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

I started researching surgery about 2 1/2 years before actually having it. I thought it was scary but wasn't scared enough to stop me from continuing.

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

The 1st time i tried for surgery I was denied by Connecticare since they felt it was not medically necessary. However, 2 years later, I have PHS and Aetna Us Heathcare both approved me due to co-morbities like Diabetes/high blood pressure.

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

My original Dr was very nice, compentent, and my Operating surgeon was also very nice but with the 2nd surgeon I was prepared and had questions, and they helped alot. I felt informed and this saved him alot of time as well

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that I had exhausted the other options and I didn't feel that I had many others left

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

I stayed at ST. Raphael's in New Haven CT. The staff was fantastic during my 4 days there. Bring socks with grippy bottoms, bathrobe and maybe a magazine.

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

So far I have no complications,

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Had moments where I asked myself what had I done, but those moments passed and I knew why i had surgery

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

I was very lucky in that I had little to no pain and that my family was very good to me. It can be very hard being on liquids and then purees but it makes regular foods that much better when you finally are able to eat them

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

I traveled appx 1 hr away, and so far it has not affected my aftercare.

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.

Currently 20 days post and I am eating everything and anything, proteins (ham chicken ground beef and pork) green beans, squash, some starches with no trouble as of yet.

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

I was out and about right after surg. i felt great

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

I am currently taking bugs bunny one a day complete with calcium and 1 tums 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 was very lucky, no side effects to speak of

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

The fact that the brain has a hard time dealing with the facts of the body. The triggers that made you eat before are still there except now you have to deal with those things without food. Some days are alot worse than others

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

I attend a support group monthly sponsered by my surgeon and his coleague.

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

I have 5 scars less than 1 inch each. They are pretty much what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had 2 but they usually last about a week or so. I try not to think about them and stay away from the scale during them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are nicer to thin people. I always got along with everyone but now people go out of their way to talk to me.