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

My wifes cousin had it done (560 lbs. down to 168 lbs.) 4 years. My cousin had it done (638 down to 530) 4 months. I figured I was at that point where the weight was going on faster and faster and easier AND if I didn't do something soon, i'd die of a heart attack or something on that lines...this sounded like the best and safest choice.

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

Had no problem.

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

It was interesting. Listen and ask whatever question you deem necessary...no matter how insignificant or "dumb" it may sound...It's your body they are cutting into.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I don't want to die from being fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went to a doctor whom has had success with relatives so I based it upon their success and his 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?

What difference does it make...you are fat...you could die of heart disease, heart attack, other problems related to being fat. I survived fine...a little pain, but it will go away in time.

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?

Some felt great about it, others felt there were "safer" ways such as dieting, I said "if that worked I wouldn't be going for this." And one or two thought of it as a cop-out. I told them to F.O. I would do nothing differently now and evertone is happy to see how happy my wife and I are now..PS she had it on the same day same procedure.

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 very supportive. I told him I need this to live...Still out but as of now I am 2+weeks post-op (03-24-02) Update: I am still out until June 15th due to blood clot complications.

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

It was uncomfortable from the surgery but the nurses were all excellent. I was there for 6 days. Bring anything to keep you occupied and slippers so you can walk.

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

Yes, around early April I had severe cramps in my left leg...after a doppler showed nothing, I took Quinine to relieve it and started walking more. Turns out it was a developing blood clot which was almost the size of the vein and shot 3 pieces to both my lungs. It was caught in time and a Umbrella Filter was put in through emergency surgery and now I feel ok.

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 had no problems except from the aforementioned complications.

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

I had no problems and used this site if I felt like something was wrong or strange with me and all is well.

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

A few miles, no big deal.

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 have really had no problems except by eating too fast or too much. I don't care for certain foods like sodas, pastas or breads anymore...they either taste blah or make me feel bloated.

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

I started doing more and feeling good except when the blood clot came into play. Now I feel slowed due to the coumadin but good.

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

Centrum. And CIB.

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?

dumping sucks...but you learn what to and not to do to prevent it.

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

The temporary pain.

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

This website and my cousin. It helps so you don't feel out of place or sorts.

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

About 6 inches nothing terrible. Yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet.