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

My brother had it done. I thought he was nuts to give up the ability to scarf down 5 slices of pizza in one sitting. To me, I did not want to give up that option.

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

Depressing is the only word that comes to mind. Advice? Perseverance and commitment.

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

It was exciting because you leave knowing I have begun the journey. Ask questions..There are no dumb questions when it comes to something this important.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Heath reasons mainly. I also was just tired of living the way I was and looked at surgery as my last hope.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I assessed my eating habits. I was a grazer who loved sweets and carbs. If there was a chance that after the surgery sugar and excess fatty foods would make me sick as a dog then the Gastric bypass was for me. I did not want the band. This was going to be an all or nothing deal.

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 surgeon explained the procure and said if your physician knows what he is doing then you should not lose more than a teaspoonful of blood during the procedure. That pleased me to know end. So the only thing I feared was the Anethesia. Then I rationalized it. They will put me to sleep..If I don't wake up well then I guess I'll never know it went wrong.

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?

Only told my wife and my boss. They were both very supportive of my decision.

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

My boss was very supportive. I had surgery on a Wednesday and was back at my desk the following Wednesday.

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

My stay was great. I was there 3 days. Actually, I got out on the 3rd day so it was more like 2 days. I had reading material and my IPOD but truth be told really didn't need them. You really don't have the time. When you are not trying to get in some liquid or working with the repiratory staff, or working with dietary, or giving more blood, or allowing them to take your vitals or walking the halls every four hours you really just want to sleep. Bring your sense of humor.

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

None at all.

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 felt excited. Like a kid waiting for Christmas. I really did not feel any anxiety. Just relief that I finally had a surgery date. That's when I really knew that it was for real.

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

Liquid diet is hard to take. You miss the sensation of chewing. You go places and old habits hit home hard. You seem to notice food all around you and you try to comes to terms with what you have done. You must stay focused on the positives. Why You did it and the benefits you will reap. Keep telling yourself the now familiar saying. " Nothing tastes as good as thin looks".

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

10 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.

to soon to answer this one.

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

Pretty high. Went out all the time. Spent alot of time walking.

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

Just flintstone vitimans twice a day.

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?

no side affects.

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

Fulfilling the insurance requirements. Their need for 6 months documented diet and exercise program was in my mind, just a ploy to discourage me from following through with the process.

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

There is a post op support group that meets monthly at the clininc. This is very helpful in discussing the concerns and victories of eveyone. Very uplifting and motivational.

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

6 tiny scars which are barely visable. One benefit is that they are in a circular pattern around my stomach so When I am outside on a sunny day and put a pencil in my navel I can use my stomach as a sundial.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Noen so far but I am expecting them and will meet them with exercise and will power.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. But I know that is comming down the road.