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

My first experience was when a coworker had the surgery. He was 400+ and lost over 200 in less than 18 months. I was facinated, but didn't initially think it was for me. I wish I would have started this process earlier.

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

Insurance was NO PROBLEM! BCBSNC rocks!

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

The first meeting with my surgeon was when I was pretty far into the process. My first visit to his office was with his nurse (bariatric coordinator) and was in a group setting. If you qualified on the surface and were still intersted after being told you could die on the operating table (lol), they collected a fee and scheduled your preop tests. I would suggest people educate themselves BEFORE meeting with a surgeon or scheduling an appointment at his/her office. What you will get here is a brief run-thru. If you're expecting to be educated from scratch, you may be disappointed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My wife had WLS about three months before me. I saw her results and decided to become healthy with her. I didn't want to be a drag on her. Among other things.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY looked to be the most successful among the people I knew.

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 concerned about complications. I was worried more about pain afterwards than dying. I was pretty sure I wouldn't die, but I'm scared of pain. I would tell people having those toughts to weigh the options and to also remember that this has been done thousnds and thousands of times. You'll be ok.

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 and friends were fine, pretty much. I had a couple of "why don't you just diet" remarks from folks at work, but that's typical. Most people who aren't obese just don't get it. I wouldn't do anyting differently, my decision...my results, my life.

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

My supervisor was very supportive. I told him that I was doing this for my health and that I'd probably be a more productive employee after the surgery. I was out for 2 weeks, but was offered more.

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

The stay in the hospital was ok. My time in recovery was VERY extended due to a shortage of beds. When I finally got a bed, things got alot better. I was there a total of 2 nights. The only thing I can say that is important to bring is shorts/pajama pants and family and friends. The hospital will provide most everything else.

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

No 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 felt very nervous, but also very excited. By the time I got to the final week before surgery, I was just ready to get it over with and start losing the weight.

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

I did pretty well. I was very sore on my left side (common). I slept on the sofa for the first week and then on my back in bed for a few days after that. Food issues were pretty severe, I wanted solid food, badly! After I was able to eat semi-solid food, I got much better. Expect soreness, possibly nausea, and being tired.

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

Just 30 miles or so.

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've been able from pretty early on to eat almost whatever I wanted, within reason. I was eating chicken nuggets from probably 3 weeks! I REALLY wanted something so I wouldn't have to down so much protien mix. YUK! I had (and still have) a problem with bread which I hate because I love/ed bread. Other than bread, I can eat almost anything now at 6 mos out. just a whole lot less.

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

I walked a little everyday. I tried to increase my activity level everyday and eventually got to the point where I am today. 2 miles almost everyday.

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

I started out taking Optisource. They are pretty expensive, so I switched to a standard multi-vitamin, b-12 supplement, and calcium chews. It comes out a little cheaper, plus I was really getting tired or the taste of Optisource.

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?

Nausea was pretty bad shortly after surgery, but it subsided just a few days after getting home from the hospital. Other than that, I've had very few negative side effects.

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

Thirst after surgery! I was ssssoooooo thirsty and I couldn't have ANYTHING!

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

My wife is a rny'er so I had the best support system you could have. It's very important.

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

My surgery was laproscopic. My scars (6 tiny) are barely visable anymore after just 6 months. It's better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 30 pounds in the first 30 days. After that, it's been plateau city! I'll lose a few, go several days without losing an ounce and then lose 5-6 pounds seemingly overnight! Strange!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! It's amazing how invisible you are when you are fat. I've posted extensively about this in the forums. People are nicer, treat you with more respect, and take you more seriously. It's hard to get used to.