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

My wife had 2 co-workers that had the RNY procedure done and she told me about their success. I was hesitant but knew that I had to do something and a normal weight loss diet did not work for me because of the drugs I was taking for the diabetes.

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

There was no problem with the insurance (BCBS-Blue Advantage) due to the co-morbidities; Type II Diabetes, sleep apnea.

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

I actually consulted 2 surgeons. The first surgeon was not to my liking, the 2nd surgeon was recommended and was the one I chose to perform the surgery. Dr. Keating was very thorough with his discription of the surgery, possible complications and what I could expect. He is a very warm and caring person.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of the way I was and had no other option as far as I was concerned. I was a heart-attack and/or stroke just waiting to happen.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY was the best option for me because of my weigh, BMI and other medical problems.

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 was very frightened of dying from the surgery. I have had 4 back surgeries and an appendectomy prior to this and had one instance where the medical team had a hard time waking me up after the surgery. I did the RNY surgery because I would have died eventually anyway but would have been much slower and more painful. This was my chance to be 'normal' again and be around for my wife, children and grandchildren.

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?

Everyone was very supportive. I received no negative input from any of my family or friends. After the surgery everyone has given me total support.

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

I am not employed at present. I was self-employed but had to give it up when my weight and health worsened.

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

I was hospitalized for 4 1/2 days. Everyone was very caring. I did spend 1 night in the intensive care department because of the sleep apnea. I did have to bring my Bi-Pap machine with me.

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

No complications.

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

Once I got the surgery date I was excited and scared. I took it one day at a time and discussed my feelings with my wife and family.

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

It was a definite learning experience but really exciting seeing the numbers going down on the scale on a regular basis. I had 6 ounce custard cups that I used at meal times. Nothing over 1 tablespoon at first and six monthes post op I still use the cups although I can now eat about 3/4 cup at a meal. I did not do the pureed foods but I did always chew slowly and ate a lot of soups. I lost about a pound each day for the first several weeks. I lost 15 pounds in the first week.

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

I live only about 20 miles from the hospital where I had surgery.

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.

I eat what I want but I choose not to eat any 'junk' food or sweets. I had my first 'sweet' 6 months after surgery. I do not eat bread. I do eat pretzel pieces and hard crackers and a variety of nuts. I eat more solid foods now but still have soup. I don't eat a lot of vegetables but I do drink V8 juice every other day. I also drink Crystal Lite.

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

My activity level has gradually increased as the weight has come off. I went from being a total couch potato to a person that finds it very hard to just sit and watch TV.

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

I take a Flintstone Complete chewable vitamin every day (only chewable vitamin that does not have sugar). I also take a B-complex.

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?

The only side effect I have had is hair loss. Not severe and feel that it will reverse in the near future.

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

Worrying about the surgery prior to having it done.

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

I have not attended any aftercare support group/program.

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

Long and red but I know it will fade to pale pink eventually. I knew what it would look like prior to surgery (my wife had a VBG done previously).

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have a several short term plateaus but when I wasn't losing any scale weight I was losing inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The looks from people are no longer bothersome. I actually get some admiring looks now.