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

I heard about the surgery from my doctor.He said i was slowly killing myself, and i needed to do something fast for my health. So he put me on a strict diet. It was a little to late, the diet wasn't working. My doctor then suggested surgery, and i thought that was a little extreme. But i thought about it and realized it could only help me, in the long run.

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 trouble with my insuarance, although after i had such success with the surgery i refered my good friend and co worker to going about the surgery. He wound up getting it, and eversince then, the insurance company at my job will no longer cover that surgery.

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

I felt very comfortable. I asked a number of questions. I wanted to know what was going to happen. The surgeon answered every question truthfully. I would tell people to not be afraid. Ask questions.This is your body and you have every right to know and feel safe. Even though i was nervous about getting it done, i knew i was doing the right thing for me. And Doctor King made this whole procedure better.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The reason for wanting the surgery was for my son. I want to be there and watch my son get married and have children. To be around for my grandchildren.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time, Doctor King did not provide any alternative method 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?

No i was not afraid of the complications of surgery. I was more afraid of what would happen if i did not go through with the surgery. As far as dying from the surgery, the word "morbid obese" means eventually you will die from the obesity. I had mild complications, nothing to serious that couldn't be taken care of. I'm happy i made this choice. It really did save my life.

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 family was so supportive that exactly one year later my two sisters had the surgery together on the same day by their same doctor.All of us are so much lighter on our feet.I never knew dancing could be such fun. After surgery i had help with showering,getting out of bed, and going to the bathroom.It was embarassing on so many levels, but the support was there for me. They never made me feel bad. Its great to have people like that.

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

My co workers were very supportive in my decision. They told me if its going to help me live longer and make me happy, to go ahead. They were by my side the whole way. I told them i had decided to have Gastric Bypass Surgery for various reasons. They knew how hard it was for me to be mobile. The obesity was drastically effecting my job. I needed to do something quick. I was out of work for about six to eight weeks.When i went back,everyone was so proud of the difference. They said i looked like a whole new person. And i felt so much better. In four years since the surgery i have lost 270 pounds. Thats a whole person!!!

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

The stay was great. The nurses were very nice and helpful. One of the nurses on her own time came back and gave me a free haircut and shave. Being in the hospital for 14 days wasn't that bad, but i would have rathered had my "vacation" at home. Bring a smile and a good attitude. You should look at it from the nurses point of veiw, its their job to take care of you.

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

Yes. Coming out of anestisea, was difficult. It took a while for me to come out of it. Because of my obesity, i had complications with my oxegyn. Afew minutes into being put into the recovery room, i coughed and ripped out my staples. I didn't know coughing could do that. I had to wait for the anestcia to wear off and three days later, they had to re do my internal stiches.Three months later, i came down with dyverticulitis. They treated me and i'm better.

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 felt little pain. The medication helped. I was much more mobile. I didn't have any anxiety at all. I was resting and was excited to start my life over again.

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

The pain was bad for the first few days. The tension from the staples hurt more than the surgery itself. It was more uncomfotable than pain. After sitting a while, then trying to move hurt too.Expect never to do to much. Take your time. You'll have plenty of time to do things after you heal.

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

I traveled about 50 miles. It was harder for me to keep apointments because of the distance. But i made them.

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 could only eat soft foods for about two months. For instance applesauce, soups, lots of protein shakes. It gives you the nutrtion you need. I could not eat fast foods, pork,cereals,anything greasy or high in sugar.I had "dumping syndrome" alot. Anything high in sugar and grease would give me painful diareha. Though within a couple of months i was able to eat foods like salads, beef jerky, boiled chicken. What was not good and good for me can be completely different for someone else. It all depends on how your body reacts towards cirtain foods.

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

The first couple of days i couldn't even get out of bed. I needed help with everything. Just like a child. By the next couple of weeks i was able to walk around slowly, and take my time. Slowly but surely i was able to go to the bathroom and do normal things like shower again. It felt good to be independent again. Of course everything takes time. I didn't rush anything. It actually helped me with my patience. I didn't get mad quickly as i use to.

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

I took calcium,B12, and one a day multi-vitamins. I also drank 2 protein shakes a day. I eat very healthy now, and then.

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?

Nausea for the first week was bad. air made me nauseause. My hair was thinning pretty bad from lack of vitamins and the surgery. I had dumping syndrome all day long. so bad that it was everytime i ate something. To this day if i eat something that i shouldn't, or if it doesnt agree with me i get it.

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

Nothing. I would do it all over again.

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

I have my wife and my family as my support group. They have been incredible to me and so understanding. It is very important to have people their for you. It is such a positive feeling for people saying John your doing so good. I'm so proud of you. Keep it up. And of course the jokers saying youv'e alraedy lost a whole person. How much more could you possibly lose? You'de be suprised. I have never felt this good about myself.

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

At first my scar was about 11 inches long. It was also very red and noticable. It was a little longer and more prominent than i expected. But that scar saved my life. After about 2 years the scar didn't shrink, but faded to the color of my skin. You can barely notice it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

When i was heavy, i didn't take good care of myself and because i didnt care, noone else really helped me out either. I didnt feel good about myself, and everyone would joke at my expence. Now i have been taking great care of myself. And people respect me more for doing something to benefit me. I realized who was my true friends and who stuck by me and who were just hanging around. I am more confident about myself, and in turn, people can see it.