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

I discovered weightloss surgery on the internet as I was investigating weightloss options. At first it seemed like a very extreme method to loose weight. But in the next ensuing weeks I investigated it and saw the perminent success that others were enjoying. Also it occured to me just how "extreme" it was to miss out on the things I love to do, only to watch as my health deteriorated and my life was shortened as I continued to get heavier.

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

The process of getting insurance approval was HORENDOUS. My insurer AETNA did every thing in their power to stall, just hoping I would go away. My advice: Don't go away. Call, Write, Fax and get on a first name basis with every clerk in the department that handles your case. Enlist the help of your surgeon and/or his staff. If nescessay hire legal counsel. Don't just go away. (It works and it's worth it).

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

It was very informative. I had gone on the net and read personal pages of others that had weight loss surgery and compiled a list of questions which I brought with me. Lucky for me I almost didn't need the list, because my doctor was very thorough.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just realized that I didnt need to put off living the kind of life I wanted anymore. (Despite the intentions of my insurer.) I knew that this was a decisive, proactive thing that I could do to end obesity now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did lots and lots of research before deciding on the Lap Band. I decided on this procedure because it is minimally invasive, easily reversible, the ability to adjust the band is unlimited for years to come, scaring is minimal, it is safer and although it is still experimental in the U.S., it has been very successful in Europe and Australia for many years. My belief is that this procedure is not for everyone. It probably works best for active people. My advice to anyone is to explore all of the options you can to make the right decision.

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?

Any surgery is serious and should not be taken lightly, but I did a lot of soul searching and decided that the health risks of being morbidly obese was far greater than the risk of surgery.

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 tried not to tell to many people. I told a couple of my best friends, my mother, sister and Family Doctor. Oh yeah, and my wife. At first some were concerned, but after discussing it with them, to a person they all agreed that this was the right decision. All have shown great support.

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

I am self employed. I reacted very well.

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

I was in the Hospital for 2 days. It was better than I expected. Other tham some discomfort after the surgery it was uneventfull.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 have felt great and it's only getting better. The only anxiety I'm having is that I want to loose weght faster!

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

The first week or so I was sore and a bit tired. I had been warned about this so it wasn't unexpected. I had to be on a liquid diet for about a month, but I didn't feel too much like eating so that wasn't a problem. The hardest thing for me was uncertainty about how it all is going to work out. So far so good.

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

I was (am) very fortunate. San Ramon Medical center is only 15 miles from my house and is one of only 7 medical centers in the U.S. doing Lap Band Surgery,

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 can eat almost anything. The most difficult for me is bread. I just have to eat it very slowly and chew it well.

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

I have been working out like a fiend. I try to get to the gym at least 4-5 times per week and I do from 45 min to 1 hour of cardio (Stair Master, Tread Mill and Life Cycle). The surgery has been very motivating for me. It's amazing to finally see some success.

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

I take 1 chewable Flintstones vitamin per 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 have had absolutly no side affects except perhaps a little dramatic weight loss :-) . Immagine that.

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

The worst part, with out a doubt, was dealing with my insurance. Every thing else has gone much better than I ever could have hoped.

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

Because Lap Band surgery is still under review by the FDA I am part of a study and see the doctor on a regular basis so they can track my progress. In addition San Ramon Regional Med Center has a very comprehensive barietric after care program for all WLS patients, including an on staff dietician. I also belong to monthly support group. I find that these are all helpful elements.

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

My surgery was done laproscopricly (sic) so my scars are very small. I have 4 very small scars that are already hard to see, and one scar is about 2 inches long. I was told that the scars will shrink as my skin contracts. My scars are no bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My surgery was on Oct 15 1999, and with the Lap Band protocol it is not "tightened" for 3 months, so I only lost 35 pounds or so in those first three months (a little bit on the slow side for bariatric surgery) and I was maintaining a heavy workout schedule to boot. I wouldn't say I was discouraged or frustrated, Just a little impatient. In the month since the band was tightened I've almost lost another 30 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I'm enjoying lots of compliments on my weightloss.