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

I was scared to death and also very excited at the same time. Generally I found that people were pretty ignorant as to what it was really all about. I did a great deal of research and went to many meetings to become fully informed about the procedure. The biggest problem I had was that I thought it would be the most selfish decision I have ever made in my life. When in fact, it was probably the most unselfish thing I could have ever done. Funny how things work out.

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

Amazingly enough, that was pretty simple. The bariatric department at Altru clinic did the leg work for me and I was approved after the first letter. It was as easy as can be!! Thank God!!

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

It was very exciting! I think people need to keep an open mind. I also think that they need to listen very, very closely and take notes. Listen to the risks. If your surgeon is not completely up front with all of the risks and all they talk about is the good things, run away!! You need to be completely informed with all the pros and cons.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wrestled with it back and forth for many months. I almost walked away from it several times. Face it, I love to eat. I love to eat a lot!! I think it was after the birth of my baby daughter last April when I though, "you idiot, you will be dead before she graduates!!" My family is my motivation. I am a blessed man.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was originally looking into the open RNY, but then when our local medical center offered the less invassive surgery, I opted for that. I like the idea of not being split open. The recovery has been much quicker and less painful as well.

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?

Complications are a part of it. I have had some minor ones. Nothing has surprised me so far because I had a wonderful support system that kept me very well informed of what could happen. Death is a reality of life. I do not look forward, but I am not afraid of it. I made sure all important papers and policies were in order before surgery. I wrote my wife a letter and had a very close friend hold it just in case. I wanted to be realistic without being cryptic. I think I handled it ok and everything worked out very well.

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?

There were some that were very skeptical. Some that were dead set against it. It got to the point where it was actually a big secret and was not talked about. I feel badly about that. Now that I am post op and they are seeing the positive results, they have jumped onto the band wagon. I guess for some of them, it was their odd way off saying that they loved me and they were concerned. I have tried to take it with a grain of salt.

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

They were very supportive. They knew that it was very important to me. I have not received any negative comments up to this point. I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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

Pretty noisy actually. It is a very busy place. I just think that people need to be more aware of why people are there and why quiet is important. I was there for 4 days. The care was very good. The nurses work very hard and I have no complaints of them at all. Honestly, the most important thing I'm glad I brought with was my own sweats and t-shirts. I was far more comfortable with my own clothes and my own slippers.

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

Nothing too severe. I have some nerve damage in my right arm from surgery. They are thinking it may be from a needle but they are not sure. I am seeing a physical therapist for that.

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 excited and a bit scared. I just tried to keep my eye on the ball and to concentrate on the positive. It seemed to work out ok.

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

Not to feel very well for awhile. Not to be able to eat very much and not to lift ANYTHING!! Do yourself a favor and pamper yourself. I didn't and I kind of paid for it. Just relax and enjoy quiet. Sleep and follow EXACTLY what the doctors tell you to do right down to the letter.

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

About 40 miles. It was not a problem. I work in the same city as the surgery so it was my normal travel routine.

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.

chicken broth went very well as well as jello, yogurt, and milt. Chicken and pork went well also, but hamburger for some reason did not. I think it was more the texture that I couldn't tolerate. I miss cheeses but they are not going well at this time.

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

pretty laid back. I am waiting for this big bump in energy, but it hasn't happened yet. I am on vitimans and some suppliments and I am hoping that I will become more active soon. My weight is dropping really fast and I get pretty weak sometimes.

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

B12, childrens chewables, calcium suppliments

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?

The nausia and dumping for sure. It seems like just about anything I put in my mouth causes this. It is pretty frustrating. I am trying other food choices to find the right combination to stop this from happening.

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

I have a support meeting every two weeks at the hospital. I guess it is ok. I disagree with what others say much of the time and I get a little put off by it. But, I am trying to keep an open mind about it all.

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

I actually have 6 scars. Pretty minor. They do not bother me at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

that hasn't happened yet. I will update when and if they do.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes. Sometimes, to be honest, it irritates me. Where were they before? I am the same man. It is somewhat disappointing. I guess that is just the way some people are. I keep it to myself.