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

I have done a lot of research about diffrent WLS. I was scared at first then with more research I became more comfortable with the idea. Going to a seminar was the most helpful.

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

I could not get insurance approval. The insurance coverage that I have dosnt cover WLS. If it hadnt been for my Father who had the cash to pay for the surgery I would not have been able to have it. I found the experience to be daunting and labor intensive.

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

My stay was comfortable. I was a little dissapointed with the fact that I couldnt get help going to the bathroom when I needed it but otherwise I was treated extremely well. No complaints overall.

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

No complications at all. I was up and walking the day of surgery home 2 days later and by Friday I was at the local fish fry (I didnt eat anything) visiting with friends.

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 I was back to normal. I was back to work in 4 weeks with no restrictions. I have a very labor intensive job as an EMT paramedic. Lifting patients ect.

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

A little discomfort from the incisions, the shots I took for blood clots where no big deal (I had to give them to myself). I slept a lot but that was about it. I really was fine.

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

I have available to me a nutritionist just a phone call away I also have a Doctor that I can call if I need anything, The nurses and other sopport staff have been awesome since the beginning. I was put on a fast track due to paying cash. They helped me every step of the way. THe hospital staff was also great!

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

The scar is nothing. What I did to my body with the stretch marks is far worse. I have 5 small incision lines on my stomach, I wont wear a bikini but I wouldnt anyway bacause of the stretch marks I have. Wow, I cant even imagine worrying about that with all I have been through.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far really, I did loose weight much faster at first of course but that is becasue I was on an all liquid diet when I started eating regular food it slowed somewhat. I feel I am loosing weight at a resonable rate now,not to fast yet fast enough to keep me motivated.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really except that they are impressed with my progress.