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

I had heard of "stomach stapling" years ago and had thought about it as an alternative as early has middle school. But the surgery was not as acceptable as it is today and the thoughts never became more. Now that I am in my late 30's and the procedures have come such a long way, when I considered it this time, it wasn't such a far fetched idea.

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

Because I had been thinking about this for quite a while, I checked the various insurance options that we had available. It was quickly evident that my wife's insurance was set up to cover this and my own was not (which was ironic because I work for an insurance company). So I went with my wife's plan. No real problems with the surgery. I got the surgery just before a lot of the insurance companies pulled the plug.

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

Stressful, but quick. He greated me, looked over my file, agreed that surgery was a good choice, He handed me a book to read (Barbara Thompsons book) told me the steps that I need to accomplish to have surgery, asked me if I had any questions, shook my hand, and that was it. It took all of 10 minutes

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My wife. She was so worried about my health and I could hear the desperation in her voice when I brought up (yet again) maybe waiting to have the surgery in order to try to lose weight via another diet.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only did RNY and because of my size would only do it open.

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 really tried not to think about it. I rationalized the fears of death by concentrating on the benefits of the surgery and remembering that if I died I would be asleep and would not go through any pain.

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?

All very supportive. They saw that the weight was killing me.

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

Very supportive. Completely covered my time off and any special requests that I had (including the multitude of Dr's appointments.)

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

I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days. The most important things for me were those things used to keep my mind busy. There is a lot of time to sit around. You can't do a whole lot and even sleeping is difficult. Your mind will get bored. Bring music, movies, books, magazines, anything. THe first day or so you will be very grogy but after that there is a lot of lost sleep

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

No real complications. I have dizzy spells now when I stand up. I have passed out several times. They have done all of the tests. My levels are good and I am healthy. My blood pressure is very low and so is my heart rate. My PCP thinks that my heart needs to learn how to act within the new body (which is considerably smaller)

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

After my date I was nervous. At first I tried not to think about it, but as I got closer to surgery, I started doing a lot of nervous eating. Lots of sleepless nights.

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

Lots of awkward sleeping. My recliner became my best friend. I did not get a lot of sleep for the first couple of weeks. Exercise was hard but neccesary.

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

My hospital was right here in town. Only a couple of miles away.

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.

Like most people, the first weeks were clear liquids, followed by full liquids, followed by pureed food, followed by solid foods with very little carbs. My life now is dedicated to eating my proteins. I can't stomach rough meats (beef or pork) unless there is a lot of sauce and they are very very tender. I must eat slower and more deliberate. If I eat too quickly I get a bad stomach ache. I have been religous about staying away from sweets and no carbonated, cafinated drinks.

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

Walking was required within 2 hours of surgery. I have been walking ever since. I now try to get in an hour a day at the gym. Although lately I have gotten off the wagon (I am currently on vacation). Upon my return to work, I plan an resuming my work out regimine.

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

Mulivitamin Folic Acid Calcium Citrate Suppliment Thiamine

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?

Vomiting was the pits. I had that for the first 6 weeks. Learned what caused the vomiting and worked not to repeat those things. SOme foods caused it. Sometimes I tried to adopt new foods too early and they did not sit well. Mostly the vomiting came because of how I ate more than what I ate. I eat too fast and take too big of bites.

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

The initial pain after surgery and the loss of sleep. Both of these things went away. Now all is fine.

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

I attend two different support groups here in town. I and my wife have continued to see a councilor to discuss the ever changing dynamics in our relationship caused by my ever changing body.

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

12 inches. Straight. Actually now much smaller (about 9 inches) as I have been shrinking. It does not bother me. In fact I consider it my mark of honor.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Several. First came after the first 4 weeks. Again at the 4 month point. Than the 6 month point and now the 9 month point. Usually a reminder that I have been slacking on something. Working out, drinking my water, or eating enough. Usually when I get back to the basics, the weight loss begins again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get a lot of positive attention now. People who know me are very pleased. If I notice people that I don't know looking at me, I am puzzled. My wife reminds me that they like what they see and that is why they are looking.