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

A lady I worked with in 1973 was the first person I knew to have weight loss surgery. It seemed like a total nightmare. I thought I would never go through what she did. About five years later I met a nurse who was about two years post op. He didn't have as many issues as my first friend but he couldn't stop loosing weight. I more or less forgot about the surgery option until the past few years. I decided in July 2008 it was the option for me and had my surgery in March 2009.

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

I was denied after my initial request in Aug. 2008 and told I had to complete a six-month supervised weight loss program. I did that and in Feb. 2009 I was approved. The whole process was pretty easy.

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

It was good and informative. He asked if I had a surgery "preference" in mind. I stated I wanted an RNY and he said he tought I would be a good candidate. I think to get the most out of this meeting you should be very well informed about the various types of surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of the weight related issues--sleep apneia, diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, etc.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Talked with people who had Lapband and RNY and all of the RNY patients were happy with their choice, not so with all the banded ones.

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?

None to speak of.

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?

Very supportive, was totally open with everyone about the surgery both before and since.

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

Very supportive, the two owners of the company I work for both are seven years post op RNYs

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

My hospital stay was great overall. Silver Cross was great and so were the staff. I was there from Monday a.m. until Wednesday about noon.

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

No I did not

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

Pretty much from day one I felt great. Never did have any pain to speak of and was up and walking about four hours after my surgery. My partner was very supportive and helped with any of my anxiety.

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

After my surgery I didn't really do much "special." I returned to work the Monday a week after my surgery.

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

About seven miles

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.

Reheated meats in the microwave are a definite problem for me. Pretty much from about two weeks post op I started adding new foods and don't have too many problem foods. Rice can sometimes be a problem and so can pasta on occasion, don't know why that is.

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

Pretty much my activity level increased with each week after surgery as the weight came off.

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

Multi-vitamin, 3 daily; calcium supplement; B12 supplement; CoQ 10, 200 mg daily.

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?

No hair loss and no dumping.

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

Loose skin

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

Surgeon sponsored support group. Am in training to become a OH Certified Support Group Leader.

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

Five 1" or less incisions, don't really show much

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, weight is coming off at about 3-4 lbs weekly

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yeah I get lots of attention and people tell me how great I'm looking