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

I'd have to say, it was back in 1999, when I found out that Carnie Wilson had it done. She's like the poster child of the Gastric Bypass surgery. I was luck enough to meet her in person, at a seminar, in 2003. My initial impressions, is that I was very scared.

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

It was very easy to get approved. I have Humana Gold Plus. My advice for others? Get as much documentation as possible. Keep going to your primary doctor, and push them to get this done for you.

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

Well, my first surgery, was on Feb. 14, 2003. Dr. English was the first surgeon who operated on me. I did not care for him at all. He had a horrible bedside manner, but, unfortunately, he was the only surgeon available to do the surgery right away, within the practice, under the auspices of Dr. Carlos Carrasquilla (one of the pioneers of Gastric Bypass, in South Florida, and beyond.) My revision surgery, was on March 7, 2012. Dr. Fernando Bayron is EXCELLENT! Ask as many questions as possible at your first meeting. Make sure your happy with your surgeon, and that he has a great bedside manner.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Realizing that, at 31 yrs. old, I was slowly killing myself, and realizing that I'd be in an early grave if I didn't do something about it. Also, my mom specifically, had always been very involved in my weight loss. Being overweight, runs in the family. Having a great support system is very important.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By meeting with Dr. Carlos Carrasquilla, the head surgeon, back in 2002. I was told that this was the surgery that was available.

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've ALWAYS had a fear of being put under anesthesia, and being afraid that I wouldn't wake up from the surgery. I would tell anyone thinking about the surgery, to ask as many questions as possible, and meet with the Anesthesiologist, before the surgery. I was lucky enough to have met with the Nurse anesthetist, right before the surgery. She spent about 30 min. talking with me, and easing my mind, and helping me, and calming my mind, and making me be less scared. I was lucky enough to have no complications from the first surgery, except becoming an Iron Deficient Anemic. I just had my revision on March 7, 2012, and Thank Goodness, it was a success. No complications, and I hope it continues. As I know that complications can develop after the surgery.

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?

They are very supportive this time around. My fiancee is WONDERFUL. We're getting married on July 15, 2012. I have more of a support system this time, than I did after the first surgery. I'm much more committed, this time around.

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

My employer understood. I was out of work for a week, after the surgery. They weren't that happy that I needed that amount of time off, but, too bad! This is for my health.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

My first seminar, was back in the fall of 2002, with Dr. Carlos Carrasquilla, chairman, and head of The Surgical Weight Loss Center, at Florida Medical Center. I was so glad that I attended, because I learned so much.

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

My hospital stays, were not that good, for either surgery. unfortunately, the nurses on the floor, were not at all as attentive as they should have been. It's very sad to say this, but it's true.

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

I became anemic after the first surgery. I just had the revison. no complications so far.

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 was SO excited, both times around, when I got my surgery date. I went for counseling/ therapy, and had support from my family. My ex-fiancee and his family, were not supportive. My fiancee, is VERY supportive.

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

15 minutes.