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

I say some friends go through it. I was a little concerned about trying something so drastic.

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

I had absolutely no problems getting approved. I would suggest that you have patientence. It is worht the effort and time.

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

I had an excellent visit. Dr Lavin answered all of my questions and was extremely supportative. Make sure you ask all of the questions you have. Take notes in the days leading up to the visist and jot down all of your questions and the questions of family memebers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had to do something!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I opted for the lapband because I thought I would recover quicker. Plus Dr. Lavin asssured me that I was an excellent choice for lapband. His experience was that large men did well with the band.

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 had never had surgery before, so I was concerned. I felt that it was important to lose weight and that if I didn't do it I would die soon anyway.

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 wife was my best support. Others were concerned that I was doing something very drastic. Now that they see the results they are all supportative and have talked to others about my sucess.

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

He was concerned that I was doing something so drastic. I was out of work for 3-4 days. I took vacation time because I felt this was something I was doing for me. My boss was very supportative once he saw the results.

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

Hospital stay was excellent. I had my surgery in Covinton LA at Lakeview Regional. I was treated like a king. I would chose Lakeview for any other health needs if I could. I was in the hospital for only 24 hours.

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 continued to research the surgery and what I needed to know for a sucessful recovery.

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

I was back to normal in less that a week. You have to take it easy for a little whie and gradually work back to your regular routine.

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

25 miles. No affect at all.

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 was back to normal food in less that three months. It was a gradual process form liquids to mashed foods to solid foods.

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

I picked up energy all along.

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

I take protien supplements daily and I take vitamins.

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?

I have had a few problems with un chewed foods becoming trapped. But it goes away after a short period of time.

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

I didn't do it years ago.

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

The Surgical Specialists of LA have a support group. Support is fun, educational and important. I recomend that anyone having WLS should join support groups.

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

Very tiny and exactly like it was described to me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one in a month that I ate way too much and did no exercise. I still oost one pound however.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I find people are more open to me. I do however notice this and I tend to dislike those that never payed attention before. I now realize that they were discriminating towards me because of my weight.