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

My wife had it and I was doubtful at first. I was impressed by her success so I had it done myself

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 have my pcp write an appeal letter at first.

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

It was very informative

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The success my wife had with it

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

From my wife's 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 no fears. I was completely confident in my surgians ability.

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 all supportive

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

My employers were supportive. I missed 2-weeks work

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

I was not impressed by the care. I was there 3 days.

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

none

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 outstanding.

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

I can't explain it, but it was not unpleasant.

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

15 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.

I haven't found any foods that I can't eat these 1st 4 weeks.

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

I was tired at times, but I did pretty much what I wanted with in reason.

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

Vitamins and sublingual vitamin B

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?

I had none of the above problems

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

The first initial pain the first couple of days.

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

We have a great support program. Very informative.

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

1 long scar and 6 small ones.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had any as of yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No