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

I saw a commercial on TV from the Bariatric Treatment Center. I didn't know what Bariatric Surgery was. I called the number and they sent me info. I started to get a feeling of hope, since it has been mentioned to me previously by my PCP about stomach stapling.

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

This part was very simple. I just had a little problem having the BTC get my papers to the insurance company. I got a verbal yes, before they received my paperwork. Once they got the paperwork, it was sent to a review doctor and nurse and it was approved in 1/2 day. I will be covered 100%. I work for the County Government, and have excellent insurance.

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

Write down a list of questions for the doctor. No question is too stupid when you are facing having this major surgery. My first impression of my surgeon, Dr. Eric Schlessinger, was that he was reading off of a cue card while explaining the procedure to me. I know he says this speel many times a day, as he does 6-12 surgeries like this a week. I have heard many excellent comments of his bed side manner and expertise. I trust him. The only negative comment was that he sounded like he was reading off a cue card above your head.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The stories of people who have had it. Even if some people had problems with the surgery or life afterwards, they would do it again in a heartbeat. I have never been thin and the way that the post ops describe how they are LIVING LIFE is an inspiration to me. I want to live life and be around long enough to enjoy my daughter.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Bariatric Treatment Center does only one procedure. The RNY, open, medial distal. Even if they did other procedures, I have heard that the RNY is the best, with better long term success rates.

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 do have fears, but know that my risks of dying with my co-morbidities are higher than undergoing the surgery. I will do fine. I have a positive feeling and attitude.

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 friends, who are all thin, were very accepting and thought I should go for it. Even after I told them about the vitamin deficiencies and such. My immediate family however, who are all obese, thought at first that I was a little crazy. My mother went balistic. She thought I was rushing into this. When I told her that I was going to research it and talk to many other people who have had it done, she became more accepting. When she started to read all the email I got from people who have had it, she started to talk about the surgery for herself. She is very supportive of me know.

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

My boss is a jerk anyway, so he tried to talk me out of it. He is 53 years old, never been married and is very selfish. I told him the truth and how I felt this was going to save my life. I am taking eight weeks off.

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 was great. The care I received was excellent. I stayed for three nights. I believe that is the norm. I feel it is important to bring slippers, a good book and a good attitude.

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

I had no complications. My blood pressure was high during my stay, however, the doc explained it like this. He said that my pain tolerance was so high. That is why I wasn't using my demeral pump like normal. He explained that my body was in pain though, making my blood pressure go up, even if my mind told me it wasn't.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After I got my surgery date, it felt all real. I was scared, especially as the day got closer. I just kept telling myself that this is neccessary to get me healthy again.

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

Again, I think I am not part of the normal bariatric surgery crowd. I have hardly no pain. I am doing well.

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

3.5 hours one way. It was a long drive, but 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 lucky to say that I can eat pretty much everything I did preop now. Except the sugars. I do indulge occassionally in diabetic sweeties. I try to stay away from grease foods, but do have a half an order of McDonald's fries once in a great while. I have had two fried crab meat rangoons also.

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

A little slow a couple days after surgery, but each day gets better and better. I am doing things like I normally would have pretty much so.

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

I need to take two Bugs Bunny sugar free chewables a day. Complete.

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 have not had any side effects at all.

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

Nothing for me. This is the easiest thing I have ever done.

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

My scar is long. 11 3/4 inches. Dark on top. And this is till after 8 months post op. But I dont care. I never would have worn a bikini anyway.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had two plateaus since my surgery almost 12 weeks ago. One at five weeks post op and one a week ago. These are a little irratating, but I know it will pass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am only down 61 lbs and notice that people have treated me differently. I am more accepted. I never noticed it before, because I never thought how people cared about me. I am very outgoing and get along with a vast assortment of people. But, since surgery, I notice people pay more attention to me and my views.