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

I had a major operation in May of 2000 that might have killed me but I survived and started to go to a Bariatric Doctor named Eve Olsen she tried to reduce my weight with a diet but also said I would have this surgery. I denied because of the hell I went through with the other surgery. I did however study about it online.

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

I didn't have a difficult time getting approval due to my past medical and genetic background. Although my best advice is to stick with it because it is worth the effort

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

My first meeting was in a conference type of setting and we all met individually with the surgeon after they showed all of us the procedures. To get the most out of it is to be sure this is what you want to do. Everyone says to do it for you and until you decide to do it for you and only you, don't make up any other excuses

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sitting at my in-laws house on Halloween and I watched my reflection in the patio door and I did finally seen myself as a obese individual. The next Monday I made the appointment to start the process. Until then I never seen myself as obese and none of those close to me ever said that I was. I finally seen the man in the mirror and I didn't like him anymore. I had become acustom to who I was and didn't see the real me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon advised me on the type to have and Dr. Olsen agreed and guided me through that portion of the procedure.

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 fears once I had made the decision tohave the surgery. Death was in each equation, I could die on the operating table or from complications or I could die from being obese. I feel that once you have made the choice there should be no fears or regrets about your decision. If you have any fears then you are not ready to move on.

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?

All of them were supportive and rallied around me if they had any problems with it I made sure to tell them that it is my choice and mine alone. Like I said I did it for me good or bad. I'm the one that has to live or die from it.

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

At the time I thought they were all right with it but was soon demoted and put in a position of manual labor versus my office position. And after surgery they laid me off saying that they didn't think I could physically handle the work. Too bad for them because I am in the best shape of my adult life.

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

My hospital stay was enjoyable as could have been under the circumstances. The staff was wonderful, friendly and very capable. I went in on Tuesday and went home on Satuarday. I brought a few things to read and some puzzles to work on.

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

I was very lucky I suffered no complications.

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

Anxious and nervous the date seemed like a long way off but the time past quickly.

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

The first few weeks were boring and I sat around waiting for something to do. Finally I decided to go to the shopping mall to walk, best thing I could have done. It got my mind off being alone during the day and it got me out in public to spead my new wings.

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

I traveled about 50 miles, not to far these days. I had regular visitors in my room and didn't feel alone at all.

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.

The first 12 weeks was a modifide liquid diet of 2 ounces per meal and at firstg it was a surprise to discover that I couldn't eat all of it because before surgery I could eat the Paul Buyan steak cut and stop for a quart of gizzards on the way home. My first incounter with regular food was a disaster I tried to eat a piece of fish which was part of my diet but it didn't settle very well and I spent the rest of the evening in and out of the rest room vomiting. After a few more weeks the tolerance issue went away and now I don't have any problems with food just have to watch the input amount.

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

Activity increased everyday almost and now I have a pretty regular routine of activity. I walk on a regular bases and compete in area walks for charity and now it feels different if I don't do something every day.

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

I take 2 Flintstone vitamins,2 Viativ calcuim supplements daily and weekly a B-12 tablet.

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 did not have any of these problems on a persistant bases. They came and went with no problem

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

Waiting to have a surgery date. I am also having some post op emotional problems and it is effecting me a good.

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

I didn't go to any group programs due to the distance to travel. I am now doing private therapy with a Doctor. It seems to help, however they need to help prepare you better for the post-op emotional changes that occur to some of us. Such things as improved self esteem and confidence levels. How we can learn to get to know the new you is what I am struggling with and finding my new identity. Also they need to counsel spouses on change in your personality, because in my case it has.

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

Small and hard to see with all the rest of them in that area. I am very pleased with the look.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't really experience a plateau. Everything has gone as planned.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! and it feels so good too. I'm sure everyone has seen the news shows where a beautiful woman dons the fat suit to see how people treat her. Then after 8 hours she can remove that suit and return to normal self. My problem take that suit off after 40 plus years and becoming something you have never been before. She can adjust because it was a controlled event not a drastic makeover. I am not recognized by people I went to High School with because I have never been this way in my life. I was an obese child and adult as well so I don't know what it is like to be that slender individual.