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

I had heard of it through a co-worker. I then researched it on the internet for 6 months before I made an appointment with my doctor.

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

Weight 4 Life handled it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Research, research and more research. I educated myself out of emotional thinking - I looked at it as an investment in my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't. My doctor did. I trusted him to make the best decision 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?

Yes, I had fears. I updated my will and discussed my "in case I don't come back" concerns with my spouse the night before my surgery.

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?

A couple friends, my spouse and kids are the only people who know. I feel this surgery is very private and I chose not to disclose as I had no desire to hear the "I had an Aunt that died 20 years ago from that surgery" speech. My kids (3 teenage daughters) thought I took the "easy" way out. My spouse was supportive but insecure in a "what does our future hold" kind of way. My friends had mixed feelings but confident in my decision process.

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

Yes, my employer knew. He was supportive. I was out of work 4 weeks and the half days for another 2 weeks.

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

3 days in the hospital. Most Important item to bring? Something to moisten your lips.

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

No serious complications. Just a burning pain to the right of my incision for a few weeks. Hair falling out for 3 months and bruised easily for a year or so. Also had foot/leg cramps for a while.

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 felt like a made a bad decision the week I had the surgery - I had alot of pain - After 6 months I was wondering when I could eat more than 2 bites again? After 1.5 years I was able to eat enough to where people wouldn't say "You eat like a bird - Why bother?" any longer. Currently I eat "normal" and my weight varies up/down 10-15 pounds. I don't have dumping so I struggle with my sweet tooth ,,,

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

First few weeks home? Alot of pain the first week. You don't know when you are hungry or full. Alot of gas ,,,

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.

The first couple weeks were liquids only. Then up to soft foods the solids by the 8th week. I can eat almost anything now. White rice still makes me sick every time. I still can't figure that one out? Currently heavy meats (steak, chops, sausage, hamburgers) are out of the question. It's not worth the nausea after the fact - I tolerate shredded meat, beans and seafood very well.

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

I take my chewables when I remember - I will eat a TUMS from time to time - I can barely handle the taste - I don't care what flavor it is.

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 seemed like a daily thing for a while - I got down to 125 - To skinny - People thought I was anorexic - Yeah right - Me anorexic? Hardly - I think it was personal stress that made the vomiting worse during that time - (teenage daughters) I was obviously eating to fast or to much? I don't remember honestly as it was more than 2 years ago.

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

The wait prior to the surgery and the clothing expenses after the surgery. I am a partner in a mortgage bank - So I had to be an example to my employee's - Suits do get less expensive the smaller they get!

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

Scar is 5 inches long. Breast bone to top of navel. It is just a straight line. It is not as bad as I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few. Just re-evaluate your daily intake of food and activity level. When I indulge in Corona, chips and my beloved candies the weight starts to elevate. Hmmmmm, ya think? When the clothes start feeling snug I get focused and back on track.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No doubt about it. Men trip over each other to open doors for me. I just laugh and keep on walking ,,,