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

My doctor recommended it to me as a way to improve my overall health

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

I was denied at first my Surgeon went to bat for me and was able to convince the insurance of my medical conditions.

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

It was very informative. Do your research know what you want and be ready to do what it is going to take to get the job done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being tired. I wanted to live a productive and healthy life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By talking to my surgeon.

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 didnt I knew that if I didnt have the procedure done I would or could die in just a matter of time.

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?

They were all happy for me. NO. They have been very supportive in everything I have done. Good , bad and indifferent

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

He was ok with it his wife was having the same procedure by the same surgeon and we did not know until we crossed paths at his office for our appointments.

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

The staff was great I was in the Hospital about 24 hours. The most important thing to bring is yourself.

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

NO

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 excited about the chance to start a new time in my life. A new healthy life.

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

I was a little sore, You have to get you previous medicines adjusted. Get used to drinking alot of water.

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

I had the surgery in the town I was living, however I did my recovery with family 2 hours away. I did as I was told to do and I had no problems.

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

I started moving around little by little. A few minutes each hour and increased it more and more each day.

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

Daily multivitamin, and protein supplements, Vitamin B12

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?

I never had any really bad side effects. I contribute that to early movement and walking.

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

I was happy with the whole process. I would say that the worst part was not eating and drinking at the same time.

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

I have moved from the area I had surgery so the support group I had access to is no longer. My fiance is a registered nurse and she has friends that are nurses t hat have had the surgery and my older sister has had surgery so I have plenty of people to fall back on and talk to.

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

I have 6 very small inscissoin scars and they are exactly as Dr Harris said they would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Once i reached about 230 pounds I hit a plateau and i actually gained 10 pounds. My body leveled out from losing the weight to quick.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel as if people are looking and listening to me not staring at the large person I used to be.