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

I don't remember when I first learned about WLS but I do remember thinking "I'll never be heavy enough to need that".

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

We have supplemental insurance, so whatever they decide not to pay we will pay out of pocket.

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

I liked Dr. Aldridge from the first time I met him. Ask lots of questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just couldn't stand being so overweight and feeling too helpless to do anything about it by myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I thought I was going to have the Lap-Band but Dr. Aldridge told me about the sleeve and it seemed more appropriate for me. So far this has been the best decision I have ever made for myself and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

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 was very afraid of having WLS but I am even more afraid not to.

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?

I haven't told very many people because I don't think they'd understand.

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

I'm self employed and I was out of work for 1 week then part-time the next week.

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 2 days/nights. The care was adequate sometimes and excellent other times, depends on the nurse.

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

I had no complications to speak of. Dr. Aldridge did a perfect job.

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 did not cope with it, I'm told I was a real B!

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

Follow the plan, exercise and get better everyday. Yes it can be painful at times ut that will pass and it is worth it.

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

90 miles.

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 am now Lactose intolerant and I can't eat bread. Other than that I can eat whatever I want just not much of it.

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

I started slowly and got better each day.

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

I take a daily vitamin and iron.

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 had a little (very little) nausea in the first few days. I only vomited three times within the first two weeks. I haven't any problems since. I have trouble sleeping just as I did before surgery.

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

The amount of stress in the weeks before surgery. At the time I would have denied that I was really stressed. Immediately after surgery, when I woke up and was told that everything went well, the stress lifted and I was filled with joy...and pain.

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

I have been seeing a psycologist for a few months and will continue to do so. He has helped me tremendously and I'll bet I'm not even half way there yet. For anybody who even thinks they might have psycological issues, I say find the right therapist and do your best. It is important.

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

The scars are small and I rarely give them any thought. A little scarring is better than the alternative! I didn't have any expectations.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had a plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are nicer to me now.