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

I researched the subject online after coming to the realization that I needed help to reach my goal and searched for a year until someone told me about the surgeon who performed my surgery. I did not want or need months of counseling and meetings, I wanted to have the surgery and get on with my life.

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

I had no probelems, was approved within 24 hours, the office staff handled everything.

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

I had recived a packet from the office weeks prior to my visit and had completed all forms and information as requested and returned them to the office prior to my visit. The surgeon had reviewed my diet history and I was well prepared with questions. Most of our visit was spent discussing the planned surgery and risks, etc. I don't feel that a thorough physica is necessary as that will be done by your PCP prior to surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had tried every diet available and always gained the weight back, I felt that this was my only chance to take control of my life and have no regrets with my decision. I never felt good, was fatigued and angry at myself and those around me because I wasn't able to keep up with anything due to my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the data and felt that the success rate of weight loss maintenace was best with this procedure.

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 did not have any fears once I made the decision. I knew that the obesity would kill me if I didn't have it done.

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 spouse was shocked and upset when I first told him my plan, but within minutes realized that this was important to me and our family due to health issues and became my bigget supporter. My friends were all happy for me and continue to be supportive.

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 proud of me and very supportive, told me to take as long as I needed. I was out of work not quite 3 weeks.

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

I was in Intensive Care post op, my care was excellent. I went home on day 5 post-op. I used my C-Pap in the hospital, brought my robe and slippers and a walkman with CDs for relaxation.

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

I had swelling post op which required an extra day of NPO but did not have any physical illness from that. I trusted the physician and all went well.

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 stopped utilizing any pain med by day 8 and never had anxiety. I looked at my surgery date as the first day of the rest of my life.

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

I was sore and rested as much as possible. I have found from previous surgeries that frequent naps allow me to heal quicker and prevent fatigue and prolonged use of pain meds. I would just say take it easy. I was back to work in less that 3 weeks.

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

The hospital and doctors office are 1 hour from my house, it was well worth it.

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 3 months post op and don't really have an appetite. I am very glad of that.I was on liquids 6 times a day for the first 2 weeks ( 3 of those meals were Protein supplement which I froze and ate slowly), My next 4 weeks were soft foods 6 times a day( 2 of those were again Protein Supplements.). At week 6 I began my three meals a day. I eat my three meals a day with no snacking in between. I have found pasta,eggs, oatmeal and dry meats don't agree with me. I eat very slowly, taking at least 5 minutes between bites and dont drink fluids for 45 minutes after eating. I love Tomatoe and French Onion soup. I continue to cook regualr meals for my family, I don't always eat with them because I am not hungry, we go out to eat at least once a week, I order a childs portion meal and have them bring it as soon as it is done so I can eat more of the meal since it takes so long.

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

As noted prior I took frequent naps and basically rested as much as possible. I did not lay flat for several weeks.

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

I take a Flintstones Chewable complete and 3 Tums a day.

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 did not have any of these complications.

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

That I put it off so long.

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

None and I dont want to belong to any

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

I have several small incisions. No big deal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Thank God I haven't experiened any

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone I know is happy for me.