Well I should start by saying I have pretty much been overweight all my life. I have been obese for about 8-10 years. I struggled with dieting like many of us do. I have lost a great deal of weight dieting, but couldn't lose all the excess weight or maintain the weight I did lose; I always gained it back and an additional few pounds. I am a nurse...so always felt guilty when teaching patients about diet and exercise and it's importance in maintaining your health. I orginally set out to get the lap band (which my insurance does cover) but my insurance denied me for placement of the lap band; but I was approved for rou-en-y. I struggled making the decision to have the surgery or not.... because of the risks! But when I began to consider what would become of me if I did not do something about this excess weight.... I knew I had no other choice. I am a diabetic and have hypertension, asthma, osteoarthritis in my back and right knee. My energy level is horrible.  I am very limited in the things I can do because of this excess weight. So the choice was clear and I chose to have the rou-en-y. I felt more at ease because I did have an amazing surgeon.  So I had rou-en-y surgery on 03/05/07 at Deaconess hospital. I was very nervous prior to surgery! My husband and family were very supportive. I don't know what I would have done without my husband by my side. He made things easier.... just having him there. I had issues with pain control after surgery; I also had a GI bleed two days post op and had to recieve 2 units of blood. My total hospital stay was 5 nights. My husband was by my side the entire hospital stay. One of my incisions accumulated some fluid around it so my surgeon had to open it up just a tiny bit to let it drain. My husband also had to clean this incision with peroxide and a q-tip for 3 days to allow it to drain. I was put on antibiotics and this incision healed nicely. My energy level is very low...But improving. I follow Dr. Curry and his staff's instructions to the letter; and I know this is the factor that will determine my success with the tool I have been given. I know it won't be easy.. but it is something I just have to do!! I was started on clear liquids after Surgery and remained on them for 7 days. Then I was progressed to purreed foods for 3 weeks. I have been on purreed food for almost 3 weeks, I will began soft foods on 4/2/07. I haven't really had much of an appetite, but I know I have to get my protein in.... so I try really hard to get my 60g in daily. I have to drink Atkins shakes to help with my protien intake right now. I take my vitamins faithfully. I am just trying to get the most benefit out of this WLS. I am hoping for the best and striving daily to reach my goal.