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

My sister-inlaw had it done and see looked pretty good. And it seemed to help her out alot. But since then she has been sliding downhill and I hope she decides to get back on track. I have set my goals to stick to it like I did when I stopped smoking a year ago. If you are having surgery you should not smoke. So stop now and move on for this surgery like I did.

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

It was not to hard just called them and asked them if I could do this and when thru the steps they required to get it okayed and it worked out pretty much from there. I went to the siminar and learned about it and took it from there.

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

It was different, he was very good at letting me know what I was getting into and what to expect. Make sure you want to change your life first. This is something good for your health and will reshape your life forever. He was very good thats all I can say!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being on a sleep apnia machine every night, and tired of being tired. Tired of not being able to fit in my closes and not looking good anymore. I want to look nice and fit. Slim and trim again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked it over with my doctor and he gave me different options and we decided what was best on the amount of weight I wanted to loose.

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 fears are there, but you know I will leave it in God's hands. I feel this is something I need to do in my life and I am going to take that risk. Life is a big risk already so why not go for it I say. You can die by not doing anything at all for being overweight so think about that! That is just as bad as not doing anything at all.

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 wife was a bit concerned at my choice, but you know she is starting to support me. Other people always look at the negitive side of it. Oh what if.... All a bunch of hogwash. I will make it just fine and show them what is good. I will look good soon! Can't wait..

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

My friends at work are behind me, and of course you have a few saying oh you don't need that. But you know what I am going to show them all that I can do it. I know it will turn some heads after the weight comes off.

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

The stay in the hospital was just fine. I was very restless due not being able to move very much. But it got a bit easier once I got the iv off and the tubes out. Really don't need to bring much of anything a change of clothes for the home trip.

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

No I have not had any so far. I am feeling pretty good. Just learning not to eat to fast. I wait about 2 to 3mins between bites.

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 must admit I was nervous and excited at the same time. I just new I needed to do something to turn my weight problem around and I think its working now.

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

It is a slow and easy one. Just listen to the doctor and eat what he tells you. Don't push yourself very hard. Do what you can and walk walk and sip sip and eat very slowly VERY IMPORTANT! I can't stress that enough.

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

Around 40 miles not very far. I am lucky to be this close to a hospital that has a great surgeon who does this.

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.

Did not eat much mostly broth, liquids for the first couple of weeks. Like I said don't push it. When you do get moved up go very slow. Wait about 2 to 3 mins between bites and chew well. Drink lots of water and eat diet popcicles. Keep hydrated. Take your vitiams after you 2 week post op visit.

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

I picked it up as I felt I could I walked outside as much as I could for over 2 weeks. I exercise often to help the weight fall off faster. Nothing real tough just light stuff like on the Wii Fit. You will know what you can handle.

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

Just what the dietitian told me to order from company! I take about 2 multi a day 3 calcium citrate, C, and Iron. Depends on your blood work what they think you need! This is up to doctor and nurse and dietitian.

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 did not have much nausea, mostly a little sore, but the vomiting was my own fault. I was eating to fast. Nice and slow and wait 2 to 3 mins between bites and you should do ok.

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

The getting used to eating different that everyone else around you. Remember you only have a small tummy now! You taste for food will change, promise you that.

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

My doctor and nurse have a support group I can attend once a month. Problem is for me I work in the afternoons and its hard for me to make the meetings. But if you can go to any offered I suggest it very much.

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

yes pretty much what I expected. I have 7 small scars from the cuts from the lapo. They are slowly healing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far I am still dropping weight! I figure sooner or later I will plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes some I have not been around to many people since the surgery execpt my wife and neighbor, but yes a bit. I will know more when I go back to work.