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

A friend of mine had WLS{RNY} with Dr. Oldham. I was fascinated by the results, but I wasn't sure if it was for me or not.

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

Since I am on medicare and had numerous health problems getting approval was easy. I din't have to do a diet or exercise program for six months, but I choose to.

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

Listen carefully and then ask a lot of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Failing at another attempt to lose the weight on my own. I mean I made a full hearted attempt at losing weight, did everything right. I used the Vitabot nutrition planning software and watched everything I ate faithfully. I joined a gym and lifted weight three days per week and did 30 to 60 minutes of cardio six days per week @ 65% to 75% MHR. My programs were developed and supervise by a personal trainer. I lost ten lbs the first month. I thought wow I finally found a magic bullet. Then for the next five months I went up and down five lbs. I never really lost another pound.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of research. I read a lot of books and articles. Everything I could find on the subject. It finally came down to a lot of soul searching. I had to be honest about what I could and could not do.

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 really did not have any fears. I knew I made the right choice. I was comfortable with it then, and now. As for the fear of dying I didn't really think about that either. I was already dying before surgery. Now I have a chance to live!

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?

All of my family and friends have been supportive from the begining

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

N/A I am not employed. However, the after I got out of the hospital I was back at the gym walking on the treadmil just at a slower pace.

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

I was in the hospital for three days. I had to have a blood transfusion or I would have gotten to go home after one night.

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

Just the blood transfusion. Other than that it has been smooth sailing.

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 don't remember feeling anything except relief.

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

I am probably not the one to answer this question. In three months I have only been sick three times and that was from eating to fast. I have tolerated all foods and liquids well from the start.

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

I occasionally check in with Obesity help, and also with Bluegrass Bariatrics.

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

I have six small scars that are barely noticable after three months.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit my first plateau about three weeks ago. I have lost an amazing 48 lbs in three months, but right now I seem to be stuck. I know it will pass, but sometimes I can not help but wonder if this is it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. People who were my friends before are my friends now. People who didn't know I was there before haven't noticed me since surgery. The difference is that I have notice a big boost in my self-esteem.