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

A friend of a friend had the surgery in Feb 2000. They told me of the results, ( 298 lbs down to 185 lbs in 11 months) and I was impressed wih the possibilities of LIFE again.

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

Alvarado Surgical Center handled the whole thing for me. They told me what I needed, I got it for them, and I was approved with-in 2-3 weeks.

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

I was fairly well read on the subject. By the time I had a chance to meet with Dr Wittgrove, pre-op, I had a few questions and concerns that he settled with me. It is major surgery, that you could die from, but statistically that is low. Understand what is going to happen beforehand, and ask the questions that concern you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live to see my grand-kids grow up. And, even if I lived I still appreciate quality of life. I saw what diabetes does to the system. After surgery I am no longer considered a diabetic. That is huge in me growing to be an older man.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I read all the info on www.gastricbypass.com. After educating myself on what was out there, I decided the least invasive and best statistical results was the laporoscopic Roux-en-y by Dr Wittgrove.

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 very few realistic fears. It is the pain of surgery that bothers me more. As I previously stated, I knew I was a DEAD MAN if I didn't do something drastic. After thorough research, statistically I was very willing to risk my life on the surgery vs what the expected life I would have had without the surgery. It was an easy choice.

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?

At first, I wanted to keep it a secret from everyone other than my wife. I would let everyone see me months later and wonder what happend, but that didn't work out. I started letting everyone know a month before it was scheduled. Everyone was extremely supportive before and after. Of my several obese friends, they were more supportive and interested in my results, (for themselves).

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

I own an Insurance Agency, so I really wasn't out of work or out of contact, other than the 2 days in the hospital. I had my cell phone with me in San Diego, and had several calls per day back to the office. It kept me in the loop, and it kept me busy. My company mgr was very supportive of my procedure and my goals. If a person's supervisor has an issue with this surgery, then you are dealing with someone with "thin person" mentality. As a happier and thinner person post-op, you are much more likely to be a more productive employee.

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

Don't bring anything. The only things that will help, the hospital will supply. I was in a special bariatric unit of the hospital. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. They are specialists in the aftercare of bariatric surgery and they have the right equipment for your comfort and conveniences. I had surgey Monday at around noon, and was in my hospital room around 4 PM. I was released from the hospital at 11 AM on Wednesday. Although it seemed longer, it was less than 48 hours.

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

Yes, My JP Drain was a "milky" color instead of clear. They gave me an antibiotic, and it cleared the next day. Other than that, no complications. (Unless you count drastic weight loss. Just kidding).

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 have felt great. I am getting out more and exercising more. I have had a couple of bouts where I ate things I shouldn't have. Your body will let you know about this right away. You get what I call a "clogged" feeling. The best thing to do is go the bathroom and throw up. It has happened to me about 5 times in three months.

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

Your diet is extremely limited to soft proteins. They are still eating normally, and should not expect to include you in any of their meals. You are still recovering form major surgery, and your eating schedule and theirs will not match. Food becomes a much less priorty to you. Let them eat, you socialize with them afterwards.

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

I live in Las Vegas, and had the surgery in San Diego. Alvarado has a very good network set up. I have had monthly conversations with the nursing staff on progress, and I decided to actually go to San Diego for my 3 month follow-up, which was this past week-end. Other "surgery-mates" stay in touch a lot by e-mail and phone.

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.

They have you on a 1 month diet; a 2-4 month diet; and a 5 month on diet. The one month diet is basically soft protiens; cottage cheese, yogurt, tofu, refried beans, soft boiled eggs, etc. The 2-4 month diets adds certain vegetables, chicken, turkey, tuna, shrimp, and other fish, etc. The 5 month on is basically as you wish, but let your conscience be your guide. Like on any dietary plan to lose weight, carbs should be limited, as well as sweets and alcohol. They want you to eat you proteins first, then vegetables, than if still hungry, any carbs that you have chosen. Red meats are the last thing to go on the diet. I enjoy a good steak, and has been since March that I have had one, but eventually I will enjoy a Filet Mignon when I am ready.

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

Slowly rising to where it is now. I have been accused of "burning the candle at both ends". I play a fair amount of golf with my friends. It is good exercise, especially in this heat.

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

They have me on a very small regimen. 3 childrens chewable multiple vitamins/day; 2 tums (for calcium) /day; 1 Ferrous Fumerate (Fem-Iron) /day & one B12 pill/ week

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?

Really none, other than eating the wrong thing at the wrong time. I forced myself to vomit, just to feel better. No hair loss and no dumping other than one time when I ate some sugar cookies. I was very "clammy" for about 20 minutes.

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

I miss a good steak, but look where that got me.

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

We (the surtgery-mates) e-mail and call each other for conversation and support

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

I was laporoscopic. I have 6 small incisions around my abdomen (none bigger than 1/2 inch).

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight loss drastically comes and then you hit a plateau. I have hit two of them. The scale constantly lowers and then you only lose one lb in a week, but then it starts to drop of again. When this happens, distract yourself from the scale, and in a couple of days you are past the plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Evven the ones that don't REALLY care about you notice and congratulate your achievements.