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

I have other members of my family who have had it done and a few friends and co-workers.

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

It was relatively painless. I have Great West insurance and I knew from other employees that they covered this surgery.

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

It was a good informative session. I would recommend that anyone going to their surgeon visit to make out a list of questions ahead of time so you don't forget something important that you wanted answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of not having a life like a normal weight person has. Its the little things that add up and no one knows what I am talking about better than someone obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I first was interested in the banding procedure but later found out that I might have better success in losing my target weight by having lap. RNY

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?

It's in God's hands and if this is the time he wants to take me then who am I to stand in the way.

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 is scared, of course, of the risks. But I think they are realizing the risks I am taking now at this weight.

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

Was really supportive. I told them I needed this to live longer and be more productive. I missed less than 3 weeks of work.

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

The OSU hospital stay was great. I was there 4 days. Everyone was wonderful. Bring a positive attitude. And remember these people are human too.

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?

Anxious. I had to watch myself from being to stressed.

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

Just relax and let the pouch heal.

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

90 miles. The ride home was very uncomfortable because of the gas that was still in my abdomin.

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 hard time with any kind of meat. It just didn't appeal to me. Sugar and Fat. I just started the 4th step but I have been eating some items from this step for a few weeks now. I seem to tolerate things pretty good. A main problem is eating things too fast.

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

I haven't really started an exercise program yet with the weather and all. But I will soon. I don't have the extreme amount of energy I've heard about yet.

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

I take a prenatal vitamin everyday.

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?

Nausia when I ate the wrong things. I didn't eat that perticular item anymore.

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

The gas that was in my stomach area right after surgery. It was kind of painful until I got it out.

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

Doctor visits. Dietician visits. My wife. These are all important support people to me.

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

I had Laproscopic RNY and all I have is 6 little punture scars that will fad as time goes by and my hair on my chest and belly will cover them up.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too soon to tell. I'm only 2 months post-op.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just commenting that they can tell I'm losing.