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

I first found out about bariatric surgery about five years ago, when I saw a segment of 20/20 where they were profiling a new surgical procedure involving the placement of an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce food intake. Since we live near the Cleveland Clinic, I was sure that someone there could make suggestions for similar surgery, but I never quite got around to calling.

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

No difficulties whatsoever. Find out exactly what the insurance carrier requires, and then make sure you give all information to the insurance clerk at your surgeon's office.

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

My surgeon's office was very busy; they were giving an instructional seminar the same day. However, Dr. Schreiber was willing to give me all the time I needed to ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't like the look of my future without surgery - family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, etc. I knew I would die much sooner without surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of personal investigation of different surgical options, and knowing my personality and the way I eat, I decided that RNY was best for me. Statistically, it appeared that there were less complications having the procedure done "open" vs "lap", so I chose Open.

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?

No fears of dying; this procedure is no different statistically than an appendectomy, which I've already had. No worries.

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?

I was lucky; my family provided overwhelming support for surgery.

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

My employer is a family member; need I say more?

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

My hospital stay was as comfortable as it could possible have been. I didn't bring anything special, and didn't find that I needed anything else. I was in the hospital for 4 days total.

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

No complications of any kind.

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

No anxiety...I just wanted to get it over and done. I was impatient. I just had to wait my turn.

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

The first week, I was tired. I slept in a recliner for the first two days, but it was more uncomfortable than bed, so I moved into the bed. I kept my binder on full time for the first month after surgery. I started back to work part-time about three weeks after surgery - as soon as Dr Schreiber said I could drive.

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

Canton is an hour south of CCBS. This did not hamper aftercare in any way.

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.

The first four weeks were pureed foods - I tolerated everything pretty well. When I started regular foods, I found I had trouble with Chicken, Fish and Pork.

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

Actities were limited by problems with knees (caused by rheumatoid arthritis). I had knee replacement surgery six weeks after RNY. Haven't looked back since.

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

Daily: Daily multi-vitamin, spinich iron, biotin tablet, chewable calcium-magnesium tablet for RNY supplementation. For arthritis, I add Omega3 fish oil, glucosomine/botswelia and MSM. Each day for breakfast I have a protein drink.

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 dumping...ever. No vomiting (except for that "one extra bite"). Very minimal hair loss. I think this was due to vitamin/supplements.

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

I go monthly to the CCBS support group meeting in Cleveland. I also started my own group (CASS - Canton/Akron Surgery Support) in Canton. Monthly support groups are invaluable for pre and post op patients.

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

Very thin pink line up my middle, from navel to breastbone. Minimal scarring. I've seen worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Hit a plateau at about each 20-25 lb increment. It always seems to last for 3-4 weeks and then I drop weight like crazy. Just be patient and stick to the plan.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

None of the people I work with have ever seen me heavy. My friends are proud of me, and happy that I can keep up with them. My family is happy that I'll be around to be with them for much longer than we thought I would be.