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

I have known about it for over 20 years. A co-worker had it performed. At the time, I felt it was a drastic procedure.

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

My experience was very good. I had the diagnosis and medical history that met the criteria of Medicare. My primary care physician, and cardiologist agreed with me on my decision.

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

The visit went very well. I had my history of weight loss attempts: years of weight watchers, 2 years of medifast, 2 years of taking xenical tablets. The nurse explained the process,the hospital course and after care. The surgeon explained the surgery, the after effects and the expected results. The office staff took care of the approval process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I researched the available physicians in Atlanta, Ga area. I was impressed by my physician's approach, his credentials and his personable attitude.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I listened to the options and went with the one recommended by the surgeon.

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 was confident that the surgery with any complications could be addressed promptly and appropriately by the physician and the staff at Emory at John's creek.

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?

I was careful not to discuss the procedure with anyone outside my immediate family. I decided to share with friends on an as needed basis. Everyone has been very supportive. I would not change how I did it.

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

Not applicable

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

My stay was very good. I was there 3 days. The most important thing to bring was good walking house shoes, warm pajamas and personal care items. A good book to read.

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

I had one episode of vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. I called the surgeon, he had me readmitted for 5 days and I have had no further problems.

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

My surgery date was was very soon after my first visit. I just had time to prepare for the admission. I was excited.

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

The first few weeks were filled with anxiety but was offset by the rapid weight loss.Learning what foods were easily digested and those not so easy was an adjustment I had to make on a day to day basis.

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

I traveled about 45 minutes one way. The distance did not affect my after care.

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.

At first I could eat any soft non complicated foods. I used baby foods at first. Fish was and still is the most easily digested (includes salmon,shrimp,tuna). Soups,jello,puddings and non-greasy foods are easy. Green vegetables are easy cooked and raw. Presently, crunchy,non-chewey foods are easy to digest, was not so easy at first. Beef is still one I avoid if possible. White meat chicken or turkey is much harder to digest than dark meat. I avoid sweetened drinks. I do not drink while I eat and can therefore eat a little more of the required daily protein.

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

I was able to return to my usual routine within two to three weeks. I am retired and home most of the time.

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

I take weekly fosamex; daily: vitamin D, calcium, B-12 1000, Flintstones vitamins,

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, vomiting and diarrhea lasted about 48 hours about a week after surgery. I was re hospitalized, treated with bowel rest (TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION) and discharged. I have had no hair loss, little dumping, and no sleep disturbance.

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

Not having done it sooner.

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

My scar is about the size of my pinky fingernail. It is much tinier than I expected. Because it is near my navel it is not noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently in a plateau. I started out 10 months ago at 235 pounds, I am now at 160 pounds. I have maintained this weight for over 1 month. My goal is to get to 150. Then I will reassess if I need to go further down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.