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

I knew about it long time ago and join bariatic and try loosing weight by diet with out surgery. Noway was I going to do the surgery.

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

My experience was great, approval was quick and thanks to OSU Medical Center they did a great job getting my approval. Follow the Bariatic program and it will work out and ask questions about your Insuance if it going to cover the surgery.

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

Dr. Needlemen answer every question I had and he was very helpful and I had a good feeling when I left. Write down all question on paper and do some reading and the surgery your going to have dont go in blind. Talk to poeple who had the surgery. Information is the key.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I fought for 3 years trying to loose weight and fail it was like a yo yo up and down and the weight was just getting higher. I was having trouble doing working and the normal things people do in life. I felt bad every day and knew I needed help and had a fatty liver and health was going down hill. Doctor told me I had to do something or I looking and trouble down the road.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with my doctor of the benifits and risk of each surgery and which one was the best for me and my health. Also which surgery he peerform the most.

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?

Well dying yes and having all kinds of trouble down the road after surgery. In todays medicine and surgery perform today the doctors know so much about your health and pretty much know what troubles they going to have if any. I say find a good doctor and tell him your fears. I felt good going into surgery and didnt worry I was in good hands at OSU Medical Center.

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 is differant and looks at things in a differant mind frame. You have to do whats best for you its your health and life to live. I didnt care what anyone thought my wife was their for me and I knew my health is important.

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

My Employer was great and understood. They fully suppot me and the time off and wished me luck and said see ya soon.

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

My stay was great 3 days. I would bring chap stick, PJs, something from home a book or music headphones. Nice baggyy pants and shirt to wear home.

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

No not a one.

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 was happy and ready. I just stayed positive thought of the benifits of my surgery. New life.

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

Follow your doctors orders and take things slow. Make your adjstments to your new body and food intake. Theres going to be some up and downs but you have the support of your doctors staff to help you along the way.

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

I traveled 1 and half hours. My after care didnt affedt it at all.

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 FAT, SUGAR, TRANS FAT, Eat a health diet overeating is a no no. eat slow and drink water lots of water to flush that fat out. Eat off a small plate. 4 to 6 meals a day. and get your protein.

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

Followed doctors orders no lifitng, no driving for 2 weeks

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

Multi vitamin

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?

Waiting and getting everthing togeather for my Insurance.

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

Bariatric support is always there for me.

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

6 little cuts I had it done laperscopic its looking good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Nothing lost 82 pounds in 7 weeks

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Their telling me I look good and keep going.