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

Knew someone who had it done. My initial impressions were; "Thank God for a chance to be re-born."

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

Be patient. Most companies approve. You must be qualified. This is not an escape from dieting. Do not smear the WLS community by faking this. More people than ever need this. Let`s not spoil it for them.

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

My meeting went very well. I didn`t have much to say, just a few questions. I went there knowing I wanted this. People should do a lot of research before going, then prepare a list of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Gave up the idea of being able to keep it off. I couldn`t do it. I gave up. I had to have surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the inter net, and met with some patients that had this surgery. I also attended some surgeon meetings. Evaluated all possible surgeries, and then deceided which I thought was 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 NO fears. This was a procedure that has very low death rates, and I had no stress. For others, well, try not to focus on the bad things you hear. Only on what good will come out of this. It is NO diferent than having other needed surgery. You have to have it! So make the best of it!

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 entire family was supportive. No Negatives. My wife was my best supporter. She figured if I make it thru.....then she will have it done as well. She did! 6 weeks later. Now she is 6 months post op.

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

I told them that I had to have surgery. Nothing more. I was out for 2 weeks, and when I returned I told the President of the firm, and others what I had done.

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

Bring nothing. The hospital will take care of everything. (men only) A book perhaps, but not much more. I was there for an extended stay, but the Dr.`s team made sure that I was as comfortalbe as possible. Nothing to do but walk, rest, sleep, sip, and get your strength back. No REAL pain, just tiredness, and some small amounts of discomforts.

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

Complications from a previous gall bladder removal. Too much scar tissue made this a slow procedure. It lasted 5 1/2 hours instead of 2/3 and the Dr had to chop thru tough scar tissue. My long hours of anethestics made it harder. Just additional time in the hospital, and gas pressure slowed things up. Walk-Walk-Walk- its the fastest way to get home.

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

No specific anxieties. The weeks after were spent getting stronger. Every day a little more. Bathroom visits got better, walking was easier, and my appetite was not there. Just thirst. So I sipped juice and water, ate some ices, and just rested for about 1 week. Back to work, and putting in more hours each day. Another week and it was full time/driving etc.

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

A bit of aches and pains. Nothing serious. Tired and sleepy. It was an effort to get around, but nothing I couldn`t overcome. No thought of eating, mostly thirst. Sipping water, juice and eating some ices were all I needed. You must walk,walk,walk. That will get you into a recovery mode.

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

My hospital and Dr are both local. Not too far. It did not affect my aftercare.

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.

First of all. Each of us should listen to his/her surgeon. They are all diferent. Mine is more liberal when it comes to eating. He allows more than what most do. It is there for you if you want it, and if you can tolerate it. Not mandatory. You make all these choices. After week 1, only puree. After week 2 anything you want. Basic common sense is VERY important. Most important.....CHEW, CHEW, CHEW, AND THEN CHEW SOME MORE!!!!!!!!!!!! What was important before the surgery may not be after. And visa/versa. Month to month it just gets better. You are able to eat anything you want, and as much as you want. You get full faster, and the weight just comes off. Amazing! This is just a tool, and learning how to eat again is the key. This honeymoon period is meant to teach us how to live and eat in a normal fashion

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

Each day it bacame better and better. About 10 days after surgery it was much easier to get around.

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

One a Day every day. First month I used a protein shake w/skim milk once or twice a week.

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?

No dumping. I was/am careful about the amounts of sugar/fats that I eat. I do eat some, just not much at any one time. Vomiting only came if I ate too fast, or if I didn`t chew my food enough. You learn very quickly what you have to do. Hair loss started in my 4th month, and stopped in my 7th. Just enough hair came out for me to notice. Nobody else could tell.

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

The first 2/3 days. Adjusting to the discomfort. Nothing, but nothing would prevent me from going thru this again. The outcome to this date is astonishing.

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

OSSG is one of my groups. My surgeon has started another one, and I go to meeting once a month. I also try to get into chat rooms. Very important for post ops. There are questions that need to be answered. Other members are much better than the Dr. I also want to be able to help others.

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

Lap surgery leaves hardly anything noticeable. I`m wearing bathing suits, and nothing stands out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Every level of this has a plateau. In the beginning, there are plateaus. You just dont notice them as much. As the months go by, they get more noticeable. Now only a few lbs lost every few weeks. I dont look at the numbers any longer, and I know that eventually the lbs will come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just looking at me. They dont recognize me. Sometimes neither do I.