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

My wife went to a surgeon next door (literally!) and started to get more info about it. Initially, I really thought it to be too invasive and risky, as well as expensive.

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

Here in Brazil you have to pay for a private insurer in order to be able to undergo this kind of surgery. The government does operate for free but you have to wait a minimum of five years to get it. Fortunatelly, my current employer helps us pay a very good insurance company - Sul Amrica Sade - that's gonna pay for everything. The only problem is that their surgeons operate in a city 300 miles away from my hometown. But that's OK. I will have it done over there anyway!

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

It was very reassuring. I advise people to research as much as possible prior to the visit. When I first met the doctor I already knew all the main info about the possible surgeries, and presented him a long list of questions. Take notes of everything you want to know and ASK!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This site's before and after pics and the testimony of several operated people whose only complaint was that they waited too long to have the surgery done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I compared them all and saw that the LAP RNY was the most secure one for I heard a lot of complaints from people who have had problems with Scoppinaro (malnutritium and flatus) AGB (infection and displacing) and Capella (ring infection). Furthermore, surgeons in Brazil are a lot more specialized on the LAP RNY than the other procedures. Most of them only perform this kind of 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 was afraid of the anesthesia. This was my first operation ever and I did not know how I would react to it. I think the most fearsome scenario would be never waking up again from the anaesthetic. Never mind worrying! It was piece of cake, the anesthesia was easy and the recovery was fine. Stick with God and all these problems will disappear. Just as It happened to me.

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 mother had a "sight" of my coffin being carried to the funeral and my older sister strongly said that it was madness and suicidal. Her words: "If I was a healthy "fatso" why couldn't I diet like anyone else, instead of looking for opportunities to kill myself?". My wife is still the most supportive one. I would always choose to be truthful to all of them, because they deserve to know that I am undergoing such a complicated procedure. After they confirm that you have survived, everything changes for the better.

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

No problems so far. I stayed two weeks away and they said it was OK.

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

My hospital is much too similar to a five-star hotel. I stayed nine days feeling as if I was in a SPA of some kind. Do not forget to bring large short pants, because you will have to walk at the hospital corridors and their gowns are opened in the back!

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

The only thing that happened was a superficial bleeding at the belly button incision. Nothing to worry about.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

There is no magic formula. I counted the hours for the surgery and was very, very anxious. People say that one should try to get as much involved on one's activities as possible. I did not work with me. The preceding days were terrible!

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

Clothes will fit better. People will get astonished with your wheight loss. And please, try as hard as possible to obey the diet. Things can get a lot complicated if you start "experiencing" too much.

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

I had to travel 300 miles to get it done. I now have a local surgeon taking care of me after the operation.

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.

Get back to you later. I am currently 20 days post-op.

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

Pretty normal. The only restriction was to stay away from the gym until 30 days post-op. I came back to work after two weeks with no problems.

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

The only supplement prescribed is the Centrum. One pill a day, just in case.

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?

No vomits or dumping so far. Hope I can keep it this way!

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

Having to put up with that niddle inside my veins for nine days was the worst part, definitely! It's terrible and painful! A nightmare, but I survived.

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

I subscribe a 90-person discussion list at the internet and that has been alot helpful to erradicate my doubts and to strengthen my decision by hearing about other people's experiences. I think this kind of assistance is crucial. In Brazil we have a saying the states: "Words can convince you, but the personal experience will drag you"

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

I had LAP RNY. Basically I have four mini-scars that do not qualify for the "scar" title, for they are one-inch long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far. Too soon, I am only 20 days post-op.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. They only show amazement for the fast loss.