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

My primary treating physcian. I totally rejected the idea.

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 my insurance - Federal Employees Program Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO to approve my surgery. I did make certain that I had a referral letter sent from my primary treating physician (Dr. David Pfisterer) to the bariatric surgeon at Gesinger Medical Center (Dr. Christopher Still). I then made certain that Dr. Christopher Still sent a referral letter recommending surgery to Dr. Douglas D. McKane. I strongly recommend that you get these letters from your primary physician, a second bariatric surgery opinion (if your insurance covers the second opinion for elective surgery), and the recommendation of your bariatric surgeon. It pays to be pro-active and knowledgeable in this process.

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

I was looking for as much information as possible. Please keep and open mind in this process and please be flexible enough to make life style changes. You will have the best results provided you are active in learning and making changes to your life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The inability to keep my weight off and the progressive health problems I was developing. I had an infection on my neck caused by a boil that I continually infected which needed to be lanced and drained in the hospital emergency room. I lost several days work because of my stupidity. I needed to take care of my Type II diabetes and closely monitor my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The book by Barbara Thompson, "Weight Loss Surgery - Finding the thin person hiding inside you" and the educational training by Gesinger Medical Center. I wanted to take the best possible opportunity to improve my progressively deteriating medical condition to extend my life.

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 made certain that I knew all of the complications and possible problems that would arise. Knowledge and faith in God are the best means to combat 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?

I let everyone know about my decision for surgery. Many were not supportive but I knew why I was having the surgery (Health complications). I was not getting this surgery for vanity purposes. I was getting this surgery to extend my life and to improve the quality of my life. I am 52 years old and I want to be able to retire in excellent health. Every pound I can take off and keep of increases my life expectancy.

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

A lot of my fellow employees were opposed to the surgery. My employer was supportive of my decision but wanted me to delay my surgery until after the summer and vacations were over. I tried to work with my employer as this was elective surgery.

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

My stay at Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital in Elmira, NY was great. The nurses, doctors, technicians, and other medical personnel were great. I had an epidermal in my back along with pain medication in my IV's and oral pain medication every 4 hours. My pain management was excellent and I was only in the hospital for 4 days.

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 am on Celexia for depression. I would strongly recommend some kind of mild medication to handle the anxiety and depression. I also recommend taking vitamins as prescribed by your physician to help manage any problems.

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

You should walk after surgery and during your recovery. DO NOT stay in bed all the time. Be prepared to listen to your body when you should sleep and rest.

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

I traveled by car about one hour away from Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital in Elmira, NY. Please go to the nearest hospital and bariatric surgeon to where you live. Be prepared in case complications arise during and after surgery.

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.

Before surgery I was on clear liquids one day before surgery. Then no liquids at all the night before surgery. After surgery I was on IV's only for 2 days and then clear liquids only for the next 2 weeks. Now I am on liquids the consistency of tomato soup only.

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

I progressively increase the distance I walk. No lifting of anything over 10 lbs.

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

I take Flintstone's Chewable Vitamins and Vitamin B12.

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 would have violent hiccups if I sipped to quickly or eat to quickly. SLOW DOWN and sip slowly and wait about a minute before taking another sip. Go SLOW and follow directions given.

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

Waiting in the operating room before my surgery.

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

I am a part of multiple support groups in Elmira, NY and Williamsport, PA. I strongly recommend this support as they know what I am facing and will face.

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

I had open surgery so I have a scar on my stomach about 4 inches long along with to puncture holes on either side caused by the "gernade" drains (I called them my plastic leaches). The scare is not more than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

On Wednesday, 10/15/03 I weighed 260.9 lbs. I weighed 280 lbs on Friday, 10/3/03 day of surgery. I am no longer a Type II diabetic. I no longer have GERD (previously I slept for 13 years in a big mans recliner). I can sleep in a flat bed with my wife, Diana. I still have sleep apnea (I sleep with a CPAP - Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine <4ml.>). I hope in about 6 months to have lost enough weight so that I will no longer have my sleep apnea.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.