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

My PCP told me about it and after doing some research I knew it was the surgery for me.

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

It was worse that WW I & II put together. I read about people who were easily approved but that was not the case for me. I continued to fight the good fight and eventually I won!

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

Just like any other doctor visits.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After I researched the surgery I knew at that point it was for me. There was no turning back at that point.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just read about them all and talked to my surgeon.

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 really didnt have a life and I knew it was because of my weight. I read about the possible complications and I asked myself one question "Is this surgery worth it?" So I say ask yourself "Would you rather continue to live your life as is and are you ready to do something about it?"

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 family and friends were and still is very supportive.

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

I didnt have any problems.

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 2 days. I remember my mouth being very dry. I cant say I was in a lot of pain b/c I was doped up. I had to have a bowel movement before they would release me from the hospital. I remember that being a painful experience.

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

When I over eat or eat something too sweet I sometimes will dump. My dumping comes in the form of bad stomach pain, hot flashes, dizziness, and/or throwing up. I've learned how much to eat which is hard b/c sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I also try to stay away from sugary sweets. I sometimes go several days without have a bowl movement. I have increased my fiber intake and that has helped. I also suffer from anemia. I'm currenly taking 3 iron pills, vit c and b-complex daily.

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 stayed off from work 2 weeks and I simply laid on my couch. I was hard to walk for the first few days. It got better.

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

Stay in bed/couch. Follow your doctors orders as far as what you should eat.

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

50 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.

My surgery was 3 years ago so I cant remember. I do remember just drinking liquids the first 2 weeks. It gets old week 2... trust me. I ate alot of boiled eggs, mashed potatos, refried beans... stuff like that.

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

I was a couch potato.

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

Multi-vit, b-12, calcium, iron, b-complex, vit v, bioten (helps with hair loss)

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?

Vomiting...just learn what you can and cant eat and howmuch.

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

Dumping

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

I dont have one and I'm just fine.

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

My doctor was great. My scars are so small and thin you can barely see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent gained any weight. I just continued to lose. Pre op - 250...post op - 136.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get more attention from everyone especially guys.