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

I first learned of bariatric surgery from my pcp and my Endocrinology doctor. I was okay with it at first then there were death of people having the surgery with the one incision and I thought this is the worse thing anybody could 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 had a wonderful experience with my insurance company. Only because my has been an issue all along and I was on 7 different medicaitons and all that was noted in my insurance record.

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

My first visit was very interesting, we talked about to different surgeries and as well as my history with dieting and my medicial history. My advice to anybody is to ask questions and and take notes, but do your research prior to the visit so you can be well informed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health and my children.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My first choice was the lab band but learning that the bypass was more effective if your on multi medications. So needless to say....THE MEDICATION FACTOR.

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 a lot of fears seeing that I had never had surgery in life. I was just naturally scared...but the support groups were really helpful to me and thank God I went to get a better understanding of everything and what to expect. These support groups are awesome because you meed people in all stages some that had the surgery 2 to 3 years ago, to those who have had it at the least 3 weeks ago. I encourage any and everybody to attend as many as you can prior to surgery.

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?

Well to be honest, the only people who knew I was having the surgery was my immediate family. My brothers and sisters are so critical that I wouldn't tell them. Until this day they still don't know I will not tell them because it's discouraging the way they talk and critize you. I wouldn't change anything. My immediate family meaning my wife and kids are very supportive of me and that is all that counts to me right now.

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

My employer was great with my decision because I made the choice to go thru with it. I told them that I was going to have surgery because it's good for me and i need to take hold of my life and not let this disease take control of me. I took the whole 6 weeks so I could get myself together and have time for me.

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

My stay in the hospital to follow surgery was great. I had a great team of doctors, I was in the hospital 4 days because my second day I couldn't tolerate water so that extended my stay by one day. I had a bag packed and to be honest I didn't need anything in there but my slippers and something to read.

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

I didn't have any complications whatsoever. The only thing I complicated was eating to fast when I was finally able to eat.

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 anxious and excited. My and I talked about it all the time....I just keep my self busy by reading all the material over and over again. Most importantly you should inform your job and go thru the proper channel to be sure you will be compensated as such.

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

Don't think that you are going to be home doing the things you seem to have neglected for years. You should get your rest and get your required fluids and protein in. It's important that you do.

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

I didn't have far to travel...only about a mile.

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.

Fortunately I had no tolerances to the foods I chose to eat. The only thing I would say is be sure to chew your foods completely. Cut your food into small pieces and chew very well. If at all possible make sure your meats are moist and eat slowly and in moderations.

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

The first few days I was very limited...all I wanted to do is lay or sit still with no movement whatsoever. The Morphine pump was my best friend. The weeks to follow I was okay, by this time I was off of the pain medication but was still a little sore on the left side. The pain wa bearable though, nothing to be alarmed about.

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

Dialy I take a muli-vitamin/mineral and a citacel calium pill.

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 find myself reverting back to my old self and be whoofing the food down...that causes me to have dumping, nausea and sometimes vomiting. That is why I encourage you to eat slowly an dif you feel feel STOP and go back to it later.

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

The waiting for a sugery date.

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

I still attend the support groups as often as possible. I do this because it's a learning process and you can never know to much. You can also share your experiences with others that have experienced what you have gone thru. This is important.

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

The scars are very minimal and I expect worse....

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm only 7 weeks out and haven't had any yet..

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I noticed that I get looks now....and my immediate co-workers treat me different now that the question was asked.