Hey all, I'm Ray, and I'm on my way to RNYGB. I've been creeping up the scale from 235lbs in 1995 to a bulging 415 at the beginning of 2011. High BP, borderline diabetic, loving food, life was good. Of course, then life expectancy for males in my family was around 62, and being 52 now, my retirement plan was to work until I literally and actually dropped. However, life puts important people in your life that can change your perspective, and that happened to me: Kellylynn. So I began to get selfish. I decided that I wanted more time on this rock, to lengthen my trip on this rock, and to do that. I needed to care about myself and my health. So, I saw the Docs, got some tests, added meds, and listened to the same old spiel about balancing those food groups and exercising towards the golden prize. However, the deep, dark, recesses of my mind continued to rule the delicious and comforting roost. I needed a tool, something aggressive, something my mind had little say so, so I decided to get radical and choose to pull the rug out from under my thunder. I'm choosing the bypass, gastric style. After tons of input, learning I could reduce or eliminate my current and future obesity-related ailments, I began my journey towards 5 tiny incisions and an even tinier stomach pouch. And, as I knock out the requirements of tests, probes, education, psychoanalysis, and about 23 lbs of initial dietary struggling, I draw nearer to a referral to a surgeon who will alter my digestive system to literally FORCE my mind out of the drivers seat. And, to be honest, I'm more than a little scared. Yeah, I'm pretty heavy, and that weight continues to take its toll, but I work, I'm active, I'm living a very happy existence, and I'm about to toss the biggest monkey wrench into my own biological gears. Fear creeps in, and my mind is trying to talk me out of it. My mind knows quite well what is about to happen, and it wants me to stop, teasing me with visions of many delicious things and countless hours of comfort from the fullness of wonderful flavors and sensations. But, as I write this down, I shall tell my mind to mind it self. I choose me, a better me, a better and healthier life, and I shall risk much, to lose more, and end up in a winning position. I just hope that position is not spent bent over a toilet seat...

Hi Ray

Do u have a date yet? Mine is 8 days away....i like the fact yhat u r happy in your existan e because I am as well. I just dont want to have alot of ailments. I too borderline diabetic...acid reflux out the wazoo and sleep apnea....

Yep. Actually I just had my surgery on May 29, 2012. I am waiting for my first Post-Op appointment on Junt 6th. So far do good. On the clear liquid right now, well tolerated.

Way to go Ray!! My surgery was may 23rd. My post op is June 5th. Much luck to you! And panda I'm wishing you a fast smooth surgery , you'll both be in my prayers!!

Ray!! Oh my goodness!! I just realized this is you!! How's it going? I texted Kelly when I saw you were having surgery!! How is it going for you? We really gotta go out for a date with Kelly and Nick once we both make it through this and are doing great. I can't believe I didn't catch that this was Kelky's Ray! I'm having surgery at the same place you did. Just think it was Months aho when we were talking about the possibility of both of us doing this surgery and then we go and do it about a week apart and in the same hospital. That just amazes me - haha

Way to go Ray!! My surgery was may 23rd. My post op is June 5th. Much luck to you! And panda I'm wishing you a fast smooth surgery ' date=' you'll both be in my prayers!![/quote']

My surgery was March 21st. I'm ten weeks post op hun

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Hello ray... How are you doing?

I am doing great, and I owe much to the support of my fiancé Kellylynn. She has held my hand thru each step, and

Ray is right! Kelly is one amazing woman and totally supportive of Ray! He is lucky- as am I since I'm married to her brother and he is the same. We are lucky people Ray!!

Yep. Actually I just had my surgery on May 29' date=' 2012. I am waiting for my first Post-Op appointment on Junt 6th. So far do good. On the clear liquid right now, well tolerated.[/quote']

Mine was on 5/29 also but my follow up isn't until 6/8 due to scheduling issues.

To continue, Kelly has backed me up and lifted up my spirits and will to make this event come to this point. Sure, the doctors and specialists have done their parts well, and I move forward with my own hopes and desires. Each day is better than the one before. I expect there to me challenges ahead, but I will have the best support structure in my love Kelly. Tomorrow is a new day. I hope all of yours is a bright a I find mine to be...

My surgery was March 21st. I'm ten weeks post op hun

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Sorry Panda......

My surgery was March 21st. I'm ten weeks post op hun

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So, 10 weeks post. You must be eating steak & lobster by now. How are you doing? Any complications?

Not a one. Lobster yes but steak my pouch doesn't like too much. I've had roast though. Down 47 lbs my scale. Down 51 on the Drs. scale: )...

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Congrats Ray on your new life

Well, it was bound to happen. Everything was fantastic, then came the bowel movements that should not have been. Around 2pm, two that had more content than I would have believed. Then about 3:30pm, the chills came, then cramps, and sweats, and some disorientation. This continued for hours. About 5pm, I figured I had become dehydrated. Even though I had been consuming plenty of water, my broth intake for the last few days was only a cup per day, and I think my salt intake became too low, and I failed to retail enough water. I immediately went to more broth, and water, even adding a bit of salt to each. By about 8pm, I could feel it all subsiding. I continue alternating water and broth, putting aside jello and popsicles, and my symptoms eased. It's now about 1am, and I'm back to a stable-feeling condition. Fluids by my side, sipping away as usual. This was my first side effect of the surgery and the recovery, and it wasn't too pleasant, but with Kelly's support, I'm back on track again. Hurray!