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

Al Roker's surgery and initially was skeptical about LONG TERM results.

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

Well for me the people that helped me at the Bariatic Surgery Center and I was preparing for a long seige and down came the news I was approved. So I did nothing. Thank you Lord and all those that helped me in this process to get approval.

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

I was already very informed about the procedure. I was glad to ask more specific questions of my surgeon. Ask questions is the best way to get the most out of such a meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My PCP felt I was a good canidate, my body's inability to move, my pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose gastric bypass for its tested and proven results. I did not want to experiment with my body trying a new procedure less well known.

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 have them of course, you must be objective and know the reality of this procedure. I would worry is someone did not have such concerns. You have to look at your self and decide if you want to live a healthy life again and are truely mentally prepared for the changes. NO more stuffing your face when you feelings are hurt, you're angry or other for other emotional reasons.

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?

Everyone has been supportive. No issues here.

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

Happy for me and supportive and more than willing to work with me in this process. GREAT BOSS.

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

I had a good stay,even though I was in an area not typically for my surgery and it taxed the nurses some but they adjusted very well... In for 4 days and went home. Walked everyday even on day of surgery. Bring slippers, fan, and the time will fly as you sleep so much of the time when the nurses leave you alone. Ha.

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

None.

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

50 miles. No it does not.

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.

Dry chicken breast. Carbonated beverages, strong coffee (weak is ok) At first could eat most everything then in the 2-5 weeks had many changes where one day I could eat a meal of something and the next day the same food would make me sick. Fast food makes me sick. Whole food, fresh, organic, little or no processing or chemicals go down easy and are the best for me to eat. Popcorn works ok, Diet Rite cola with lots of ice works after the ice dilutes the carbonation. SUGAR kills me but fat free/sugar free popsicles are wonderful as are the same ice cream sandwiches...wonderful too.

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

The surgeon provide this service and it is very essiential for the difficult times and for support. Dr. Stewart even attends these sessions...very rare indeed.

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

Small, 5 inches from navel up with 1/2 perpendicular on each end.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After 90 days none so far. Yes now I have hit one at 120 lbs off but I will not stop here and will not give up on myself.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and they do treat you with more respect and they look at you differently like you are a human being again. It is a big change.