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

I heard about it and read about it. I then went to several meetings where the Lap Band was the recommended approach. I was going to get the lap band and had a final Surgeon appointment when I came down with Meningitis. I was disabled by the disease and waited 3 years for Medicare to be made available to me. I had to go to an approved center and the place I was planning on going was not approved. The surgeon talked to me about LNY Bypass vs. Lap Band and told me I would do better with the Bypass. I went with his recommendation.

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

With Medicare it was well documented as being available with approval by the surgeon. Prior to the Meningitis attack I tried everything, but my insurance would not cover.

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

Instead of the auditorium meeting it was with the Surgeon, psychologist, and nurse. With my wife there we went through the presentation and asked all sorts of questions. I was pretty well prepared. We spent most of the time weighing Lap Band versus Bypass. If you go to a big meeting, go several times and then talk to the folks who went through it. Also go to the support group meetings before you make a decision. The surgery doesn't always work, you need to be prepared and committed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mind was made up before I had the surgery. I also began seeing a psychologist on a weekly basis two months before surgery and have continued. I had my surgery 5 months ago. I also have a personal trainer that I see weekly at the gym. She helps to keep me on track with exercise and support. I do not have a nutritionist. I also see my PCP monthly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

As mentioned above the surgeon talked me into the bypass. Looking back and talking with people it is the most successful of the programs. I know about 10 people who had the lap band and they are not doing as well as I am. I do have food problems, but I don't feel like I live to eat anymore. I discussed my food intake problems with the surgeon and he offered to go back in and open up my opening more. I chose not.

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 heard some horrible stories about the surgery. A couple of local gals had the surgery and one died from complications and the other had to be helicoptered to the hospital. The common problem was caused by a nick from the orthoscopic surgery. I had a lot of confidence in my surgeon and took the dive with my eyes wide open. I pulled through with no complications.

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?

My wife and kids were extremely supportive. My friends were also very supportive. I can't tell you the number of times I told friends about what was to happen and what bad could happen. I covered all the ins and outs to the point I don't think there were any questions not asked. They were all there after the surgery supporting me. Interestingly, I mentioned once to my PCP I wanted the surgery and she was totally against it, thinking dieting was the answer and discipline would save me. She has been very supportive after the surgery.

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

I am disabled/retired.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I went to three first seminars and listened to the folks that had previously had the surgery. I know now I got the good side and was never exposed to those still challenged after surgery. I strongly recommend anyone considering the surgery to go to as many different support group meetings as possible and listen to what they are saying. If you belong to a gym, ask to be introduced to those who had the surgery. One on ones would be eye opening.

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

I was there for two days and was treated like a king. I read some reviews that did not put a very good light on the support at the hospital. Shortly before my operation, the hospital reorganized and introduced a specialty group for WLS. They knew what I had gone through and helped me. It was a great experience.

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

No complications. The doctor and nurses prepared me for everything except for having the drainage tube pulled out. That hurt the most, but it didn't last long. It was 10 days after the surgery.

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

As mentioned before I did lots of research and got a psychologist whom I saw weekly and discussed what I was about to do. I went in with my eyes wide open and came out with flying colors.

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

I guess you expect too much. Living on a liquid diet was tough. I was off pain meds by 10 days and I took care of myself so I would not do too much. In 2 weeks I was back at the gym with walking and light weights. I waited until all my wounds were healed before going back in the pool for aqua-aerobics.

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

I live on an island and had to travel about 50 miles to the chosen hospital. I was very confident with the hospital and the surgeon. My previous PCP was head of Senior care and my Cardiologist was head of Cardiology at the hospital.

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.

Nothing solid. I had the surgery 5 months ago and I still have problems with solids. I can't eat baked goods, nothing fried. I tried a burger the other day and it didn't go well. I have been eating about 600 - 800 calories a day since my operation. My favorite is Chili and I eat lots of soups. I can eat a little lean broiled steak, chicken, and pork. I love salads and veggies. They settle well. Cook the veggies well.

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

I walked a block or two each day after surgery. After two weeks I went to the gym and began walking a mile or more 3 - 4 times a week. About 6 weeks after surgery my wounds were healed and I started back in aqua-aeorobics. Now I do weights, cross trainer bikes, swimming, and walking. My knees don't hurt any more and my balance is much better.

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

I take two chewable multi-vitamins, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and extra vitamin D. There is another one I take but can't remember. I am still taking them and assume I will for the rest of my life. I can't eat enough to get all the stuff from food.

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?

I think the worst is the dumping (throwing up what I just ate). I look at it as a learning experience and try and remember so I don't do the same thing twice. I probably get to dump several days a week. If I stick to my soups and other stuff, I do well. I have at least one shake a day. My protein of choice are dried powdered egg whites. They mix well with all sorts of stuff.

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

I don't think anything was bad. It has forced me to eat sensibly and eat to live. If given a choice, I would do it again without hesitation.

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

I have my wife, friends, my psychologist, my personal trainer, and my PCP. They have all been supportive and helpful.

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

I had more holes than I expected, but are now small brown spots on my belly. No problem.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just went through a huge plateau at 80 pounds. It lasted a month and happened at about 3.5 months after surgery. I am back to losing a pound every few days now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sure, I get lots of compliments from family and friends.