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

The internet. I thought is was great. I knew I had a chance to die during surgery, buit I had increased of dying early at 338 pounds, too.

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

Oh geez. I had BCBS of NJ, then right before submission of all my paperwork my employer changed ins companies, they told us 10-19 that we were changing 11-1. We changed to Aetna and they denied me the first time in Dec 2004, I appealed it and they reversed their decision Feb 2005, then I had to wait til they had contracts finalized. Mt advise is DONT GIVE UP! They are hoping that you will. This could be the most important move of your life.

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

The visit at first was a seminar it was great, in fact I went twice. He spoke in laymans terms and stayed late to answer every question in the room. At my consultation he was professional and brief, but thought I was an excellent candidate.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt it was my last chance. I felt I had no other choices.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Easy. The lap band is not permanent, and I wanted permanency

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?

You have the same risks with any surgery. I felt I had come to a point in my life --even at 41 that my quality of life was not as I wanted it to be. You have to decide if the risks are worth it. To me they were.

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 all worried. You know, you hear alot about all the botched surgeries, lets talk about all the successes.

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

Hosp stay was ok. Had surg 4-11 and went home 4-13. They had everything I needed-bring slippers and personal items.

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

One month after I had Petersons hernia and had to undergo additrional surgery

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 found out I had a date about 13 days before. Very anxious and excited. I tried to work as much as possible. Then I lost my dad about 10 days before surgery. It was tough.

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

I felt ok. The pain was easy, I only took pain meds 3 times, I had headaches, probably from not having caffeine and sugar, they subsided. I was mostly tired.

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

The surgeon and hospital was 62 miles-about an hour away. The city hospitals are the same. No affect on my 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.

I am only out 31 or 32 days. Lots of jello when I want pizza, I just get over it. I know the end results will be worth it.

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

Just light household duties, some laundry, light walking down my street. At 2 weeks I started to go to the gym and walk 30 minutes on the treadmill

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

I take protein supp smoothies one per day, 2 flintstone chewable vitamins and 2 calcium with D chews per day.

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?

I am a month out and I have experienced nausea and occasional vomiting a feww times. Again, I just deal with it. I knew going in that these were things I may experience. The end result will be worth the means.

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

Your brain is hungry and your body is not. I need to find another way to feed my brain...still working on that.

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

Dr. Hornbostel has support group each 1st Wed. of every month. Havent attended yet.

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

8 or so small lap scars, I expected worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet. I am down about 40 lbs from my weight the day I arrived home.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet.