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

It was first reccomended to me by my PCP's partner, about 6 years ago. At the time I wanted nothing to do with it.

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

My insurance company was great. I was approved after the first letter.

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

After filling out the initial questionaires and histories, I was first seen the the Registered Dietician and Nutritionst John Bock. He asked lots of questions about past diets and excercise, and present diet and exercise. He then asked what I expected to get out of the surgery. The end result. I told him. He gave me some paperwork to read, while waiting for the surgeon. When Dr. Fares come into the room, he had a great big pleasant (genuine) smile on his face. He introduced my self, took a look at my file, and after consulting with John, he explained the dedication necessary to commit to a lifelong lifestyle change. After talking with each for quite awhile, we decided the Lap Band would be the best option for me. He explained in great detailed, the exhausting pre-surgery testing, told me I had to quit smoking, and lose some weight (to show my committment) by my next appt. in 30 days.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Both Dr. Fares and John Bock.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap Band

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 would say my anxiety levels were fairly average, after reading others response to this question. I mean I watched the Discovery Channels shows, that showcased the horror stories and failures. But I also talked to people here on the site, and at he monthly support group meetings, and the anxiety went way down. Night before surgery I had the jitters of course.

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 was a little apprehensive at first, but she came around. After my surgery my family was of great help, and supported me completely.

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

N/A

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

I was in overnight. John Bock came in to see me right after surgery, to see how I was doing. Dr. Fares came in later. John then came to make sure I was up and walking, because he wasn't going to leave the hospital until I was and walking. The pulmonologist came in to check on my lungs, and again the next day. The nursing staff was very friendly, and concerned for my welfare. Bring your own pillow (hospital pillows are horrible). I would also bring a robe. I was very cold after the surgery, (still am as a matter of fact).

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

n/a

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

Very tired at first, as the anathesia worked it's way out of my system. Didn't have any anxiety after the surgery, just glad it was done.

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

Being tired, walking. Gas.

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

less than half a mile. Matter drive home was very easy.

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

very low at first, but my enery levels increased daily.

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

Centrum chewable

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?

Some sliming, and foaming.

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

We have a monthly support group meeting at the hospital for all of Dr Fare's pre-op and post-op patients. I really enjoy going, seeing how everyone has changed over the past month, and answering questions of pre-ops. Dr. Fares and John always come, and talk for about an hour, q&a sessions. Really enjoyable, and helpful.

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

Five tiny little cuts. The biggest is about 2 inches long, where they put the port. They are fading very nicely. Much better than I thought they would be before surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At about the 3 month point, I was stuck at the same weight for a month. Even though I ate the same and excercised.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, it's nice not being ignored in stores anymore.