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

I think I saw a show about it or something like that. When I first saw the show I thought well that's just for really large people I don't need that I'm not that big. I thought it was a bit extreme, and in some ways like an "easy way out". Man have my thoughts changed after going through the process.

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

I am lucky work for a city and have great health care. I know that before I changed jobs I was supposed to pay like $6000. That was one of the many reasons why I kept putting it off.

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

I really enjoyed it. I was so excited to have Dr Fisher as my surgeon. The most important thing is to ask questions. That's one of the reasons you have this appt. And write them down ahead of time so you don't forget them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I couldn't play with my son. I decided that if I don't do something more than I have been I won't be around as long as I want to be.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr Fisher made that decision, but I think it's a good one.

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 guess I have the usual fears about surgery, but I'm doing everything I can to make sure that I'm in the best condition for surgery.

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?

They were really scared at first, but then after awhile they were really excited. Everyone has been really supportive. They are almost fighting over who gets to help me.

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

They were ok with it. I'm planing to be out three weeks

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

I stayed in the hospital one day. It was ok, the nurses were really nice. I didn't bring a lot of stuff, because I knew I wouldn't be there long

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

I had no real complications from the surgery. The only problem I had and still have a little bit is dizzness.

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

At first I felt a little sick, I didn't really have a lot of energy, but that went away, and I just felt really relieved that it was done. Now I can start the next part of my journey, and I'm loving that/

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

I learned that everyone is really different. I had little energy, and had problems with dizzness. I had no trouble with vomiting or keeping down any of the food. I recomend that if you can take more time off work, and your not bored out of your mind take it. It's nice not having to work about work.

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

I had to only go about 35 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.

The first few days I was on liquids, then I went to full liquids (cream soup, applesauce, yogurt). This was the hardest part. Towards the end I couldn't look at pudding without feeling sick I was so tired of it. Now I'm on soft foods, I eat pretty much all protein. Lots of deli meat, tuna and stuff like that. I really haven't had any problem eating anything.

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

At first it was pretty low, but now it's getting much better, swimming really helps.

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

I take calcium three times a day, multivitamins twice a day and B12 once a week.

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?

Like I said the only real problem I have is dizzness, so I just have to sit down, or stand still until it passes.

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

Waiting for surgery.

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

I go to the Richmond Kaiser support group. It's nice to hear all the stories.

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

I have six little ones. I will probably always have them, but hey I like it better then one huge one.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one plateau about two weeks out, but I talked to Dr Fisher and I got back on track.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone at work calls me the shrinking tech, which I think is funny.