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

My wife first had the surgery, I see the difference in her quality of life....peeked my interest

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

Dr. Compton submitted the first letter of medical necessity to the insurance company. After several weeks had passed, I still had no answer from BSBCT. Since I had rescently worked for BCBST, and understood some of the criteria enforced by Utilzation Management, I decided to call a friend who loaded the letter from Dr. Compton and e-mailed that department to have the profile reviewed. I received my approval letter in the mail one week later.

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

Since my wife was post-op, she had developed a positive relationship with Dr. Compton first hand. Therefore, my first visit was very encouraging. I was had an extensive exam and a surgery date before leaving his office that afternoon. We then drove to the hospital and made arrangements for addmission. Keep in mind I had my sleep study a few weeks prior and was currently using a C-PAP. I was able to provide tests results of my sleep study to Dr.Compton on my first consult. Thanks to my wife, I had done my homework.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am real frustrated with diets. Again, I know two people who are post-op, and have had wonderful results. Therefore, I feel this is a pray answered for a better quality of life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I obtained some information from web sites, but basicly made my decission with the help of my wife and Dr.Compton.

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?

Make sure you know all the risks. Search this site for the testimonies of others who are post-op. A RNY is not for everyone. However, I have more fear of dying if I do not have this surgery verses not.

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?

My family is very supportive. Matter of fact, my parents and ,of course my wife Amelia are traveling with me to Paris Tennessee for the surgery.

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

I have just moved back home to Johnson City Tennessee and started a new position at a local doctors office. Since I was new with the office, my employers were not too happy about my decission to have surgery. They felt they could not operate the office promptly with me being on medical leave. Therefore, I was releaved of my duties, to put it nicely. That's ok! Their loss!

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

no outside support groups in my area... however, my wife is 15 months post-op and she is a great deal of support and encouragement.

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

The scare is as expected... but healing great

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

non yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most people are very suprised to see me...now that I have lost 76 pounds. Everyone has been very supportive and kind.