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

I don't remember how I first found out. I thought about it for a few months, did some research on the computer and decided I wanted it. I needed a $2000. downpayment for my doctor so I sold my motorcycle for guess what $2000.

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

I had no problem, the doctors office took care of everything.

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

It was great! My doctor explained everything to me, the procedure, how I would feel afterwards, my hospital stay. how I would be eating afterwards. He went over everything. He was very gentle and caring. He set me up for some lab tests. A date at the hospital to go to an orientation, appointment with a nutritious. Then finally a date for surgery. I was excited! People should have all there questions written down, this was they won't forget or get side tracked.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not stop the sugar stuff on my own, I am a addict and I needed help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only does gastric bypass and what I had found out about my doctor I really liked. He only does the one procedure of the gastric bypass. I can't think of the name of it. Its the one were they cut you open.

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 have had several surgeries so I wasn't scared. I would say fear out ways the results, so go for it.

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?

Evevyone was supportive of me. They all knew all I had struggled with my weight.

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

I only work part-time, but they were supportive. I was out of work 3 1/2 months.

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

I was in Mills-Pennisula Hospital. Best hospital I have ever been in. The nurses are super great there. They took excellent care of me. I was in longer than expected. I was in for 7 days because my calicum dropped. I don't have a thyroid. I had thyroid cancer in 2001. I am fine done but my body doesnt't make any calicum. Bring your cell phone and charger! Its been a year I can't really remember, thats another problem due to not having a thyroid, memory. You would be surprised what the thyroid does.

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

No

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 didn't have any anxiety. I was very perpared for the surgery mentally. I was ready. I was tired of being fat and tired of not being able to not stop eating candy. I am a food addict.

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

It was a year ago so it is a little hard to remember. I think I was pretty sore. I was slow moving. Slow getting up and down. But I did what I was told I walk a little bit everyday. I ate the liquid food that I was suppose too.

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

I didn't have to travel far only about 40 minutes. I was lucky.

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 followed the stage 1,2 and 3 that they have set up for you when you leave the hospital and that went fine. After that I had problems and still do sometimes of eating too fast and I have to make myself throw up. I throw up about once a week. Or if I have eaten something that doesn't agree. I ate steak once and felt ill after and had to throw it up and have been afraid to try it again. I have found that most of the meat I eat needs to be very moist and soft. I eat a lot of Lean Cuisines. Sometimes I just eat and my stomach will hurt and I will have to throw up to make it feel better. But like I said it only happens about once a week. I do not eat sweets. I am afraid of the dumping syndrome. Sweets are my down fall anyway so it is just as well I stay away from them because one is too many and 1000 isn't enough.

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

Not much, I took it very easy and slow. I only work part-time so I took 3 1/2 months off work. I took my time.

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

I take a daily vitamin, iron, calcuim, B12

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?

N/A

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

There was no worse part. I would do it again in a heart beat!

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

There is one that meets in my city once a month. I have only attended a few times. I do really need to attend more. I think they are helpful and important.

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

My scar looks pretty good. My surgeon did a good job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

no answer

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I notice guys looking at me where they wouldn't before.