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

I found out about bariatric surgery through the obesityhelp.com website. My primary physician told me to take a look, but didn't recommend or discourage me in making the decision. I was extremely skeptical about the surgery prior to doing a lot of research on the site. After consulting with my surgeon, doing additional research, getting my spouse's support, and attending a few support group sessions I was convinced that the surgery was right for me.

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

This was simple. The surgeon's office got all the approvals and dates from the insurance company and I was not involved at all.

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

My first visit to the surgeon's office was fantastic. The staff was so friendly. The chairs and entire office was built for large people. The surgeon took a lot of his time answering questions from both of us. He explained the complications that can occur, the seriousness of the operation, and how it works. To prepare for this visit write down all your questions. Bring your spouse. Throw modesty to the wind. Don't worry about asking questions. Ask and listen. Write down the answer to review after you leave the office. Enjoy it, you can always say no if it is not for you, and there are no hurt feelings. Learn about the pre, support and post arrangements that are required.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready to make a significant change to my health and well-being. I also realized that I needed to make the change for the rest of my life, and wanted the rest of my life to last a lot longer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose RNY due to the better success rate.

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. My life was such a wreck. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetic. I felt like with the surgery there was a chance that I could die on the table or from the operation. I felt that without the surgery I was certain to die or become diabetic any day. The choice was easy. If you are doing the surgery for health reasons the choice should be simple. If you are doing the surgery for cosmetic or social reasons your choice becomes more complicated. Talk to your family. Talk to true friends. Decide what is important to you.

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 spouse and kids were extremely supportive of my decision. They were all aprehensive and asked plenty of questions. Every concern was addressed and I had their total support prior to the surgery. They have been my rock 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 told my manager only that I would be on disability for two months. About three days prior to the surgery I discussed it everyone much more openly. I think that I was more worried about their reactions. Almost all were very positive and supportive. I decided prior to the surgery and post-surgery that I was going to be an advocate for this surgery and share my experience and learning with anyone interested in learning more about bariatric surgery and the burden of obesity. I was out for eight weeks, but worked part-time in month three to try and increase the energy level.

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

The RNY surgery was very pain free. I did use the pain ball a lot since my roommate (a stabbing victim and ganger) and his guests were extremely rude and noisy. He did motivate me to get out of bed and walk quickly. I spent most of my time in the lounge area chatting with my wife and other patients. I spent two nights in the hospital and was released on day three. Other than a large pair of sweats I really didn't need anything at the hospital, since I spent most of my time sleeping and walking. I also spent a lot of time sipping ice chips. The staff was excellent and my doctors checked in on me three times each day. They were supportive, answered questions, and were my constant cheerleaders.

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?

Although I felt a certain sense of apprehension that I was going under the knife. I felt like the surgery was going to give me the chance to decide my future, instead of waiting to die. I talked about the possibilities of not making it through the surgery with my wife, but we both had great confidence and faith in my surgeons.

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

I spent the first couple of weeks relearning how to eat, walk, and sip. The first two weeks I was walking on clouds. Everything was great. No pain, no side effects. Sometime around week two there was a short bout with depression (a couple of days). There was never any doubt about whether the surgery was a good thing to do, but it was more a sense of how can I be successful.

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

The hospital and surgeon's offices are less than 10 miles from my home. The first ride was a little uncomfortable but nothing that was too difficult.

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.

No sugar. No whites. No potatoes, rice, white bread, white sugar. Not fatty foods. No chinese! Chili was a great high protein meal. Oatmeal has been great at breakfast.

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

Immediately after surgery, I began walking in two to five spurts. After a month, I was able to walk twenty to thirty minutes at a fairly brisk pace. At three months my surgeon allowed me to return to the gym where with the help of a personal trainer, I began circuit training and cardio.

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

Optisource multivitamin B-12 B-1 Biotene Calcium citrate Fish Oil CLA Unjury protein supplement Flax seed meal

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?

Hair loss and thinning. This never recovered. Probably more a sign of my age than any consequence of the surgery. Dumping. I learned to slow down, keep portions small and measured, and stay away from any foods where I was not confident of the ingredients.

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

Dumping and foaming are extemely painful. I learned quickly it was not worth experimenting with "evil" foods because I did not want to suffer the consequences.

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

I am involved in four support meetings each month. They keep me focused and on track. There is a real shortage of men at all of these meetings. I spend a lot of time also on the DE, Mens, and Exercise and Health forums of ObesityHelp. I also do several spinning, yoga, and body pump classes each week. The people in these classes have become my real support family.

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

Non-existent.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been able to change routine to keep my weight loss from plateauing for too long. Increasing protein, liquids, and adjusting the exercise routine has helped to keep the weight loss consistent.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think I am more outgoing and open to people. Not sure if that has changed there reaction to me but it sure gives them more opportunities to be part of me.