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

My sister and I were talking one day and she asked if I had ever looked into bariatric surgery to help me. I wasn't sure if it was for me, but I did some research and talked with people that have had the surgery.

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

Insurance approval seemed to take forever. I was patient and provided all the information my insurance company required. Be patient and cooperative.

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

The first visit with Dr. Kaczmarski was great. I didn't just meet with him, but all of his staff at the Barix Clinic. They treated me with respect and told me EXACTLY what to expect from beginning to end. He told me not only about the benefits of the surgery but the negative aspects as well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of not being able to do the things I used to once enjoy...scuba diving, running, playing with my son, riding a bike, etc.

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

My hospital stay was for 3 days. I had my surgery at The Barix Clinic in Pennsylvania. Gastric Bypass surgeries are the only surgeries they perform at this clinic. So, the entire staff was very prepared for anything that might have gone wrong. The most important thing to bring with you to your surgery is the thought of knowing you are changing your life in a most positive way. Bring the love of all your family and friends with you, it's what gets you through those first few days.

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

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?

The hardest thing was staying on the liquid diet for such a long time. It was for the best, to allow my stomach to heal, but it was difficult. What got me through was knowing that eventually I would be able to eat foods, that I would begin to lose weight. I had the support of friends and family behind me, which is a major aspect of what got me through.

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

My first few weeks home were frustrating. I felt good, but I knew I couldn't do some of the things I wanted to. I would suggest to not overdo anything when you get home. You may feel good, but your body is healing and you need to listen to it. Rest, drink your fluids, WALK, Walk, Walk, and drink!

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

I traveled 225 miles to have my surgery. Didn't really affect my aftercare at all. I have had to travel back twice since my surgery for follow-up visits, but it's a small price to pay for my long term health.

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.

One thing I haven't been able to tolerate is pure water. It turns my stomach. If I have water, it must be flavored. Typically I drank apple juice, grape juice, decaf tea, etc. No fatty foods, no sugary foods.

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

My scar is larger than I thought it would be. But, the reason is because I had to have my gall bladder removed at the same time of the surgery. It's about 8 inches long, down the very center of my stomach. I've been massaging it with creams to hopefully minimize it. We'll see if it works!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are noticing that I'm losing weight. I wouldn't say they are treating me differently...at least not yet.