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

My girlfriend had it done in 1993, but I always thought that my insurance would never cover it, so I never really looked into it. Then one day a co-worker was telling me that his wife was going in for wls, and that was all I needed to hear. That very same day I got online to find out more info.

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

Be sure to keep any and all documentation that you get whenever you join a gym or try a weight loss program, as most insurance company's require proof that you've tried other methods prior to choosing wls.

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

I felt like I finally had hope to get back my life. ASK QUESTIONS !!!! And keep asking until you fully understand the answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well, it wasn't much of a choice for me as I already had my mind made up before I even made my first appt. I had done enough research and I knew that this was my only hope to regain my health and life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with my surgeon's recommendation.

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 had no fear whatsoever, I was so looking forward to it. And there wasn't a question of doubt whatsoever that everything would turn out just fine.

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?

The initial response from my folks was "Isn't that a little extreme?" And of course my Mom was worried about complications, as she had a friend who did not fair so well from the procedure. But after I explained the health risks that I was facing, they completely understood and supported my decision.

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

I was out of work for only 1 week, and no I didn't tell anyone from my job that I was going in for the surgery. Nor have I told anyone since the surgery. It's been 6 wks now since I had the surgery and I've lost 40 lbs. and people are starting to ask questions, I've just simply replied that I've cut out the junk foods and got off my ass. I work with all guys so maybe that's why I choose not to say anything to anyone.????

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

I was in the hospital for 2 days, as I was having really bad shoulder pain the day following surgery, so they kept me an extra day to do an upper GI to make sure everything was okay. I overpacked, as the only thing I used was my robe and slippers.

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

None so far. Keeping my fingers crossed.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

When my approval came through, my surgery was scheduled for exactly 2 weeks. So, not much waiting here.

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

My advise to anyone is follow the diet plan or trust me you will be sorry if you try to eat something that your not suppose to have.

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

Not far, a ten minute drive.

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.

Once I was given the okay to enter the "trial and error" stage I found out the hard way that tuna, any kind of pasta (regardless of how chopped up it is), and turkey just didn't sit well with me.

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

I've never felt better since my surgery. I never got the tired and wiped out feeling that some describe after surgery.

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

Viactiv Multi-Vit (Choc Cherry Flavor) 2 x's a day Viactiv Calcium (Strawbry Crm) 2 x's a day

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?

Nausea and vomitting when I try to eat something that I probably shouldn't be eating.

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

After going through all of those tests, the waiting for the ins. approval.

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

Well I stumbled upon this website, and have found it to be a blessing. Currently looking into a close by support group.

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

Barely visable, a good tan should cover them up.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just got my first, didn't move the scale for about a week, started to get discouraged until I talked with people on here and found out that this is normal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet.