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

I went to my doctor for a fever one time and she told me about thesurgery. We talked for a long time about it. She told me about the pros and cons. Then she told me she had it done and all of the things she went through. It took me a few months but I did some investigation on the internet, I joined a support group and the most IMPORTANT thing I did was talk to people who had it done.

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 prolems withthe insurance company other than they do take their time. If you find it is taking too long to get approved call the insurance company, If thay doesn't work ask your doctors to call for you.

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

My first meeting with the doctor was great. We hit it off roight away. I took my wife with me and she was able to ask questions as well. When I went into the first meeting I had a list of questions and concerns. I asked every question and didn't go on to the next one until he answered it to my liking.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery after I did all of the research I could. I looked at my life as it was now. I looked at how my life might be. I then looked at the risks of the surgery and made a decision that the surgery would be the best thing I could do to prolong my life and to make it a life worth living.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgen only does one proceedure. After looking at other proceedures and talking with some people who had them done. I ecided to have the RYN.

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 did think about a lot of different things. Not loosing weight, not healing after surgery, dying. What I did was I talked with my family and let them know what I was feeling. I also talked with the doctors and other people who have been there. They were able to inform me of their feelings and concerns and it made it a lot easier.

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?

At first my father (71 years old) didn't understand. My wife and I were able to sit down with him and expalin to him what was going to happen and what might happen. He has seen me overweight most of my life and he knows the pain I was in. He then understood that I needed to do something. He was very scared and he wanted to know everything I was going through. My other family members and friends were very happy for me and concerned. The only thing they have ever heard about this was horror stories. Once I educated them they were very supportive.

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

I told work I had a weight prolem that if I didn't do something about it I could end up dead. I work at the larges film company in the world. they have built the company on understanding the workers and their needs. They gave me time off to go to doctors apointments and any other apointments I needed to attend. With FMLY i was able to take off 12 weks if needed. I only needed 5 weeks. Work was able to bring me back on restriction. I have a job where I lift a 18 KG bag (Just under 40 Lbs) every 35-45 seconds. If we are running bulk I could be pushing/pulling a tub that weighs any where from 550-670 Kg (1,212-1,475 Lbs) They had a restriction of 10 Lbs. So I couldn't pick up, push or pull anything that weighed more than 10 Lbs. They had office work, filing, procedure and computer work that I could do. I was able to save FMLA time and get paid my normal rate as I was back to work. I was on restriction for three weeks. Once my doctor said I was able to go back to normal work my employer put me back to my old job. <y company medical department informed my supervisor that if for any reason I was unable to do m job they were to stop my work load and send me to the medical department for review of a longer restriction.

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

The hospital stay was great. I was able to rest and get all of the atention I needed to recover. I went into the hospital on Wednesday afternoon and went home that Saturday evening. A total of four days. AllI brought was some chap stick, hand loation and something to read. Everything else was provided. I had a phone, TV, fan and if I needed anything all I had to do was ask.

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

I had no complication 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?

Once I got my date it felt like time hadslowed down. I was so looking forward to having surgery that it seemed to take for ever. Talking with family and friends kept me going.

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

As I said I hand no problems with the surgery. I was how ever very bored at home. I couldn't drive for the first week, so I was trapped at home. A person can only watch so much TV or surf the net for so long. try to get something to keep you bussy. Sechedule friends to stop by or something.

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

I live with in 20 miles of the doctor and hospital.

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.

When i came home I was on a liquid diet for ten days. (This was the worst) After ten days I was able to eat mush food. (Cottage Cheese, Jello, scrambled eggs. Any thing that could be mashed on the roof of your mouth). I did this for one month. Then I was able to go back to eating a regular diet. This is where people can mess it up. You need to eat good things. You need to watch what you eat. You need to eat small bites and chew everything well. You even need to watch what you drink. Stick to diet drinks. Try to cut out sodas. Read and know what you are putting into your mouth. I'm looking at everything I eat and thinking if it's good for me or not.

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

I was able to sleep through the night. I felt better just beacuse of that. I could do more as the weight came off. I didn't need naps during the day. I could fit into my pants better.

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

I'm taking Trinscon for B12 twice a day and one over the counter vitamen a 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 was lucky. I haven't had any of these. I haven't lost any hair, but I think it might be growing slower.

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

I waited too long to get it done. As I have told may people that ask "Would I do it again?" In a minute with a warm spoon and with out anesthesia.

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

I have been attending a support group for Pre-ops and post-ops. This has been a great help as you will meet a lot of people who can help you with questions and concerns.

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

I have a 10 inch scar from my belly button to my chest. It looks great. I didn't know what to expect. It doesn't matter because my health is better and I feel great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any yet. I'm only out 10 weeks and still loosing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, most everyone know I had the surgery and they asked a lot of questions just after, but now everything is back to normal.