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

I first found out about bariatric surgery through things I read in the newspapers, online, and word of mouth. My initial reaction was very negative and I was sure it was something I would never, ever do.

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

I was a self-pay.

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

I first met my surgeon in person when I traveled to Mexico for the surgery, though I had talked to him and exchanged numerous emails before hand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had turned 51 and knew that for whatever reason, without help of surgery, I would never be able to take the weight off and keep it off.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After 5 years of extensive research, I chose the VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy). I did not want my intestines rerouted and I did not want a foreign object like lapband in my body.

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 all the usual fears, but by carefully choosing my surgeon and doing as much research as possible I minimized the risks as much as I could and decided to have faith.

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?

There was a lot of negative reaction and I actually scheduled twice before ultimately going through it. In the end I knew it was my only hope and I knew what was best for me. Since surgery and doing so well, everyone is supportive.

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

She was cautiously supportive. She wanted me to be healthy but was scared. I was out of work 10 days.

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

It was a very positive experience. I went alone to Mexico and that was daunting, but the care I received by Dr. Alvarez and his staff and the caring from he and his team was outstanding. I feel I got better care than if I had stayed in the US.

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

No complications at all!!!!!!!!

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 tired and it was a huge learning curve, but I stuck religiously to the plans laid out for me by Dr. Alvarez and his staff and had no problems whatsoever.

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

The first few weeks were as expected. Not easy, by any means, but I was well prepared from my research and all the information Dr. Alvarez gave me. I knew what to expect and I followed the rules and it went well.

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

I traveled to Mexico, which fortunately for me is only about a 5 hour drive to Dr. Alvarez. I use my personal physician for any followup labs but have felt 100% comfortable as Dr. Alvarez has regularly checked on me via email and is there for any question I have.

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.

I went through 1 week of clear liquids, 2 weeks of full liquids, 1 week of mushy foods and then slowly begin to add things as I tolerated them. All has gone well.

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

Started slowly walking and have worked my way up to 2.5 miles 5 days a week.

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

I take 2 chewable One-A-Day's, calcium/magnesium, probiotics, B12 sublingual, cod liver oil, CoQ10, and acid reducers twice daily.

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?

I have only had some acid reflux that is well controlled with medication and is a known side effect for my surgery.

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

The preop diet was hard, but well worth it both mentally and physically.

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

There is a local group at the hospital I work out and then a small group of us have formed a VSG support group in the area we live.

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

It is as expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight loss is not linear. I lose well for several weeks and then plateau for a week or 2. This is just how I lose and realize my body needs to do it this way.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely! Men hold doors open more and smile more. I never felt negative treatment because of weight, but I have noticed more positive treatment. Sometimes it is a little uncomfortable to have attention.