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

My girlfriend had it.....I was scared something was going to happen.

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

The insurance approval was not a nightmare like I had heard...mine was pretty easy.. My advise is make sure you have whatever you think the insurance company may want and call them 7 days out, they hate to be bothered.

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

He was very quiet but knows his stuff. Ask lots of questions before surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My Cholesterol was well over 300, dr said I was a walking heart attack.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Hearing all the information from another dr. made it easy. I considered the lap band but was not willing to settle for 20 lbs off in a year and possibly having to have another surgery within 5 for something going wrong with it.

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?

Normal surgery fears....I say if your more scared to have the surgery, then think like this...God can take you whenever and you would never see it coming, give your self the chance to live.

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?

Very excited....No...They are very supportive

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

Everyone is excited... Just said it. Got out on Mon. went back on Tues..just no lifting.

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

My stay was great. Friday morning to Monday afternoon Robe, Slippers, Underwear.

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

None...It has been great

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Very nervous Prayer

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

Start your protein ASAP You may find you need to sleep on the couch in a upright position.

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

50 miles

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.

NO NO Food Oatmeal, and all dairy ...lactose intolerant sweets.

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

Great ....better every day

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

Children's chewable vitamin Tums B-12 Sublingual B-complex liquid

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?

None.

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

When they removed the drainage tubes....

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

Family and Friend People that have had the surgery and had little or no complications.

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

Very Min. Yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes...they look at me a little more different