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

60 minutes TV show, had a special on Bariatric surgery back spring of 2008. Saw it and started doing some research and talked to my doctor about it. It sounded exactly what I needed. To jump start my weightloss. I was excited about it.

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

I had Tricare Prime, and had a hard time getting approved. I downgraded it to Standard Tricare, and my surgery process flew through. Listen to the folks at the Weight Loss Center, they know everything about any bumps in the road during the process. I did, and I went through it with ease.

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

I was comfortable with the entire staff. They explained the entire process including any complications that could happen. Listen to them, ask questions. Research again after you leave. Make sure that you are smart about the process. There is a lot of information on the Internet. Some views are pretty out there, but in general, much can be learned about the process. Ask other doctors about the process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My wife and I decided to do it together so we could be the best support group. We could experience the ups and downs that is part of the process. We can experiment, research, and support each other along the journey. Its the best of both worlds. We did it 3 weeks apart, allowing me to heal enough to drive to the hospital, and help around the house. Too bad I had complications, and my wife ended up helping me more.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Recommendation from the doctor. This RNY was the best for losing the weight and improving my diabetes.

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 at all. But then after the first surgery, I started to have many doubts about whether or not this was the right thing to do. Had to go in again and stop the internal bleeding. I had lots of pain for many weeks. Had the Gastric tube in for 4 weeks. Then more pain after pulling the g-tube out. Then infection several more weeks later. But now at week 9, I feel fantastic!

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?

Wife went along and had the procedure too. My son and sister did not think I thought it out long enough. They wanted to be more part of the process. I did not really communicate much, and being on different coasts, they did not see me as often. I think they are really supportive now. They just wished that I consulted them more.

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

Very Very supportive, everyone watched and researched the process. I was out for 30 days, then too 2 weeks of 1/2 days to recover.

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

My stay started like most everyone's will be. The nurses all were so nice, always checking to make sure that everything is perfect. They made sure my wife's visit was confortable, bringing a blanket and pillow for her too. There was nothing that was needed, the hospital had everything that you can think of. Tooth paste, toothbrush, they had a little kit, that included everything you could ever need.

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

I had internal bleeding, that I had to go back into surgery the next day, to correct, I was vomitting blood, massive pain, heart rate was around 161. Bad shape, I could not hold still for the MRI, I was in too much pain. Had me on morphine, but that was not enough. Spent 3 days in ICU. Had a G-tube inserted into my old stomach. This was intensely uncomfortable and had to stay in for 30 days. Could not eat solids till around my 8th week. after the g-tube was pulled, I could not seem to eat solids. I had an infections around the g-tube area 2 weeks after it was pulled and sealed.

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 had a couple of surgery dates set, and moved back. That really made me anxious. I wanted to start it as soon as possible, because of the numbness starting on my right fingers. Believe it was diabetes related. I had problems with my EKG, and ended up doing a stress EKG, and then an Angiography test. Scared the pants off of me. But finally I got cleared for surgery, no blockage found. Anxiety cleared.

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

I was in a lot of pain, with the g-tube inserted, the body bandage wrap hurt when it was on. It put pressure on the g-tube area. I could not cough, sneeze or roll over in the bed without pain. I woke up every 3 hours for a pain pill. I had never had that much pain before. But it finally cleared a week later. I was not your average gastric bypass patient, my doctor called me his 1%'er. Most of the rest have a normal process. It gets better!

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

24 miles from house to hospital. Did not affect aftercare, except in the beginning. The pain from the surgery was hard to take without pain killers.

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.

Salads, before I could not have any, I craved it. At 9 weeks out, I am starting to have a little at a time. Eggs were hard to digest and keep down in the first 8 weeks. One day I could handle eggs, then I could not the next day. I could not have sweets before, due to my diabetes and blood glucose levels. So I do not miss it. I am beginning to experiment on meats now, some I can tolerate, it depends on the consistency.

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

Activity level has been real slow going. Since I had to go in for another surgery to control the bleeding, I have been slow in healing. I have been fighting infection near the g-tube area. I have been gaining strength and endurance and feeling better since the 8th week.

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

Protein drinks, Achieve One, is convenient and tasty, doesn't leave a chalky after taste in the mouth. Bariatric Advantage multi-vitamins and b12, b50 and calcium citrate are easy to take in chewable tablets. I have been trying the protein chips and cereal from i-bariatric website.

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?

Dumping is the worst ever experienced. I think I have had different levels. Had the worst several weeks ago. Won't make that mistake again. Nausea lasted about a week. With the pain pills, knocked me out for sleep. Back to work now for last month, and back to normal sleeping pattern. Sleep apnea is improved, I have to take the CPAP to get adjusted, it seems too strong now that I have lost 60 lbs.

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

Complications! Infections, g-tube in me for 30 days. Not able to eat like normal gastric bypass person. I was much slower in recovery then my wife, she had hers 3 weeks after I did. Spending 3 days in ICU, lots of pain.

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

I visit the OH website, I plan on attending the Staple club. I talk a lot with other gastric bypass people. I have a wonderful soul mate (wife) that has gone through the surgery 3 weeks after I did. We are doing this together, and give each other strength.

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

Its pretty ugly now, I have a scar from the g-tube entrance. It is still pretty raw looking. I have to open up the g-tube entrance to drain the infection I have gotten. I pretty much knew the 3-4 inch incision was going to be present.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several weight loss plateaus, it seems like it would go for about 4 or five days, then I would loose 4 or five pounds in a jump. I have more problems with anemia, after the many transfusions that I had, I have to supplement with many iron pills. Getting strength back again, and I am feeling much better after a month on the iron.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People at work are calling me the "Incredible shrinking man". It feels good when people are telling me that I am looking great. I have had great support from work and my boss.