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

A secretary of mine had it years ago and it was dreadful for her. I shyed away from it for years until I moved to a different state and saw some people having a more modern surgery. It looked like a reasonable thing to explore and it turned out to be a very good thing.

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

It was a 6 month ordeal. Because my insurance was a self insured plan, I had to convince the employer I needed it which I fnially did with my surgeons asistance. My advice is never give up. get your surgeon involved and if necessary, get a lawyer.

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

It was good. The surgeon I have has several steps and educational programs you have to go through before you see him so by the time I reached him, it was easy. He patiently answered all y questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Do it or die from obesity related conditions. It didnt take me long.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research. I had to try to tailor the type of surgery to my lifestyle.

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?

None.

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 cool, some of my friends were not. They were afraid I would die in surgery, but everything is alright now. Everybody is on board.

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

N/A/ self employed

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

It was good. You really donr need anything. You wont really feel like reading and the hospital supplied all the correct fitting garments needed.

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?

No anxiety. At the time of writing, I am 3 weeks out and I feel good, but tired. I really didnt have any anxiety except I wanted to get back to work.

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

Expect to be tired. Expect to be bored. You spend your days monitoring your fluid and protein intake. It gets old. For me, it became easier and a "habit" to get everything in after about the second week.

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

about 15 miles. It was great.

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.

so far so good. I havent reacted to anything yet except isopure. I think I drank it tto fast though.

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

low. walking 15 minutes was a chore. My energgy level is still low and I need napes after about 45 minutes of exercise.

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

ADEK, multivitamin, calcium supps.

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?

none so far...Thank God!

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

The stres it put on my family as my surgery went a lot longer than expected.

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

A once a month group with a lot of fine people. It has helped a lot as I have learned what is going on with me is "normal". They have been a real help.

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

yes. Seven little holes... No biggie

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet