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

I first heard about bariatric surgery on TV then I started researching it on the internet. at first I was very scared and didn't think I could go through with it. Then I started talking to a guy at work that had the surgery two years prior to mine and had lost over 200 lbs. my fear was then gone and it was full steam ahead. It was the best decision I have ever made.

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

I wish I could offer some advice on insurance but I was lucky and got approved within just a few days and had no problems.

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

My first visit with Dr. Schrock was great. He explained everything in detail and answered all my questions. I would say you can get the most out of your first visit by asking questions. Don't be affraid to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that I could not walk more then a few feet without being in extreem pain was the finally deciding point for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Talking it over with the surgon and decided that the RNY open would be the best.

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 did have a fear of dying from the surgery but I looked at it this way, all surgery is dangerous and if I didn't have the surgery I would die for sure.

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 wife was great. She was behind me 100%. My father on the other hand was scared but now is very supportive.

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

My emplyer was very supportive on my decision to have the surgery. I was off work for a total of 5 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. I had a great nurse staff that took great care of me. I was in the hospital for 4 days.

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

I was very lucky and had no complications from the surgery.

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

I really didn't have a long wait from the approval date to my surgery date(two weeks). I really didn't have any anxiety I was to excited about the journey.

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

The first two weeks I was home I was in pain. Not a lot of pain but enough to be bother. into about the 3rd week I started feeling better and getting around.

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

I only had to drive about 5 miles for my surgery and my after care since the surgeons office is right next to the hospital.

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.

for about the first 6 weeks I was pretty much eating only mash potatos and gravey. then I was about to start eating soups now I can eat pretty much anything I want. the only food I have issues with is hamburger and bread.

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

for the first 6 weeks after surgery I didn't have much activity didn't really feel strong enough. after that I was able to do more and now I am able to do thing like go shopping with my wife which I have not been able to do for years.

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

the only vitamin I am taking right now is a multi vitamin.

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

I go to a local support group twice a month here in Spokane and it is very helpful. it is nice to hear how well everyone is doing. I also pick up new ideas there on things like protien drinks.

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

my scare is ugly but it is something I can live with. it really isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

people do treat me differntly now. people I have worked with for 4 years that hardly ever said hi talk to me all the time because they want to know my story.