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

I had heard of weight loss surgery, but had not really t6hought of it. Six years ago my son confided in me that he was considering it. I can't say I wasn't concerned, but since he was really on the heavy side I encouraged him to do this.He had the surgery about six years ago, and lost over two hundred pounds,and is still doing well today.

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

I had a good experience with the insurance end of it. I had a wife who was right on top of things all the time. She had no problem calling the insurance co, and questioning something if it did not look right. Her persistence, and staying on top of things really made the process much easier.

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

My visit went very smoothly.We had put questions on paper, and had a list for the doctor. We had all our concerns met, questions answered,and were ready for the surgery wwhen we left his office. I would say to people having their first meeting with the doctor to go in prepared. Get your concerns cleared up at that first meeting. You will also get a read on the person who your life is going to be in the hands of for a few hours.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have tyhe surgery when my complications got to the point of my fearing for my life in the next few months or years. I also did a lot of internet searching, and having a feww heart to hearts with my 38 year old son , who had the surgery six years prior.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to have the Gastric bypass . I new the procedure, and it seemed the one for me. I also wanted it done laproscopicly. Little did I know until I met with the doctor that it would be done with a robot. I was concerned, but Dr Huang told me not to be concerned with it. Just consider it one of the tools for the surgery.

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 had an aunt a few years ago, who had diabetes. She had Kidney surgery.She passed away on the operating table from complications from her diabetes. I also had never been in the hospital in my life, for anything. I had always made the joke that the first time I went in the hospital would probably be my last. It was a piece of cake. All the time I spent worrying was wasted energy. The whole medical system from doctors to equipment, is so much more advanced.

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 was 100% behind me.My wife,daughter, son, and their families all contributed to my support. I work in an Elementary school with about 300 students, and a staff of 40.I recieved a ton of support from all of them. Friends see me and compliment me all the time. It's this support network that makes the journey that much easier.

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

I told my employer what I was doing, and why soon after i started the process. He was very supportive, and realizedthat my health had been a concern to me for quite a while. I told him everything I was doing as I found out myself. When my appointments were, when surgery was, how long I would be out.I am ou of work at this time. He knows I should be back to work as soon as I have my six week checkup, in a couple of 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 three days. For a person who had never been in one it was a positive experience. The nurses were considerate and caring, and very professional. I can't comment on the food because all I had other than water was a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast. YUCK.. I never met anyone from the doctors to the cleaning staff who I didn't consider to be doing their jobs to the best of their ability.

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

I had none, other than a few bowel problems after I came home. A quick call to the dietician's office took care of that.

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 just told everyone I knew about the surgery, and my fears.Their support got me to this point I'm at today

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

I still have a hard time to eat my meals. I don't get sick, but getting the meat, and all the protien down that I should sometimes is a pain. It is getting easier though. For myself this has been a learning process. Teaching my body to eat the foods good for my, and say goodbye to the unhealthy foods.

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

We have no support group in the immediate area.I live 3 hrs away from the hospital, and will get to my second support group meeting on may 4th

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

I had seven little marks from the laproscopic surgery. They are nearly gone.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau's as yet. I'm only a few weeks out of surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. If anything, i think they are amazed at how the weight comes off, and the med's are dissapearing.