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

My doctor talked to me about it. My initial impressions were positive as I did a great deal of reserach about the procedure and searched many websites for patient stories and experiences.

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

I had absolutely no problem with insurance approval. Mine came so quickly even the doctors' office was surprised. I believe it was because I was such an unhealthy person.

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

My first visit was not pleasant and I was rushed because he was running behind schedule. I called the office and complained and he saw me the following week. This time it was a very pleasant experience and the doctor spent all the time with me that I wanted. It made me comfortable and ready for the surgery. Prior to that meeting I contemplated cancelling.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All of the research I did and the support of my doctor, family and friends convinced me the operation was a good thing for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The decision to have the lap band surgery was the only one I was willing to consider. I was very afraid to consider the gastric by-pass. The lap band was so less invasive and much less traumatic to the body.

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?

I have always been concerned about not waking up when going under anesthesia. I think it is a normal fear. I would tell others that it is totally personal and they are the only ones who can make the decision. I was willing to gamble (if you will) that I would live and then enjoy a new healthier life.

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 husband and friends were extremely supportive. I met with resistance from my children but that is because they were scared something would happen to me. I think your individual conversations have to be geared to who you are speaking to. They have all been very supportive to me since my surgery. My husband hovers a little too much but that is coming from love and concern so I deal with it.

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

My immediate supervisor was fantastic and very supportive. I told him the complete truth. I was fortunate to have as much time off as I needed but I was ready to go back to work the Tuesday after my surgery which was on a Thursday. I worked two half days on Tuesday and Wednesday and two full days the remainder of the work week.

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

I was told I would have to stay overnight because I have severe sleep apnea. The nurses and doctors were very attentive and I was well cared for. The most important thing to bring to the hospital is very loose stretchy pants to wear home. also, if you can, a pillow to put between you and the seatbelt for the ride home.

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

None whatsoever.

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 was anxious but I dealt with it. I kept thinking about the future and how happy I would be when I lost all the weight.

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

The first few days I was very tired and my incision hurt quite a bit. I took the pain meds every four hours as I needed them. I walked around my house to try to eliminate the gas. I am fortunate to say that my gas pains were not severe at all. I did sleep on my couch for several nights because I have a very high bed and could not climb into it without pulling on my incision. I also could not lie flat. I slept propped up with pillows on my couch. By 3rd day post op the pain was subsiding and I could use less pain meds. By the fifth day I did not need any meds at all and returned to work.

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

15 miles.

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 week I was allowed a liquid diet only. I ate jello and chicken broth. I bought chocolate flavored protein powder and mixed it with 1% milk in the blender. I put ice cubes to make it cold and thicker. I hated the drinks and honestly did not follow the protocol for protein very well. The second week I was allowed a full liquid diet which introduced more liquids, popsicles, etc. The third and fourth weeks I was supposed to puree my food which I honestly could not stand to do. I ate cream soups and a lot of Lipton soup. The fifth week I was allowed soft foods and ate just about anything I wanted. I have been very fortunate and not been sick at all.

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

No activity the first two weeks. Third week started walking. Fifth week walking and working out with hand weights.

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

Multi vitamin supplement daily

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 side effects.

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

First few days of pain after surgery.

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

I plan to attend the support group at the hospital where I had my surgery. Unfortunately, since my surgery I have not been available on the first Wednesday of the month which is when they meet. The first Wed after my surgery I was only a few days post op and then next group meeting I was on vacation. I do plan to attend next month.

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

My scar is wider than I thought it would be but it has healed nicely which is all I care about. I really did not expect anything.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not lost much weight in the past two weeks but I have not gained any weight and I did go on vacation.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, men are more attentive.