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

From a friend that had gastric banding surgery.

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

The first time was a total failure. The next was with my present group, Centenial Bariactric Clinic. They took me through every step and I was approved in a very short period of time.

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

He took my weight and vitals, then he went over all aspects of Bariactric procedures. He was willing to answer any question I had, but in the end he let me make the decision as to which procedure I chose.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health condition, diabeties, heart disease, sleep apnea, and sevier arthritis.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the procedure that I felt was the safest.

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?

With the counseling and instruction that was given to me by the clinic my fears and worry were very minimal. Find out everything you can about all the procedures and make your decision carefully.

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?

My family was very supportive. My friends were supportive also. I would do nothing differently. My wife has supported me every step of the way.

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

He was great, very positive.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It helped me continue to move forward and aswered all my questions.

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

My surgery was done at Centennial hospital, at the women's hospital. They are very professional and quite experienced in this type of surgery. I was there one day, out patient. I did not have to worry about a thing. They told me ahead of time what to bring so I did not have to worry.

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

I had no complications what so ever.

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 had some soreness but no anxiety about what I had done.

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

I had soreness for about 5 days then it gradually got better and I was able to work with a week.

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

Approximately 35 miles. It has affected it because I work in the same city where the surgery and aftercare is located.

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.

I slowly began with soft or blended foods mainly consisting of protein. I do not eat carbs, such as bread, pasta, potatoes, or high carb vegetables. I ate chicken and fish, and gradually added some pork and beef, very little, toward the 6 month period.

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

I was encouraged to walk as soon as I felt like it. Exercise greatly enhances the healing process.

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

I take a multi vitamin, vitamin D, and Calcium.

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 had no problem with nausea. My sleep disturbance eased as the soreness from surgery subsided. I haven't notice any hair loss. If I ate to quickly or drank liquids too soon after eating I would experience discomfort like heart burn. As I have learned to eat properly I experience very little problem now, 7 months after the surgery.

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

It was getting used to eating far less than what I was used to eating before.

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

I go to support group 2 to 3 times a month. I go to a psychologist led group 1 to 2 times a month. It is extremely important to keep on track and these groups give me a chance to share thoughts with other surgery patients.

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

Almost totally imperseptable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The first 5 months the weight melted off. I lost almost 25 pounds a month. As of lately it is slower but I understand my body is changing and I intend to stay the course.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People who know me are marveled at the changes I have gone through. People that don't know me would never know I was obese.