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

I searched the internet. At first I thought it was for 'losers' who could not control their lives.

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

I was extremely lucky. I got approved quickly. However I had health problems (high blood pressure and diabetes) that I'm sure made the decision making process with the insurance company go faster.

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

I was a little apprehensive. The office was extremely busy, and I felt like a number. ASK QUESTIONS!!!! Even though I went ahead with the surgery, I had a lot of doubts and should have asked more questions about the procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My sister passed away from cancer the previous year, just before Christmas. She had terminal cancer that was not detected due to her being overweight. It was a wake up call.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Dr. decided for me. He only did dystal RNY.

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?

Actually, after I decided to go ahead with the surgery, my fears evaporated. The miserable life I was leading, the loneliness, the self loathing were far worse and real than the possibilty of death.

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 told very few people before I went ahead with the surgery. I did not want anyone to try to talk me out of it. In retrospect, I should have told more of my close friends, as they were very supportive.

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

My employer was wonderful. After I finally decided to have the surgery, I told my boss and the owner of the company. The owner told me 'we love you whatever size you are, but if this will make you happier and healthier, go for it!' You have no idea how much better this made me feel. I was out of work for two weeks, with limited travel (I'm a salesman) for the following two weeks.

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 one week, in intensive care for almost two days. As it was, I did not need to be in ICU, but the Dr. wanted to be careful, given my age and weight. There is not much you need to bring: bring a willingness to work with your care givers and make sure you bring a sense of humor.

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

None. I was very lucky, but then again, I had great care givers, in a facility that was equipped to handle WLS.

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 really did not have any anxiety. I had a lot of support around me, and as I did not have much discomfort, I did OK. I did over-prepare for my recouperation. I do suggest that if you can rent a hospital bed for a while after you come home, it is great to have. Trying to maneuver yourself in your own bed is a real challenge. The first couple of night I had difficulty getting comfortable, but the hospital bed helped.

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

Expect that your insides (at least from RNY) have to readjust themselves. Again no real issues - -FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S ORDERS FOR WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU ARE HOME: FOOD, MEDICATIONS, ETC.

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

Less than 10 miles. My Dr.'s office is only 3 miles away. I drove to my first aftercare appointment by myself; even though I would not necessarily recommend that, I was not taking any pain medication that impaired my driving ability.

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.

Slowly, my appetite has come back. I still have 'morning sickness' - I can't eat much in the morning without feeling sick. My best foods are eggs, fish and cheese for protein. I tolerate baked potatoes, chili, refried beans very well. I don't do well with 'dry' foods such as chicken breast, and I still have to watch my meat intake, as it makes me ill.

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

I did not do much but walk around the first few weeks after surgery.

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

I take children's vitamins (chewable, 4 per day), a b-complex vitamin daily, and a b-12 vitamin weekly.

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 had about 5 episodes of vomiting in 7 months. All were caused by me doing something (overeating or drinking and eating at the same time) I should not have done. No dumpingn with RNY - I have an OCCASIONAL sweet, but I really don't have much craving for it. My hair has not grown much after surgery, due to the malabsorbtion of protein. Trial and error is the best coping mechanism; learn to trust your instincts, and LISTEN TO WHAT THE DR. TELL YOU.

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

I guess, if I had to find one thing, it's the loose stools. You never know whether it's gas (oh the smell sometimes) or something worse.

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

I attend a monthly support group at Parkview Community Hospital. I cannot stress how important it is to attend a support group, whether you have had surgery, contemplating it, or just want to find out more information. The support I get from the people attending 'charge my batteries!'

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

Not much of a scar - I think of it as a badge of honor!! And a reminder of what I went through. Now the wrinkles are another thing. Can you say Shar-Pei?????

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet after 7 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't know whether people are treating me different, or I am giving off different 'vibes.' I definitely enjoy being around people more now than ever before.