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

My girlfriend had it two years prior. I was very impressed by her weight loss and change of appearance.

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

I had only 10 days to wait for approval. I guess just be persistent and patient at the same time. Do not give up.

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

MY first visit was very informative. Just ask lots of questions and make sure you have all the answers you need. I feel people need more psychological counseling prior to the surgery. I wasn't quite prepared for the initial shock of not eating afterwards.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt I was dying.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the one the doctor recommended.

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 think we all have the same fears. I was afraid of dying. But was more afraid of dying if I didn't have the surgery. I knew God was with me through this and that gave me some comfort.

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 very supportive and still are. They are very proud of me.

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

Very supportive. Yes, I told them. Out of work 4 1/2 weeks.

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 there less than 48 hours. I didn't need to bring anything. Just the usual, slippers, robe, etc.

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 felt very sore for about 4 weeks and was very weak. I was not anxious, but certainly unprepared for the lack of food. My mind had not absorbed the changes it would take to succeed.

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

I think everyone needs to be psychologically prepared and should get plenty of rest. Let people help you and take this time to get used to your new life style.

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

2 hours. It did not affect my care 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 had a difficult time with beef, and still do. No foods are really off limits for me. Meat is occasionally hard to eat for me. I love pasta now and soups, which I did not care for before. I can tolerate almost everything now, and it has been 16 months.

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

I tried to be active, but at my age of 48, I got tire more easily than some. Now, the activity levels are great.

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

I continue to take multi vitamins, Citracal, Vitamin C and B12 daily.

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 vomited on several occasions, had dumping sydrome frequently. No hair loss or no nausea. I use Nioxin for my hair and it has done fine. The only way to cope is to watch the quantity of food eaten and the types of food eaten.

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

I have none.

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

It is abouy 4" long. Just what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not really had any plateau experiences. I continue to steadily lose weight. It should be coming to a halt soon though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, more cordial, friendly and acting like they want to talk to me more. No more stares and whispers.