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

In 2005, a girlfriend of mine mentioned the Lap-Band System and how it helped many people loose weight and another girlfriend had RNY surgery. My impressions were mixed.

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

Insurance approval was a snap. I had no real problems. Only in the pre-op testing stage some of the physicans didn't work with NYS Medicaid so my Doctor's office worked to find others for me.

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

Very calm and relaxed. He explained everything to me in ways that I completely understood. I asked questions that he completely answered. A well informed person will get the most out of this meeting. Researching, talking to people who've had this surgery or attending support groups and talking to your primary care physicians before will help you also.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight had gotten to 287lbs. and my primary doctor suggested that I have the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

With the help of my primary doctor, I decided to have the gastric bypass or roux n-y.

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 didn't get afraid until the day of the surgery but I thought to myself. If I don't have the surgery I could still have complications and die. So, I prayed and went on through with it.

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?

They ask me questions regarding the surgery and some even want to have the surgery done for themselves.

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

I am retired.

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

It was okay. I was there for two days, but I wanted to come home. There is nothing like your own bed. The most important things to bring are bedclothes, personal care items and slippers.

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

No. Everything went well. My surgeon was excellent.

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 felt fine. No anxiety.

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

Takes some getting used to the change in diet. Getting the water down was a bit challenging for me.

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

Not far at all. Only ten minutes from home.

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

My activity level is always climbing.

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

Centrum Liquid MultiVitamin/Mineral B-12 (under the tounge) Biotin Iron Citracal

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?

Nausea and vomiting from eating too fast or not being able to tolerate certain things were troublesome for me but not too bad. I started ruling out certain things and slowed down on chewing and swallowing foods.

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

The contemplation of complications or death.

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

I go to South Nassau Hospital once a month for support group. and I follow up with my surgeon and his staff.

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

My surgery was done laparoscopically so I have 6 tiny incisions. This is excatly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People are starting to notice that I am losing weight.