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

I saw a show on TV one day and called and requested information. I thought it was a great idea. I forwarded the info to my brother, who pretty much laughed it off. Then one day he was home and started reading it. 2 yrs ago this November, my brother had the surgery and would never take it back.

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

I had Dean Care HMO and what a waste of time. Almost 2 years and nothing. I contacted two lawyers, one locally and helps fight against HMO's that was a joke. So I contacted a lawyer in California who specializes in fighting for People with obesity problems. He has had no success with my HMO. So I switched to BCBS of WI and in 4 months I was approved.

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

I knew alot about the surgery since my brother had it. So I had little questions, but for someone who doesn't know anyone, read up on the surgery and ask questions, especially for the after diet.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing my brother going thru it and that he had no complications.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor said he could do whichever procedure I want, and that I was a good canidate for Laproscopic. And that is what I chose

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 guess no more than what others go thru for any surgery. You always think the worse, but I had my brother to calm me down

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?

They were all fine and supportive

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

They were fine with it. In fact, they were GREAT!!

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

I came in on Wednesday morning and was out by Friday at 2pm. Of course I had the surgery done laproscopic, where the healing process is faster than open.

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

NONE!! :)

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 big time anxiety. I called my brother everyday and as it got closer 2-3 times a night. Since he had the surgery, he was my biggest supporter.

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

Take one day at a time. I was expecting a miracle in one day and it just doesn't happen that way. Don't compare yourself with anyone else. You are your own person. I am getting better.

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

The hospital was 3 miles from my home, but I went to my brothers for after care and he lives an 1 1/2hrs away.

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.

So far I have been able to eat almost everything. I can not tolerate sweets, so I stay away from them. When I eat beef of any sort, I need to eat real slow, otherwise it is hard moving the food down. I have trouble with crystal lite, I get upset stomachs and dirreha from some of the flavors. So far strawberry kiwi and pinapple orange are the best for me. I have not tried soda.

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

Still the same as before, but some days I have increase energy, but I amnot sure why, Sometimes I feel like I am more tired than before

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

I take chewable pre-natel vitamins and 1000mg of chewable calcium every 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 only had nausea and it did not last long and some dumping with the crystal lite, but that is it.

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

The hospital was BORING. I did great, pain was very little, I was moving around right away. Just bored.

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

I have my brother and my friend, Chris (who I met thru obsity help.com)

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

I have 5 little incisions, Not bad at all

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I felt my weight loss is slow. I expected it to be alot faster. Sometimes I keep thinking the doctor did not do the right surgery. June 6th, 2001 weighed in at 292. July 30, 2001 weighed in at 255.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Only know they say they can see the weight coming off.