Hello,
Yes, I had surgery Dec. 2012 in Des Moines. Dr. LaMasters rocks!!! BEST decision I ever made aside from marrying my husband!
I had the gastric sleeve. I chose this because there didn't seem to be as much required for follow up as some of the other methods. I had a natural holiday break, so with a few extra days off, I was off Dec. 19-Jan.8 and went back to work without any issues. I've been very fortunate and have not had any real problems, with the exception of chronic constipation. I haven't figured out the rhyme or reason for why some weeks life is perfectly normal and then the next week I don't go without the use of laxatives. I almost went to a G.I. specialist (actually had a referral) but I changed my mind because everything was going good at that point and I couldn't see why I should subject myself to yet another doctor! lol Of course, now things have slowed down again...go figure. But, this should not turn you off, because I'm probably one of the few this happens with!
I did have my gallbladder out and a hernia repaired a short time ago, so I need to get back into counting calories to continue weight loss. Right now I'm just losing and gaining the same 5 pounds, but I'm happy to be maintaining what I've lost. Ultimately, I feel 110% healthier and can eat whatever I want...good or bad, just in smaller quantities. I have not had any issues with things making me vomit. (I know others have reported this.) I still have to work out 30 minutes, 5 days a week and watch what I eat. My husband is so happy with my experience, that he's decided to have the same surgery himself! (He's 6'5 and weighs over 400 pounds) It will make my new lifestyle (and soon his) much easier with both of us eating the same way. I'm excited to see him getting healthier and I always telling him he's stuck with me, so we may as well make it a REALLY long life sentence!
Good luck to you and let me know if you have any questions that I can help answer.