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

I read about it in 2003 took me eight years to work up the courage to go through with it- after realizing I might lose my legs and die prematurely if I could not get the weight off- I had reached 420 lbs.

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

I paid cash

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

I really liked him- we had the same hobbies. He was very patient and friendly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to be active again and be a part of my kid's lives

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lots of study. VSG had the lowest rate of complication and maintenance.

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?

That I would not be able to switch to the new lifestyle- I still struggle with that.

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 against it at first- but they came around after I had my surgery.

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

They were nervous about me going to mexico- fearful I might get kidnapped by gangsters.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I had no seminar.

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

My stay was excellent- better than any stay in the States. I did not like the smells of food cooking or cleaners after my surgery there. So I felt a little nauseous with the smells- but I was able to go outside and get fresh air.

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

Just the standard gas issues- which hurt- from surgery.

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 feel normal.

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

Expect pain (from gas and surgery) expect some missteps on your eating and drinking that may cause discomfort.

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

I travelled from Memphis, tn to Tijuana, MX- my aftercare is being handled by a local doctor.

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.

My local doctor handled me a little different than other people- I was put of soft and solid foods as soon as I wanted to try them. I have no pain, reflux, nausea -only gas pain if I gulp air when drinking or drink too much.

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

Light exercise, I am supposed to start aerobics this week and light weights.

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

Flinstones chewable w iron twice a day

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?

as of today 3/27 no sideeffects

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

the gas!

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

My local church, wife, and doctor very important.

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

It is very small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight has been flat the week since surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no