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

It seemed like a really radical procedure and I wouldn't do it.

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

It took me 1 year from the time of initial consulation to the date of my surgery. My advice is to start early and be prepared to jump through alot of hoops.

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

My surgeon (Dr. Mikami Ohio State) was excellent in our first meeting. I left the meeting with a thorough idea of what was going to happen to me and what was expected of me. My advice is to write down your questions before your meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

With my family history of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes my family doctor said that it wasn't a matter of "if" I got them, it was "when" I got them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap RNY

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 had a fear of the surgery, but my happiness at the possible results outweighed the fear.

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. I didn't tell alot of people until several days before my surgery. I just didn't want to hear all of the stories about a friend of a cousin's husband's brother's uncle that died from the surgery.

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

My employers were very supportive. I gave them about 3 months notice and was off of work for 25 days.

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

I stayed at OSU Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. They were outstanding.

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

No

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 very good after day #3.

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

I had a difficult time sleeping on my side or stomach. I only slept for a couple of hours at a time for the first 3 weeks or so.

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

I only traveled about an hour.

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

I take a multi-vitamin, a pill to slow the production of stomach acid, and a pill to stop gall bladder problems. After 6 months I should only be taking the vitamin.

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 haven't experienced any significant side-effects and hopefully I won't.

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

The pre-surgery stress.

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

Nothing other than my post-op doctor visits.

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

I have 5 very small scars. They are becoming less and less visible as time goes by.