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

Well I found out through some of my friends and the people I work with that had this surgery. It sounded like a great alternative to fighting weight loss. It was a scary surgery to think about but, in the long run it will pay off for the pain.

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

I was in the hospital for one week. I had to stay in intensive care one day. It was a long stay but, the hospital staff was excellent. They were really supportive with everything I had been through and they made you feel better. The stay in the hospital was not bad at all except you have to walk that is the key to getting out of the hospital is to do alot of walking and drink alot of water. You have to do as they say to get out of there.

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

Well the only problem I really had was a reaction to being put to sleep and it made one of my testicals swell up very large. It stayed swelled for about two weeks. That made it hard for me to do my walking that I needed to do. I fought it very hard but, I could only stay on my feet so long or the swelling would start getting worse.

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 very excited about the surgery. I didn't have a hard time thinking about it. I was really looking forward to it. I knew what it meant for me to have this surgery and I was looking toward the future I was giving to myself and my family.

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

Well the first few weeks are pretty tough. Having to eat something every little while was tough. It is hard to remember when and how. The soreness went away pretty quick. I can't sit and say it was a piece of cake cause it wasn't but if you are determined enough to change your life you can do anything it just takes willpower to do it.

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

Well I traveled about two and a half hours from home for my surgery but, I didn't want to go anywhere else.I liked the doctor I had chosen and I felt secure with him doing my surgery. I would have drove farther if I would have had to. Well if you can drive it one time you can drive it again.

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.

Well the first 2 weeks my doctor had me on a liquid diet. That was tough and liquids get old fast. Then I moved up to soft foods. The only thing I really had probably with for a little while was bread. It didnt work to good. I really didnt have that many disagreements with food. I pretty much ate what the doctor told me to eat and went along with it.

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

I have a support group in a local town that I attend when I am not working that day. The support group is great. It has helped me understand alot of things about what to do and what not to do. The people in my group and there if you need someone to talk to or have questions. A support group is a plus with anyone who has this surgery.

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

I have a big long scar down my stomach but, it is worth every inch of it. I dont worry about the scar. I know it isn't going anywhere.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I lost alot of weight very quickly for about the first six months and then I started slowing down. I know everyone has to start slowing down somewhere. I will just have to work on the rest of what I want to lose a little harder.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well I have people telling me how good I am looking and how great I am doing after the surgery. My energy level has went up alot.