Takahashi's office is a well oiled, well operated machine. Full of compassion, skill and knowledge. I will always be appreciative of what they did for me, and my family.