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

From co-worker I learned about "some surgery". Then after Internet research I knew what is going to be next in my life. And impression? Thanks God!!!!!!!

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 problems at all, with help of neweigh, 1-877-NEWEIGH. Important point is, that I had insurance through my employer, American Red Cross, and they are selfinsured. Aetna is only administrator, and then my case is not typical. However, I was laid off in June 1999, and I kept paying COBRA. My surgery was at October 1999, and at that time I was Mr.Nobody for company, bringing nothing to pay them back. And I've got approval anyway.

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

My first visit absolutely impressed me, he made for free mare checkup procedures then he had to, like prostate check. He gained my absolute and unconditional trust.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was decided for it before I ever met him, after studying all I can find on the internet.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Whatever doctor reccomend, as he knows better then I do.

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 know there is a risk, coming from aneshesia. My opinon? I don't want to live as fat ball anymore. If I will die during surgery, I'll will not know, only I'll be with God sooner. And complications after? Yes, I was affraid, and I am still watching myself. Sure too much, when everything was and is just fine. All I have to do is learn what and how to eat. And that is my personal problem, having nothing to do with my surgeon care.

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?

Family - YES, go for it. Friends - good for you.

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

Unemployed since 8-6-1999, and when I mentioned surgery during work search no one want me. Finally I got a job as technical manager in Chuckecheese, from January 3, 2000. I was home unemployed allmost 6 month, but it was not so bad, I had time for recovery, when still qualified for unemployment benefits. I have to be able Lsame work" - and I was.

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

My hospital stay was five days. What to bring? Gown, pyjama, slippers, and most importantly CPAP machine. And how was a stay? Shortly, as in the hospital. Staff was great, but still it is hospital.

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

None at all, and I am now three months after.

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

There was one week from last doctor's visit to surgery. I was excited, counting not days, but hours. Then my last thought on surgeons table was" Why I do this?" I was scared, but not enough to stop it. Well, maybe not scared but uncomfort. So what.

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

It is definitelly not easy. Sleeping is bad, as I could not lay on the stomach, laying on the side and back is unusual. But, I do know I was fine, as other people from my support group had to sleep in the chair. One thing is sure, I can see how I am improving every day, and just watching myself in the mirror giving me willppower to not complain and be glad I did it. One thing is sure. When surgery is done, one have to deal with it no matter what. Because there in the future are better times then I was in. So look forward.

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

My surgeon's office, and hospital are about 10 minues drive from home, so I had not problems at all.

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 still discovering what to eat. Basically my biggest problem is air, if it get into my new stomach with food. It is something new for me, feel gas hevier then rock. And it is method of try and mistakes, find what is suitable and what to avoid, as we are each completely differnt. For example I do tolerate a sugar without a problem. Unusual, is not it? Now, three month after surgery I do eat all as before, with one difference - amount. And feel great, as I don't feel as sick person on a special diet.

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

I was walking as much I could, and actually I never got up to limit. Maybe I felt tired, but thats all.

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

Two flintstones chewable multivitamins a day, and constantly forgetting to take them. Also carving for fruits, so I am taking extra C vitamin. No another dietary suplements, and two months after surgery lab test showed me greatly normal.

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?

Sometimes, after I make eating mistake I vomit. But I don't regret it, as it is a relese. 3 mo after: Don't remember when I vomit last time.

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

Journey from pre-op room to operating room. Funny, is not it?

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

Dr. Ediger organize a support group, which I do love. I was there four times before surgery, and seeing those originally fat people, enjoying new life was something for me. I was decided before, and this made me me really look forward it. Also hospital visit by support group members are great. Hear from them - "I do know, I was there, but you will improve every minute from now" is great, as those people obviously know what they are talking about. 3 mo after: And they are right.

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

1/8 of inch wide line. And, by the way, that scar sure will attract less attention then that huge thing I had there before.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far, 6 months after, as I don't consider one week stop as plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Those who knew me - yes. Those on the new job - actually yes, I do know they will treat me differently before. If I will ever get the job.