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

I had always known about it, but never considered it an option until Carnie Wilson. (I know everyone is jumping on the bandwagon) I started doing some research and decided I would do it. I didn't know what an ordeal it would be (see my profile)but, I know it will be worth it. I never considered it a dangerous surgery...until I was approved. Now I have to admit I am a little nervous, but I think back when I wasn't nervous and actually made the decision to have this surgery and trust that I was thinking logically then and am reacting emotionally now. I just have a little case of cold feet.

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

again, my profile tells the story. Aetna denied me, so I changed insurance companies at the insurance reps direction to the easier to get approval PACIFICARE, but had problems getting a surgeon. Once that was taken care of, it was a cakewalk.

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

I actually have had 4 different surgeons. So first meetings are easy for me. My suggestion would be, know what you are getting into. Research your options on surgery and answer all your questions on your own. That way when you meet the surgeon you know what is going on, what he is talking about , and be able to ask questions. You will also be less nervous and will relate to surgeon better, on a personal level. This is important because you want to be able to trust him with your life... LITERALLY! If you have ANY reservations ask questions and get through them, or find another surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have always been overweight, my entire life in fact. It never bothered me when people stared, and pointed, or made comments. It's a game to me, I cannot tell you how many times I have caught old women staring at me in a restaurant, only to wturn the tables and embarress them by blowing them a kiss or lifting my shirt and rubbing my nipple. My wife loves it and will scout out people for me to get , even when I don't see them. However, in the last couple of years my quality of life is getting worse and worse. My health is starting to act up, and I am having a lot of trouble walking or standing so the surgery was a no brainer

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the best. RNY was the best. The band has a failure rate, RNY does not. In all my research I came across several people with the band that had gained their weight back, several that had another surgery to switch to the RNY. This is a major operation, I only want to do it once. RNY for ME please.

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 haven't had the surgery yet, 3 more weeks. I can tell you I am nervous about PAIN after surgery, and the possibility of a hernia and of infection. Pain is the big one though, but I figure 2 weeks later most of the pain is over, and I can go through 2 weeks of pain for the rest of my life back.

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 wife is scared but supportive and my friends are very supportive. Evereyone knows how llonmg I have fought for this.

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

I am not working right now. I was off work for another health problem with my foot, when approved so I have just stayed off work untill my surgery.

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

My stay was good. I was the very first bariatric surgery at this hospital. They didn't have a gown that would fit me until the 2nd day. But because I was the first I was well taken care of. Extremely well taken care of. I even had the president of the hospital visit me. it was neat. The nurses were great especially Sandy. Everyone was being trained by my surgeon, so it went really well.

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

Not a one yet... Knock on wood

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 am 2 weeks post op still a little stiff and sore, and I found out i have lost 40 pds so far, I was kinda shocked by that it was like a slap in the face that my life is changing and I am not gonna be able to stop it, but that is why I did this. Right!!!?

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

Boring!! couldn't do alot. walked like I was supposed to, but spent most of the time in bed chilling out for the first couple of weeks. I was really weak. The first time I went to a freinds nearly killed me. But, now it is so much better

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

Only about 15 miles

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 followed my surgeons diet to the letter. Now I eat pretty much anything. I haven't had any dumping and only have thrown up when I eat too much. I still am learning my limits.

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

I was only able to walk a short distance after surgery, but did walk as far as I could 3-4 times a day. I can now walk alot farther and do so whenever I can.

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

Chewable vitamins and tums

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 am about 2 mths out and haven't had any side effects what so ever

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

Waiting and fighting for approval from my insurance company.

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

I don't have one. Ididn't think it would be helpful to me , but soon found out I was wrong. I spend alot of time here and am working with my surgeon to start one now.

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

My scar is not what i expected. I thought it would be much worse. It is a simple line from the bottom of my breastbone to the bellybutton. No staples. Nice and clean.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I have lost 80 pds but still weigh 450