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

My doctor told me about it and insisted I study up on it as my last alternative. While I respected the results, I was naturally afraid of having surgery done.

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

My insurance was very supportive. My surgeon did all the work for me and I had no problems getting approved.

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

My surgeon does first visits in groups. He'll have a group in and lock the door and sit and talk for an hour or two. He was very reassuring and informative. The best thing anybody can do to get the most out of this is to research as thoroughly as you can and be prepared with questions written down and ready to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The realization that I was never going to lose the weight on my own and the desire to live the rest of my life healthy and freed from the shackles of my excess weight. I love my family and I want as much time on this earth with them as I can get and I knew that would never happen if I didn't have the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon made the decision for me. He only does open RnY and stressed that the results were routinely quite good.

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 scared about death and about anesthesia until I went to a support group and met with an anesthesiologist, who was extrememly reassuring. I would stress getting as much knowledge as you can, pre-op and ask questions. Fear comes from the unknown.

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 has been universally supportive from Day 1. My wife ultimately made the decison to also have the surgery done, based on my experience.

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 supportive over the decision, but unfortunately I lost my job a few months before the surgery/

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 three days. I don't remember Day 1. I was in ICU because of airway issues (my pulse ox dropped quite a bit) and my blood sugar wasn't stablizing (and I'm not diabetic). My second day was only a problem at night (it was very noisy.) My only complaint was that I wasn't out of bed and walking until the third day.

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

My only complication, such as it is, is a seroma on my incision, causing a leak of serous fluid. It has been going on for a month and is messy and irritating (both physically and emotionally.) As there isn't a blessed thing I can do about it besides keeping the site clean and dressed, I clean and dress the site and try not to think about it much.

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 never really got scared. My surgery was postponed three times over almost 2 months before I had the surgery and it was more frustrating than scary. By the time I had the surgery I was more or less just wanting to get it over with.

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

The first week was the worst, and it mostly involved getting in and out of chairs. I was off pain meds in about 5 days and since, the first week, I've been just fine. Be prepared for whatever level of discomfort, but remember that it goes away pretty quickly. You will get tired pretty easily, and you need to remember to rest. Otherwise, take the time to learn your body again, eat and drink what and when the doctor tells you, and allow yourself time to heal properly. It gets better really fast and when you see the weight you'll lose in the first month, you will be highly motivated.

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

My wife works at the hospital I had the procedure at, and it is just across the river (about 15 minutes away).

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'm only 5 weeks out. I was on clear liquids on Day 3 and 4, and went to all liquids from Day 5 until day 19. This consisted of smooth soups, yogurt and pudding (with protein added) as well as protein shakes. Since Day 20, I have been on pureed food (highly protein) and have had no trouble with anything I've eaten. I am now cleared to add soft foods and more carbs, veggies and fruit in. In about another three or four weeks, I can consider eating normal food again.

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

I have walked pretty much every day (weather permitting) and have extended the distance regularly. My wife and I just ordered some home exercise equipment and I will start using it as soon as my surgeon clears it.

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

I take three Viactiv chews a day for calcium, two chewable multi-vitamins and folic acid.

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?

At this stage, I've had no side effects at all.

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

I think it is preparing oneself mentally. You can't take this process lightly. It is a serious and permanent solution, but you can't even think about backsliding into old eating habits without making yourself sick. Do NOT get on that operating table until you are mentally and emotinally right with what you will be facing because you can't turn back when its done and you will be opening yourself up for serious issues if you aren't prepared.

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

My hospital has an excellent combination of support groups and nutritional classes to assist in answering questions. I wouldn't have done this surgery without them and I rely on them to keep me focused.

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

The scar is about 6" long right down the front of me. Right now, I have an issue with a seroma (a serous fluid leak) that has made the scar unsightly and irritated. Nevertheless, when it clears up and the scar fades, over time, I will be pleased with the result.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently in my first plateau, five weeks out. My weight hasn't changed in a week. My nutritionist says it is because I'm not getting enough protein and that is my focus this week. He reassures me that my body will be ready to release the weight again soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have had nothing but raves about how much I've changed this early (five weeks out; 50 lbs) I look forward to a few months down the road, as I reach the 100 lb loss point and beyond, to see their reactions. Just before I had surgery, I went to a sporting event and had to squeeze into a seat. The guy next to me changed places with his child to avoid being next to the fat guy. Soon enough, that will never be an issue again.