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

By GP, thought it was drastic, but an option. The seminar presented by Dr.Boone was excellant and the actual start of serious thought

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

Had not problems, was never as issue. I paid less than $500 total if that.

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

Dr Boone and staff were very patient and non pushers. Do a lot of research and make a list of questions. Enlist support from your very close family. Wife and children , especially if they live with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to get healthy and live longer to protect me and my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was no in-between. I was serious about improving my health and all the facts read pointed to the RNY as the best for me.

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 none , I knew that the staff was the best available and had proven to me via numerous operations with no dealths or serious complications, that it would not be an issue. I also knew that my heart was getting thicker and bigger due to my obesity and that non surgery was a ticket to death.

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, son and sister would the only ones who knew. This was and is a priviate situation

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

I am retired and not an issue

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

I was only in the hospital from 5:30Am on 5/3/2007 to 11:30AM on 5/4/2007 and played golf on 5/7/2007 with little to no pain. Take you wife for support

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

Had none. Was walking by 2:00PM on the day of surgery

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

We were very informed by the staff and the doctor on what to expect and had no problems or need to call anyone.

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

They need to be prepared for not being able to drink water like before and that there are many soft foods to eat, don't be afraid to try what may work for you

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

25 miles from home to the hospital - not a problem. You need someone to drive you home and put you to bed if needed for the first day.

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.

Could only eat jello and broth . Added puddings a week later. Water was very hard to drink - had to learn to sip. Bread and eggs really off limits and still hard 8 months later. Meats, chicken still hard but getting batter. As time pasts, you body does process the food faster, but you still must handle each day a little different. Just because you ate something well today, does not guarrentee that it will be the same tomorrow. Do not eat and drink at the same time if possible. Stay away from carbonated drinks if possible.

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

I was very active, walking , golfing etc. You must do this. You must be committed to at least take the first step and then continue to add daily

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

B-12,Calcium citrate plus any medications prescribed by your surgery doctor. He will indicated when to stop etc I am having to be sure that I have protein suppliments

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?

Very little nausea, just when eating too fast or too much. Your body will tell you, you need to look for the signs and then stop imediately. no sleep problems, little hair loss but not an issue. All is behind me now, but would reoccur if not aware of eating too much etc

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

Getting it done. It is a long process from research to surgery date. All of the pain or inconvienance is worth the effort.

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

We meet once a month at the surgery center, 40-60 people in Fresno and is excellant. I attended 6 meetings before I had my surgery thus I did a lot of listening! I highly reccomend that one find one before and after. Just as important as meeting with a doctor. Talk to your peers

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

Less than expected, I am a male, thus not much concern as chest and stomach hair will cover any minor scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I continue to lose weight and am aware of plateau and have not concern, you need to measure inches and be sure you are not eating all day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, many comments about the drastic appearence change but alll positive and not much probing by most. The subject can be changed quickly if you want by focusing on the person who asked the question