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

The first time I heard about it, my friends brother in law died the day of his surgery. He never woke up afterwards. So, I never even gave it a second thought. Then last year, a couple people at work had the surgery and I saw the weight coming off and I talked to them about it, and from there, I decided to have it done.

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

I didnt have any problems, my surgeons office contacted the insurance and I was approved within a week and a half.

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

It was interesting. I had a ton of questions for the surgeon. I think to get the most out of the visit, you need to ask as many questions as possible.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The question and answers with the surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon suggested I have the gastric bypass, but I was not comfortable with that. I wanted something that could be easily reversed if need be.

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?

You cant let fear run your life. My personal belief is that when it is your time, it doesnt matter where you are or what you are doing, so as long as my time wasnt up, everything would be fine. But I was nervous.

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?

It was funny, I was afraid to tell my family. I didnt think they would support my decision. They suprised me, they were very supportive and after surgery they all helped me out.

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

I didnt tell my supervisor what kind of surgery I was having, I felt it wasnt her business. I was out of work for 6 weeks, I could have gone back sooner, but I stayed home as long as I could afford to.

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 for 3 days, really didnt have any complaints about it. The important things to bring is anything that makes you feel good.

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

NONE!

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 was in shock, I really didnt think it would be approved. Once it was approved, it was only 2 1/2 weeks till my surgery date. I was a bit nervous, but I just kept thinking about what life would be like after I lose the weight.

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

I didnt have any problems. It was a bit hard to sleep, I couldnt get comfy. But otherwise, I dont remember any problems. I had pain meds from the doctor, but I only used them the first night home.

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

My surgeon was about 20 miles away.

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.

I really dont remember week by week, but at first, it was mostly fluids and mashed things. Very small portions. Now I can eat just about anything, not much of it. I stay away from fried foods, they make me vomit. I also try to stay away from sugar.

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

I did a ton of walking, it actaully made me feel good.

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

I take on multi vitamin a day.

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?

The hair loss was the worst, it lasted a few months, but I have really thick hair, so no one but me noticed. But now, it has been 6 months and it has stopped.

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

The vomiting. It doesnt happen to often but more often than I would like. You really have to learn how and what to eat to control it.

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

No formal support group. I talk with a few people I know that had surgery. We help each other out.

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

My scar isnt exactly pretty, but I can live with it. It is from my breast to my belly button. Most of it is faded, but a small section is still puffy and purple.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There are times when the scale doesnt move for awhile. But I just try to get in more excercise and eventually it moves again. I am happy as long as there is no gain!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! MEN, the notice me alot more!