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

talked to a doctor in 1987, weight was at about 400 pounds. was only 39 years old and jumped right in. no support or internet then to speak of. lost 200 and thought it was great. vbg had 80 failure rate but i totally went for it. still consider it a success. now is feel more measured in my next surgury and know most of what to expect. support groups are necessary folks - dont leave home without them internet has amazing amount of knowledge

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

first surgury no problem, employer had it costs were about 15000 then. now approaching 25000 and you work just as hard or harder after all these years. medical field should get it together and start realizing the size of the obesity problem.

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

excellent, he has good reputation, is relaxed and informative and works in a great extensive program in corvallis, oregon. best opportunity to ask questions so have them written down beforehand a must. try your darnest to not feel intimidated. surgeons pass gass like all of us

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

failing health, arthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes you nameit. ignored it for too many years. get this handled as young as possible cause you are kidding yourself at your size with fad diets. the end game is health and a longer meaningful life

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

found out the rny was the cadillac and since i had the yugo vbg in 1988 i wanted to step up. no, actually compared success rates and saw the difference in rny. this is for the truly commited.

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?

human nature tends to be drawn to the downside and fearful. these people even gruff nurses, doctors with bad bedside manner are all there to help you. be patient, study everything twice, then decide for yourself. no one can do it but you and you alone make it successful. you know what they say about opions and a--h---- everyone has one.

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?

family supportive, how can anyone not want to help a family member be healthier and succeed. if not family find a true friend. try to be upfront on whats going on and about to happen in your life. stop worrying about others perspective on YOUR life. after surgery let them join the bandwagon without prejudice and get on with it

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

first surgery 1988 fired or rather did away with my job. ended up fine cause it made me start my own business and also get married. now facing second i am self employed and i am all for it hea, hea

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

1988 professional , stark and a bit lonely. 600 miles from home , no relatives or support. spend 6 days before allowed to fly home. ice chips, ice chips, nice shower shoes

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

none for 5-6 years then started to fail and gain weight, stupid me just ignored them and pressed on

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

anxious as usual, but at 39 was eager and willing to do it. didnt have to wait too long as i remember. but was a total workaholic then and didnt have time to obsess

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

first week slow moving everything, but i has stayed in hospital almost a week as precaution. 2 week home i went to work did great for years. just relax pay attention to doctors/ nurses/ practictioners and dont eat wrong or too fast

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

600 miles, ruined chances of success. there was no after care i was on a little boat by myself called thed "minnow" with gilligan oops just kidding but i was on my own

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.

broths ok, creamy food ok, ensure liquid no way yuck, meat too soon no way, tuna ok. week to week changes were not exceptional i did not pay nearly enough attention to this vital step.after about 2 months i was off flying on my new life. successes right and left

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

2 weeks out easy office management work. activity level increased each week. was amazing the loss of weight and the energy level increases. trip to disneyland was fun again.

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

almost none till 1999 or so then a multi daily. am increasing all these and understand so much more about surgery now and vital supplements

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?

some vomiting eat too fast more than type of food. lasted couple months tops. they generally stopped and i was able to do anything in life that i wanted at that point. god, it was a liberating time. i wish this for any person who makes this decision.

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

had none until 2005 in corvallis, oregon, so so helpful, absolutely vital in order to succeed. you cannot do this yourself or it would be done by anyone and those million diets would work.

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

big, it was 1980 vintage. sternum to crotch maybe 12 inches. yea i guess. now very vain about looks at 434 pounds

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

doesnt really apply to me. weight came off steadily and i didnt obsess on the scale. i was working 80 hours a week plus busting my self to create a business

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

really dont worry too much about others opinons of me now or then. have me own loved ones who are the only peoples opinions i care about. yes, when you are thinner you get treated better.