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

I first found out about it when someone close to me had an R&Y. My first impression was that it sucked. This person had a lot of complications. Then found out what they did wrong after surgery...No protein....Eating lots of sugar....wound up with a hernia (from dumping all the time) and had to be opened up again. I thought no way!!

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

I had to do a 6 month diet...I bitched and complained at the time....I would do it again in a heartbeat. Hang in there. And be very PROACTIVE with your insurance company. I had all the co-morbid conditions so it was fairly easy for me to get approved. By the way...A National Health Care Plan will NOT PAY for Weight Loss Surgery. So don't let the grass grow, Time is running out fast.

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

My stay could not have been better. The staff was top notch. I was out in a day and a half. Bring your willingness to get up on your feet and out of the bed asap.

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

No....minor after surgery stuff...eating to fast....not chewing enough...One thing I found for me was that STRESS greatly effects nausea. And Blue Days...Support Groupos and Obesity Help.com for the blues.

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 was not real...Nothing hit me until the day of surgery and I was handing everything to my wife as I was being prepared for surgery.

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

Its what you make it. I was out and driving a car in about 3 weeks. I had little or no pain. You body plays catchup with your new inside plumbing. Mind you I had the D.S. I had a lot of gas!!!! Don't overdo it. I found myself eating 6 or 7 times a day...very small meals...Protein First! Food Swings...one minute i loved cottage cheese...the next I could not stand to even smell it. Same with protein drinks...sometimes no problem...othertimes..they would make me really sick.

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

Miami Vally Hospital has a meeting every week. VERY, VERY HELPFUL!

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

Better then expected. I had the D.S. Laparoscopically. 4 tiny incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None...Yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! People treat you very different. Im still on the fence if I like it or not. The only thing different about me is my physical appearance.