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

My cardiologist suggested it. He advised me about the benefits aof losing weight in order to help my heart. I was not for it at first, but looking at the benefits, I changed my mind. I felt tha tit would end my ability to enjoy the foods I ate.

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

Insurance was not much of an issue. After the angiogram and plasty, they approved what I needed. Do it for health reasons, not just for looks.

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

Great. He took the time to explain all my questions without rushing me to get to the next patient.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Cardiologist outlook.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap-Band was more controlable. Bypass is perm. and watching my neighbor have it done and gain his weight back.

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?

Stay away from the internet. Listen to the dr. My fear was the anastesia. No concern about the surgery itself but, stories about the band slipping is something to keep in mind.

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?

Very supportive. Apparently they want me around longer.

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

Supportive. They allowed me to use my sick time and work at the desk. I was out 2 weeks.

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

Great. Cedars in Los Angeles. The staff was there night and day. Helped without complaint or delay. I was there 1 night and they allowed my wife to stay in the room with me. Bring slippers, IPod, reading material. They provided the rest.

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

No complications.

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 busy with pre-op appointments, not time to get worked up. Reading things on the internet was the worst. A lot of stories about the complications of being under and not waking up. If you trust the dr., not worries. Listen to dr. orders for prep.

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

Bored. I was able to walk around slowly. Had help the first few days to get up and down. Had to keep drinking in small amounts. Drink plenty of water an ounce at a time. Get a good protein drink and find liquid vitamins.

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

I traveled about 50 miles one way to Cedars. It was worth it. No issues with 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.

Can eats: protein drinks, water, Crystal Light, Diet Snapple, popcicles, soups without big chunks of stuff. Do not attempt: Regular foods. Breads and pastas are out. Meats need to be chewed very well, stay away from sweets. It creats flem.

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

Worked my way up to walking about 45 minutes to an hour in about 2 months.

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

Liquid. From Costco or Lassens, Whole Foods.

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?

Vomiting. If I eat or drink too fast, it hurts and wants to come up on its own. Once the stoma is blocked with food, it is hard to continue eating when it hurts.

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

Watching others eat your favorite things in front of you.

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

Support group in my local area. It is important because you hear about the same issues other have and how they worked through it.

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

5 scars on stomach. I tell people I was in a major fight and they should see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they keep my food options in mind.