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

I did a lot of online research in Feb and discovered although my BMI was 36-38, I would likely qualify because of my co-morbidites (sp?): diabetes and hypertriglycerdemia. I knew that recent studies confirmed an 80% success rate of eliminating diabetes. I let myself hope and prayed a lot.

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 great. My first hurdle was my PCP, who tried to dissuade me at first, but after repeated requests my medical group approved a referral to a bariatric surgeon. My first visit to him was in March and I had my surgery 2 months later. I am grateful to my insurance company. I didn't have the battle that a lot of people have.

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

Great first meeting. I laid it on the line and was completely honest about my health problems and my determination to be a good patient. The doctor reviewed my medical history and assured me I was an excellent candidate for bariatric surgery and that he and his staff were going to help me get the surgery approved and executed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Looking at my 4 children (ages 7, 5, 3, and 17 months). I had a heart attack at 45 and was on 5 medications for diabetes. It was the easiest and most logical decision I ever made. If I wanted to live to see my children grow up, the surgery was a no-brainer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I never considered anything but gastric bypass because of it's affect on eliminating diabetes.

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 put all my trust in the Lord. When I went in for the surgery, I prayed that the Surgeon and staff be blessed by God to care for me.

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 was completely supportive. My family was a bit shocked "you aren't THAT fat." They have all been supportive after surgery.

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

My boss was supportive. I was out only 5 days of work. I probably went back too soon, looking in hindsight.

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

4 day stay. Other than my surgeon, most of my experience was very negative: problems drawing blood, poor response time by the nurses, nursing staff not attending to my low blood sugar until I almost went into a come (my blood sugar was at 35!) Bring your own glucometer and the phone number to the hospital patient laiason .

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

No unexpected 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?

I was elated and grateful. Any anxiety in our family was felt by my wife. We talked a lot, prayed a lot.

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

BIG ADJUSTMENT PERIOD! Constant nausea first week. The biggest pain in the rear is the drainage tube! Not drinking with meals is a big hurdle for me. Also, eating slow is an extreme challenge.

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

5 miles to the surgery. Aftercare visits about 25 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.

Can/will eat: Meat, cheese, low fat lite yogurt, eggs for breakfast during first 3 weeks. Can't won't eat starches: potatoes, rice, and bread, which were a BIG part of my diet before the surgery. No diet soda anymore, can't drink but a few sips of coffee in the morning. Say goodbye to bacon. I have a problem drinking milk now for whatever reason. It comes right back up.

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

I came back too soon to work (only 8 days later). I would take more time to rest if I had to do it again.

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

chewable calcium citrate. Centrum chewable multiple vitamins Sub-ligual B-12 Iron (included in multi vitamin) I take this protein supplement called "proslam 45" It is a liquid & only about 3 ounces with NO fat and NO carbs. It is a huge help in getting me my daily requirement of 90 grams of protein.

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 have slept better than I ever have (no snoring!) Dumping has been a minor (but very uncomfortable) side affect. Vomiting is infrequent but certain when I drink liquids when I eat. Old habits die hard.

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

The way I was treated in the hospital.

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

Haven't attended yet.

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

Right now my biggest scar is from my drainage tube!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I came home from the hospital at 271 and weighed 241 15 days later. However, I am 21 days out today and have stalled at 245. I have not lost any weight in 7 days and in fact, gained 4 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People make positive comments.