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

From my personal doctor. I was very impressed with the results that I saw at the support meeting.

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 problem with GHI

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

Very Informative. You can get the most by listening very carfully and asking all of your questions in a clear and direct manner.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was very impressed with the doctor and his results. And I wanted to live to see my children grow and have families of their own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the D S because of my eating habits. I felt that it would be easier mentally then the Ryu.

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 was so ready for my new life that I had absolutly no fear at all. My wife was scared for both of us.

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 very supportive and most of my friends were also. Most were afraid that something bad would happen during surgery. Everbody is very supportive know and I often hear that I did the right thing, and that I look great.

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

I work for the NYCTA so they had no interest.

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

Staten Island Hospital was great. I was there for 4 days. Toothpaste your breath is really bad.

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

I had a very slight infection in the incision. Dr. Macura didn't take any chances he had me go right back in to the hospital for 1 day of IV antibiotics. The problem was gone in that day.

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

After the first week I felt pretty good. Then I got tired for the next 4-5 weeks then I felt fantastic and I stiil feel great 19 months later.

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

The first week was rough. I had to sleep in a recliner. but after that everyday got easier and easier.

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

Half a mile.

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 was very lucky I had no problems with tolorating anything except Green Peas, Iceberg Lettuce and Spinach. So I just don't eat them.

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

The first week I was very idle then after that everyday I did more and more. I went to Dorney Park 6 weeks after my surgery.

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

Multi vitamins, A & D, B50, Zinc, Calcium and vitamin E

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?

Slight hair loss about 4 months after surgery that lasted for about 3 months.

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

The tube down my throat and the removal of the drainage tubes.

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

I try to go to the weekly support group meetings when I am not working. I found these meetings to extremly helpful in the beginning because you can talk to other people that went through what you went through.

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

Not to bad. I expected about what it is.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people treat me very differently now. Now they treat me like they they aren't embarassed anymore.