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

My sister just bust out one day saying this is what she was doing, and I was moreso supportive of it. I was all for it. Once she got hers in September of 2005, I started my process December of 2005.

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

My insurance approval was approved in a matter of 2 weeks. Because my sister had it, I knew what to have with me at my first visit which made things move forward faster. I was approved on December 27th, 2005, and they tried scheduling me for surgery on the 30th. I asked for the February 1st date, and that was done. My advise to others is research. Know what needs to be done in advance, so when you go to your inital appointment, you will have what you need.

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

It was a joy. He talked with me for about an hour or longer just giving me the whole jift of the surgery. The pros and cons, and the ins and outs. My advise to others would be to write your questions down ahead of time, and know exactly what you want to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being in pain, having irregular cycles (yes I missed them), and just wanted to be healthier overall.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was a joint effort between my surgeon and I.

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. I am a child of God, and if anything went wrong, it was not in the doctor's hands. Have faith in the Lord. When it's your time, it's your time and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

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 and friends were very supportive. My mother for the most part, once she has the history of the surgery and after seeing my sister and how well she was doing, she was very supportive of it. And my sister...well we all know how that was. After the surgery, they took turns staying home with me until I was able to get arond on my own.

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

They were very judgemental. Telling me what I should and shouldn't do. That I shouldn't get the surgery because they heard bad things about it. I told them, it's all in the Lords hands and my decision is made. I was out for about 3 weeks.

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

I ws in the hospital for approximately 2 nights and from what I remember, I slept. They did make me get out of bed and walk, but other than that, I don't remember much. I don't think I used anything I brought with me to the hospital because when I wasn't up being made to walk, I was sleep. I didn't even eat any of the liquids they gave me.

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

No major complications. The only thing was the bottom of my incission bust open a bit, so I had to go to the emergency room for that. I just kept it bandaged up and that was it.

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 very exhausted after surgery, but overall I was fine. Not much pain, just a hard time getting comfortable and to sleep at night.

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

I was tired. In the beginning a bit hard to get up and down, but other than that, I was fine.

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

I only had to drive about 15-20mins away. Here in Philadelphia, PA

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 have had no problems with anything. Barely dumped. The only time that happened is if I overate. That still happens. If I eat too much, I have to make myself v***t because I would be miserable.

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

It got better. After about a week, I was able to walk the mall, but by time I got home, I was exhausted still. After about a year or so, I was walking 6 miles per day. Then jogging about 3 of the 6 miles. I do the treadmill for about an hour or so (could do longer).

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

I took everything i was instructed to (multivitamin, b12, b1, folic acid, and etc)

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?

No side effects really. Just not getting much sleep. It took me about 3-4 weeks before I actually got a good night sleep.

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

None...

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

I have one at the hospital that performed my surgery. Haven't been in some time

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

My scar is down the middle of my abdomen. It was dark, but it has lightened up since. Doesn't bother me none.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Let's not talk about that. I have been plateaud for about 2 years. I have not lost any weight since about 8 months post op, and going on 3 years on February 1st, 2009. It bothers me greatly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, just compliment me a lot on how good I look, and the ones that don't know just say "dag Neel, you be working out hard, you lost a lot of weight."