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

I had known about it for some time; however, recent studies which indicated that many patients who had the by-pass surgery had significant improvements or elimination of their diabetes pushed me over the edge.

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 getting approval for the surgery, but that was in large part due to the doctor's office knowing the system and my having an insider in my companies HR department to help me walk through it. I kept, for me, an organized binder of all the appointments, reports, and paperwork given to me or I would have been lost.

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

My surgeon was great and answered any questions I had. I did a lot of prepping before hand so I had a lot of information going into the process. Bariatric surgery for dummies was a great book and tailored just for someone like me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Getting rid of the diabeties, which did actually happen and losing the weight a year before I intend to retire.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I picked the by-pass because of the greatest weight loss and the potential to improve the diabetes.

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?

My greatest fear was how to manage the diet after the surgery, but the dietitians helped me with that. I had little pain with the surgery afterward and the pain meds took care of that.

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?

I have had tremendous support from family and friends and if I knew what I know now would probably have pursued this earlier.

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

I did not inform my employer of the nature of my surgery. Generally he was more concerned about who was going to pick up my responsibilities. To date, he has not expressed any concern over my health or well being. I plan to be out 6 to 10 weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

The information seminar was interesting but helped my wife understand it better. I met the surgeon I selected at the meeting so it was a positive experience for me.

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

I was in the hospital three days including the surgery. The nurses and staff were all great. The biggest complaint usually is the food in a hospital but since you are on a clear liquid diet there is not much to mess up.

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

No complications, everything went great.

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 have been tired and usually need a nap at mid-day. When I talked to the doctor he told me to up my calories and carbs ( gee do I have to?) and this has helped. No anxiety

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

You are not physically hungry but you are eating and drinking all the time to get what you need in. Remember we are talking 1/4 of a cup of food for a dinner and drinking 8 ounces over a half hour period of time. I would occasionally get jealous when someone ate one of my previously favorite meals, but I focused on my goal and it passed.

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

I only had to travel about 45 minutes for my surgery and it had not impact on my aftercare.

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.

Just followed the diet plan layed out. I had no food aversions so far, I am up to pureed foods,. I told my doctor that it almost seems like he did not do anything to me as I tolerate the foods and drink I am allowed like I did before. I definately eat slower and feel full faster.

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

I got on the treadmill as soon as I got home. I walk 3 miles a day at a slow pace over two sessions. I was doing more than this before the operation, but I did something to my knee so I am taking it slow.

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

Two multi-vitamins, calcium citrate, vitamin b, a stool softener and something for stomach acid

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?

No side effects thus far!

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

The wait to getting the approval

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

I have this and also plan to attend meetings in the coming month.

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

Five small scars, nothing really.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet