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

Somebody had to have a screw loose to want to do this.

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

Get all your paperwork done first. They wanted a physician's letter attesting to a doctor supervised weight loss regimen lasting over 6 months. Plus copies of my medical records during that time.

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

I was nervous and had many questions. I was worried I would be away from work too long.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't do my job tasks any more without being out of breath. I couldn't bend over to tie my shoes or pick up a quarter off the floor. I wanted to cry.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only had one choice.

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?

You run a greater risk walking across the street in traffic.

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 grown sons think I am nuts. My wife is supportive.

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

My employer was very supportive, allowing me to do work at home as needed.

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

Day 3 -5 were boring but necessary. Bring a body pillow, it will help with the coughing. My surgeon uses an abdominal binder (like a girdle) which makes sleeping difficult. Talk to the Dietition. They gave me yogurt on day 3 with sugar in it (which creates nausea).

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

My hospital stay was difficult. Some people have their anesthesia settle in the adipose tissue. Combined with morphone given later for pain, the anesthesia ccan (and did) come bubbling out a day or so post op. My oxygen saturation went down to 76 (basically close to incompatible with life) but the staff pulled me through.

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

45 minute drive

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

Flintstones chewables with Iron

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

About 5 inches, but fadede right away. Barely noticable now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateau'd at 7 months post surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, But more importantly I have noted a better attitude in my own self