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

I heard about it from my Primary care Dr, Also from TV and friends/familey members who also had 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 getting my insurance company to approve the surgery The company I work for offers great health benefits.

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

The first time I meet Dr. Wilcox was at the informational semeniar at which alot of my questions where answered and the procedure was explained. Then about two weeks late I had my first appointment with Dr. Wilcox the whole staff was very friendly and answered all of my questions. Dr.wilcox took the time to go over my medical history with me and explain in further detail the procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The decision to have the surgery was do to the fact the risk out weight all of my medical complications. I knew if I didn't take this risk I may not be here to see my kids grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the proceedure based on the recommedation of my physcian

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 many fears, but I knew without doing this my life would already be shorten. I couldn't keep going the way I was.

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 family was 50 50 some understood the need for the surgery while others didn't but no matter what I decided they stood behind me.

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

They to where really supportive

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

My stay in the hospital was good I received excellent care during my stay.

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

Yes, there where complications. I dealt with them one day at a time. The care that I received during this time was execellent!!!! Dr.Wilcox made sure I was well taken care of.

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

After I got my surgery date I was extremly happy, it was my chance to change my life for the better. I really didn't have any anxiety until the day befor my surgery. Which was handled through alot of prayer.

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

It was very difficult because I developed complication. Even though you think it is going to be a big adjustment you are in some discomfort so you really don't think about eating. Appetite is minimal to nothing I would even have to force myself to drink what I was suppose too.

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

I only traveled about 15 minutes away, it was good for my after care that everyone was local.

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 followed my diet pretty strictly. I tolerated liquid well the first three weeks after surgery . I did not have much problem with pruree foods I found myself falling in love with Jello. When I finally got to eat normal food I couldn't believe the difference in portion sides and what filled me up . I could not eat spagetti or saucy food for along while after my surgery . I can't tolerate alot of suger eating a small bowl of cearl with sugar like frosted flakes made me really sick . I really can't eat much sugar at all. The one thing that I can not eat even after months after surgery is greasy or fried food they make me sick and neaseas. I have real issues with greasy food.

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

Days after surgery I could not walk two house down from my parent house because of the complications after surgery. After I recovered from the complications my energy level kept increasing. After gain all the weight I gain before my surgery I could not walk very far nor did I want to but now I walk my dogs 6 or 7 blocks. I go swimming with my kids. I go to the park with my kids . My wife and I walk around the local mall. I can go up and down stairs with huffing and puffing. I plan on taking my kids to the amusement park in the summer and don't have to be embaress or afraid I won't fit in the seats. It's a whole new energy level.

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

I take a muti vitamin, calcium, vitamin C and Vitamin B12 shot . I also take protien shakes and iron tablets.

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 really did not have much of the vomiting but because of the complication of the surgery I did not sleep very well and because I had the open surgery it was hard for me to lay down so I slept in a recliner in my living room.

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

The scar that I have is not what I expected because I was expecting the laprascopic incisions but they had to do the open procedure on me and the scar is right below my diaphragm to my naval. but it was worth it because I have a new lease on life.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I continue to loss weight it is just not as fast as after surgery the weight was falling off the first 4 months now I loss about 5 pounds a week it could be less but my weight continues to fall.