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

I have known about the surgery for about 30 years, it has only been after having two new grandchildren, ages four and five, that is briging me to it.

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 problems getting the approval. I just thank God that I made a career out of the Navy. With social security and military retirement my total cost is paid for. I do not know how you afford it. Even though I was in during Viet Nam, the Navy was well worth it.

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

My first visit was very informative and I felt at ease with the office staff and surgions. Be informed prior to your first visit so you know what to ask

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

As I said before, my two grandchildren.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After reviewing all the surgery procedures, their risk, benafits, and long term response.

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 know that this is a riskn with any surgery. I have had two total knee replacements with one good and one not so good. Cornia transplit after damageing my left eye. I can not see out of that eye anymore but I have one good eye with 20/20 for distance and glasses for close up. I put my trust and faith in the Lord and know that if he calls me home, I am ready.

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?

This is where the problem is. My wife is totaly against it at this time and I know I must receive her acceptance prior to the surgery. I have promised my daughter that my affairs will be in order with an up to date will and information on all our accounts. The surgery is scheduled for January 13th, 2010 and I must have her approval prior to that. I have so many things medically wrong that she is worried. I believe that the risk of surgery is much less than living with my medical problems. I have been a diabetic and on insulin for over 35 years. I have lost all nerves in my left leg and most in the right. Of course, I do drive my motorcycle almost every day. (Goldwing Trik with hand controls for shifting and breaks.) My wife, one year later, has still not come around. I am now working full time for the first time in nine years and am enjoying it to no end. Being only 68 years and with a full time job at Lowe's, I enjoy being an example for the younger employees. I interviewed with the store manager in 2009 and he could not believe I was the same person. At that time I could not walk and used the scooter to get around, today I climb ladders, walk fast, and able to do all parts of the job. Praise God.

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

I have not been working since June 13th, 2001. I would like to go back to work. I do a lot or reading and study as I have over 1700 books on my computer. I will add more information and complete the survay on January 14th, 2010 after the surgery. That is if my wife comes around.

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

I had done a lot of reasurch prior to attending. All of my questions were answered prior but was glad to receive information on the surgeon and Clovis Hospital

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

I stayed in the Hospital for four days. I had a number of other things done so the surgeon wanted me to stay an extra day

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

No complications of any kind, I felt better after the surgery than I did before. I am just waiting for the hidden me to come forward.

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 had no anxiety of any type. I put my trust in the Lord and I went into surgery at peace.

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

You should get with the program by sticking to the diet your surgeon recommends. I even use a timer to remind when to take my liquid, protein, etc. It's one way to get your brain retrained.

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

My surgeon is thirty miles away in Fresno. It is an easy drive. The surgery was done at Clovis Community Hospital which is about thirty three miles from here.

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

The first day I returned home, I will admitt I slept a lot. It is now two weeks past surgery, and I am doing things I could not do before. I am able to walk with out the use of my cain. I have not been able to do that for ten years. For the first time in years, I have been able to sleep all night.

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

I am taking chewable multi vitamins twice a day, Chewable calcium twice a day, and chewable iron once a day. I go to see my inturnest on the sisteenth of Feburary and I am sure he is going to raise the iron.

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 had no side effects of any time. Sleeping at night better than I can remember.

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

It was all good!!!!!!

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

There is nothing in this area. I depend on obesityhelp. That has been an outstand source of support. AS of the middle of 2010 there is a support group at the Clovis Community Hospital. My only regret is that more people do not attend.

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

I find they are hard to locate.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There was a two week time with no weight loss, it has now returned to high mode with a problem finding pants that fit. I do a lot of shopping at the thrify stores.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, Now that I no longer need an electric scotter to get around or use a cane, people are supprised. I thank God daily for what he has done for me.