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

I've known about bariatric surgery for years but only recently began to consider it as an option for me. I think my initial impression was hope.

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

I detested this process and it ultimately led to my decision to self-pay. I can't stress enough how insane it feels to have to qualify for a life-saving procedure. In 2005, when I had health insurance but ran into one obstacle after another, I just quit in disgust. In 2007, without health insurance, research led me to reasonably priced alternatives where I didn't have to wait very long to proceed.

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

My first meeting is yet to come: tomorrow. That said, we've emailed one another several times and I had my lab results sent to him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Cost, quick and convenient scheduling.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, research, research. I chose the MGB due to its dual methods of contributing to weight loss (restriction and malabsorption) without requiring a plethora of life-sustaining vitamins and supplements.

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'm pre-op so I still have those fears. I've acted in spite of them. Realistically speaking? Get your life in order; prepare those who depend upon you with the best coping mechanisms you can. Goes without saying.

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?

Remains to be seen. I told my mother only recently and she flipped out. She thinks that surgery is somewhere off in the distant future. I haven't told her it's happening in less than 48 hours.

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

Self-employed. My "boss" approved.

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

Excellent facility; attentive and caring staff. I was hospitalized about 3 days as I recall. The one thing I forgot to bring was my cell phone charger.

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

Yes, diarrhea. I suffered through it all the way from Hermosillo to Hawaii. It was terrible.

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 was relieved and as I recall, I had already begun to eat less now that a solution was visible.

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

I guess everyone's different. In my case, diarrhea continued to be a problem for months afterward. Also, my new stomach's opening was so small I could barely swallow a teaspoonful of jello or broth.

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

Several thousand miles. I had no aftercare as a result.

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.

As stated previously, intake was minute for about two months. I was able to ingest a liquid protein, oatmeal, broth, and jello. As time passed, I could eat small amounts of solid foods but each type of food was problematic in its own way. After two years, I still can't digest meat or poultry. Japanese rice and any kind of noodle is tough as well. Sweets and spicy food wreak havoc with stomach bile production.

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

Never one to exercise much, my level of activity wasn't really affected.

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

B12, chromium, Vitamin E, antacids

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 still have hyper bile production prompting evacuation on almost a daily basis. Diarrhea persisted for months. Nausea was insignificant; no dumping whatsoever. Sleep was better.

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

The trip home (to Hawaii) from Hermosillo.

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

None. With very few exceptions, I think the whole aftercare thing has been overrated.

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

Tiny. Sure, it's what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I dropped about 100 pounds easily and then plateaued. I then dropped another 10 but gained it back. I'm currently losing that 10 pounds again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I've been completely honest about having had the surgery, too.