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

I saw an advertisement on television for the Bariatric Treatment Center in Columbus (three hours away from my house). I called for the free booklet. When the booklet came, I answered almost every question yes (where it said if you answered any questions yes, this is for you). When I went for my consultation in Columbus, I thought the doctor was very 'ho hum', like I was just another number. Then I found out that St. Vincent hospital performs the same surgery and they were only 10 minutes from my house. I liked the doctor at St. Vincent from the start, and they also had a better after-care program at St. Vincent.

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

The insurance specialists at St. Vincent did a fine job in getting approval for me.

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

I knew before going to my appt. that Dr. Helmet Schreiber was the director of surgery. He is a very knowledgeable man who answered all questions. It helps if you have your questions written down before you get there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The wonderful reputation of the surgeons at St. Vincent made me feel at ease. I was tired of being tired all the time, and I wanted some quality in my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Talking it over with the surgeon.

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 no fears whatsoever, I knew this was what I wanted to do for myself.

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 family was very supportive from the start. Some friends, however, were not. They tried telling me I wasn't that big, and I could lose the weight on my own. If I could have done that, I would have. I don't think I would have told some of the people up front. After surgery, everyone is supportive because they see how happy and healthy I am now.

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

My supervisor was one of the people who said I wasn't that big, but if that's what I wanted to do, do it. I was off work for 5 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was pleasant, I had very good care. My surgery was on a Wednesday and I went home on Saturday. Chapstick is nice to have, since your lips will be very dry. I also had magazines and a CD player with headphones that made my stay a bit more like home.

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

I had no complications whatsoever. When my sister-in-law came to the hospital the day after I had my surgery, I had been sitting up in the chair for an hour or so. She thought I should be the 'poster child' for this type of surgery since I did so well.

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 more excited than anything else. I had a positive attitude because I knew this was what I wanted to do. I think a positive attitude is very important for a speedy recovery.

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

The pureed stage isn't fun, but it's necessary. I found soup to be the most tolerable pureed. I walked around my backyard right away after surgery also, I thought it was best to keep moving.

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

St. Vincent was only 10 minutes from my house. It was very convenient.

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.

For four weeks, I had to be on pureed foods. I mostly had pureed soups and cottage cheese. I also ate yogurt, applesauce and cream of wheat. I keep all items under 10 grams of sugar. I made sure to have at least one protein shake a day too. I used to be a junk food junkie, now I just don't eat sugar and I have no desire to eat sugary things. I make sure I get in protein, veggies, dairy, some carbs, and I do eat a couple of pieces of fruit daily. I had no trouble eating most things, but I had to remember to chew them well, and take my time eating. Old habits die hard.

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

I made sure to walk around my backyard right from the start. Early on, I walked 10 times around my yard twice daily, then I increased.

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

I take a Centrum, an iron pill (325 mg), and a B-12.

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?

If I ate too fast or didn't chew my food well enough, I would have a bit of nausia.

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

It was hard to sleep on my back. I have always slept on my tummy, so it was hard to get used to. Also, I felt good enough to go back to work in three weeks, but I was told to take 5 weeks off from work.

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

I attend support groups at least once a month. I still find them helpful after a year post op. It seems we all have the same concerns.

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

My scar is just a straight vertical line. It really doesn't bother me at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There have been several plateaus, it is normal. I try to increase my exercise, water intake and cut back on carbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and it is sad. Men hold the door, and notice me now.