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

Through friends, but mostly my sister. I saw it as a way out and a way to become a happier person. I trusted the surgeon with my life. I figured many many people had come through it ok, I had just as much chance as the rest of them. Besides, my sister is a medic and if she "endorsed" it, that was good enough for me!

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

Mine was long and difficult. Ask questions, any question, don't assume anything. Hang in there. Be tough.

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

Take a friend and or a family member who can help you to remember those important questions. Keep a journal, write your questions down as they come to you...then take it with you to the surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to have my life back. A life without pain, a life with better self esteem, and a man to love and cherish, deeply and emotionally.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeons expertise and my sister Lori did a lot of research.

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 stayed positive. I didn't think about the worse. I'm naive that way. All I would say is listen to your doctor and research all that you can. Don't go into it without knowing all the possibilities. Only you can make the final decision. Good luck!

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 family was very supportive. They were scared, but they were also frightened of how unhealthy I was. I told everyone at work, my 2nd family. And I have NEVER regretted this. They are a constant flow of support and consideration. They watch me, they encourage me. They encourage me every single day. My overweight friends did not agree with my having the surgery, but they supported me. I have a friend who is overweight, but used to be obese. Thru dieting and avid exercise, she is getting there. She watches every little "cheat" I take, and the fact that I don't exercise regularly (I will, I will!!) She has issues.

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

They were very, very supportive and love the changes and improvements. Have even told me they are impressed. I think my promotion effective 1-1-01 had a lot to do with this.

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

5 days. I was at Spectrum downtown in Grand Rapids, MI. It was pleasant enough, however, that floor was very, very busy. I was not very impressed. They used my bathrobe to clean up the floor after I had an accident! This was not discovered until I went home, and it was handed to me without apology! I think these people were very understaffed, but still.... My second stay 2 days later was on a different floor and very very much more professional and caring. i would say chapstick is very important, and slip into slippers. Nothing you have to bend over to get on.

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

yes, I was sensitive to morphine, which was discovered within 24 hours after the surgery, I went into respiratory distress, and ended up in icq for 3 days. I left after 5 total days, but was back in 48 hours later...fluid on the lungs and possible pulmonary embolism. I did not have the latter,and after the lungs were drained, I was ok. Have been ok ever since.

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 anxious like anyone, but I was calm and excited. I chose to have positive thoughts. My sister was having hers done the following month as mine, so she was a great support system, too!

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

It was the toughest thing I ever did. I was scared I was not doing things right, I called the nurse all the time. I refluxed almost constantly. It was not with force, but I was constantly spitting into a cup. Not pleasant to experience...and not pleasant for anyone who visited! Each week tho, was better than the last. The online support group was very very helpful, and of course, my sister Lori.

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

Only 20 minutes from home.

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.

No sugar, nothing fatty could be tolerated. Tastbuds changed! Pizza tasted awful, bread of any kind was the worse (tasted like vinegar) and melted cheese in any way shape or form was icky. Hard sliced cold cheese was ok, but not melted! Weird huh! It was real tough. I hated the taste of the protein power drinks, and still do to this day. Pizza and bread are just "ok" now, but still hate that melted cheese! I can eat sugar, but in small amounts. I pretty much can eat anything I want. I have made huge changes! Before the surgery, I was a pop-aholic. I consumed no less than 2 liters of non-diet coke or pepsi each day. Since the surgery, I have not had a drop! I never drank coffee, but I loved iced tea. Today, my preferred beverage is water with fresh lemon. Whenever you see me, you see my water to go hanging from my arm. Oh...I did take 6 gulps of pop about 2 months ago. My son had fast food takeout, and I saw it on the counter and thought I would "test" my pouch. Ooooowheeee....I paced the floor for 45 minutes...it hurt like a son of a gun!!!! Never ever ever again!!! And you know what...I don't miss it one iota!!!

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

Not real active, but it steadily increased to normal.

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

Iron prescription capsules; 1000 mg B-12; 2 multi vitamins daily; 500 mg of vitamin C; 1200 mg of calcium w/vitamin D; a pepcid (but have stopped for about 3 months now, don't need it; 2 fiber cons.

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?

Fefluxing for about 5 months. have never ever vomited, and have had 2 dumping episodes in the past 12 months.

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

The two hospital stays and the refluxing.

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

My sister.

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

The scar ended up to widen to about 1/4 inch, not very pretty. Then, on 1-12-01, I had hernia repair surgery. The surgeon, Dr. Scholten, excised the old scar, and replaced it with a non-stitched, non-stapled incision. He used steri strips, and now it is very much less in width, and will be much "prettier" in the long run.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a couple, but they go away

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes! I have been smiled at by men!!! Yippee!!!!!! I got a job promotion, and my boss told me that she had seen quite the improvement in me overall in the past six months. I went on a canoe trip with friends and their husbands, and I never would have done that at my prior weight. I can't wait to go to cedar point, because I will be able to fit into the seats. My plan is to take my sons, all young adults now...but they are thrilled that I want to do this...because I can. Oh...and I painted my toenails this week. First time ever. Why is that significant you ask? "Because I can!"