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

I first heard of "stomach stapling" 15 or so years ago when my cousins aunt had it done. She had nothing but problems. I could not understand why someone would go to such lengths to be thin. Now I understand there are other options and I need to find out all I can so I will be well informed when my doctor is talking to me.

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

I provided all Cigna HMO asked for. Once they had all my papers they aproved me. They held up there end and it went fast from there.

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

I had found all I could over the internet, good bad and ugly, before I even saw Dr Kuhn. I had very few questions to ask. Make aklist of what you want answered. Carry around paper and pen because you never know when a question will come up and you will forget later.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready to be the person on the outside that I was on the inside.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went for the long term effects. I wanted to loose all I wanted and keep it off.

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 total faith in my surgeon. I did not worry at all about dying. I had surgeries before with no complications so I figured this would be no different.

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?

I just told my friends and family that I was having it done. They were very supportive before and after.

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

I was self employeed at the time so I just took my time off. I did not return to work until 1 year out. I was enjoying being with my little boy.

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

My stay was great. I was ready to go home the very next day (I had open). I got up and walked as soon as I was awake. The more I walked the better I felt. Bring slippers and a robe! I brought my own gown but it was difficult to get the hospital smell out of it. Bring loose clothes to go home in and a pillow for the ride home. The roads around Baylor a very bummpy.

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

I did not have even one. I was very blessed.

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 given November 21st 2001 as a surgery date. I received a call from Dr Kuhns office on August 30 2001 at about 11 am. They wanted to know if I had already had my preop testing done. I had and they asked if I wanted to move up to August 31st. I made 2 phone calls and I was ready to go!

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

I was tired. I was not hungry at all. I was only thirsty. I could not get enough water. Cooking food even smelled yucky! I slept alot but I did my protein and my vitamins.

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

Baylor Dallas is only one hour from me.

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 not a good example. I didn't have problems with food. I chewed like I was supposed to but I did drink with my meals very small amounts just for moisture. I can eat sugar but it makes me very tired so I do not do that often.

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

It took 4 weeks to feel active again. I did walk alot and that helped. It was a full 6 weeks before I could work out (remember I had open)

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

Every thing but vitamin a and e. I take iron shots and b12 shots.

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 started loosing hair at 4 months. It slowed down at 7 months and stopped by 8 months. I cut my hair short so it would look thinker and grow in better. Although the texure of my hair change alot.

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

Wanting my weight to come off in days not months.

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

Bayor Buddies on the 2nd Thursday of the month. It is very helpful. If I ever feel depressed for what ever reason it is good to get together with friends who share the same interest.

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

It is only 6 inches long if that. It is pencil thin I could not be happier.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had ump-teen of them. I loose inches but not pounds so it was a good trade off. In 1 year and 6 months I have lost 138 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

VERY! I like it though. I like to turn heads.