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

From friends and family who had the surgery. Also, my family doctor, who I also play golf with every Sunday, told me I would be dead in 2 years if I didn't have the surgery.

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 problem with the insurance company. The surgeon's staff took care of everything.

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

I have alot of issues so I am used to talking to surgeons and new all the questions to ask. If you do not have the experience you should bring somebody with you and take notes and have a list of questions before you get there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't take it anymore. The health problems, the burden on my family. I should have done this years ago. But, I wasn't ready. YOU have to want this for you, nobody else.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Do to my health issues the vertical sleeve was the only option.

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 had no fears. I was not nervous. I was extremely confident that this was the answers to my weight issues. I never had a negative thought. YOU MUST BE POSITIVE.

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 were worried but I assured them this is the best thing for me to do. They are very supported.

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

I was out of work for a week and half. I told them everything and they were very supportive.

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

I only went to the seminar to pass the test to get the operation. I instead lost 27 lbs before operation and spoke to my friends and family who had the surgery. I did not attend any other seminars.

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

I had surgery on Wed and was home on Friday. Abington Hospital were terrific. Bring reading material if you don't like tv.

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

If it wasn't for constipation, I would say this was the easiest operation I have ever had. Two days after surgery I was doing my own wash. You must take something for the constipation right away don't wait. Also, when you can make sure you eat as much protein as possible. Greek yogurt etc.

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 great no issues except the constipation which I am 6 months out and I am still struggling with this issue.

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

I brought work home for the boredom. I have no other comment.

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

I drove about 10 miles there was no affact on my after care

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.

Every day is different. I can eat pasta one week then I can't the next. I couldn't eat chicken or shrimp in the beginning, this week I can. I can usually tell at breakfast whether or not I will have a good eating day or not. I have a string cheese and mandarin oranges in its own juices almost everyday. If I have a business breakfast meeting I have a scrambled egg. These seem never to bother my stomack. I cannot tolerate potatoes of any kind or bread. Filet Migon, Lobster and Sushi go down really well.

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

My activity level has been great. I have a handicap placard but I do not use it anymore. I played 3 rounds of golf in row!!! I could not do that last year.

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

Centrum silver chewable, vitamin D and Vitamin B complex

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?

Eating too fast is a hard habit to give up but I have learned to take a bite chew and make sure it went down alright before eating more. Hair loss was small and not a factor.

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

Constipation and learning how to eat slow without liquids

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

Friends and family who had the surgery called me everyday for a month after surgery. And I call them when I have questions.

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

Not bad they just blend in with my other operations.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did plateau again at the weight of 300 lbs. It took 2 weeks I lost nothing but I was determined and then I lost a pound a day for 5 days. But I lose about 1 lb to 2 lbs a week now which is fine.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They just love less of me. Everybody was supportive of whatever I do. I do notice my friends calling to golf with me more because they know I am healthy enough for it. Or maybe it is because I haven't learned my new golf swing