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

I found out about the surgery from my GI doctor. She referred me to my surgeon and said I should go check out one of his seminars, so I did. As soon as it was over I told my family this is what I was going to do to finally be able to lose the weight I have longed to lose. My whole demeanor changed when I heard about it and I looked at it as a positive change and was excited that I was finally going to get my life back

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

My insurance did not cover my surgery. I had to pay up front. I would ask your surgeon if they accept your insurance and if not, find a way to tell the insurance company that this is a health related surgery, Sometimes when you get a letter from your doctor they will insure the surgery

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

My first visit with the surgeon was a quick visit. I went to a seminar that he was giving and it sounded so good I immediately said I wanted to do it. To get the most out of it, listen carefully to what they are saying. Take notes from what your dr, says. Write down questions you think you may have about your surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I realized nothing else was going to help me and I was going to eat myself to the point of death. The lapband has saved my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did research on which was better, gastic bypass or the lapband. I chose the lapband because it was less invasive. I had heard good things about both, but I already have a crippling disease that I felt the one that was less invasive would be better, Each person is different. Just do your research

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 never truly had a fear of dying from this, although there have been documentaed cases of it, but not many that I have seen. I would tell people to have confidence in your surgeon. If you don't and you feel uncomforable then maybe you should change surgeons. Try to attend a support group before you have surgery and listen to what others have to say about it. This may ease your doubts. The more relaxed you are about the surgery the easier it is for you to come out of it and make it thorugh the first few weeks with as little pain as possible

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?

At first I did not tell anyone that I had the surgery. It was not until people noticed that I had begun losing weight that I told them. Most of my family was supportive, but the ones I do not get along with are not supportive. They kind of shun me from the family gatherings and think I took the easy way out. I have agreat support system with my family and friends.

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

I was out of work for two weeks. Mainly because I had a flare up with my other disease I am battling. My boss really acts indifferently about it. We do not talk aboout it, nor does he notice now how much weight I have lost. He still sees me as being morbidly overweight even though I have lost

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

My stay in the hospital was alright. Usually my dr, does the surgery as an outpatient, but because of my history with asthma and COPD and sleep apnea, he kept me overnight. The nurses had me up and walking within a couple of hours after reaching my room.

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

I abused the band when I got it. I did not chew my food well, take small enough bites and I drank after I ate. This in turn made me vomit. I had been vomiting so much with the band that it slipped. Now I eat correctly and have a whole new attitude about the band. I now realize the band is a tool to work with me to lose weight. It is up to me to use the band in a proper way and if you follow the directions given to you there will be no problems. I even feel healthier now that I have been doing it correctly and my mental state has improved also.

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 felt bloated the first time I had surgery and a bit sore. Other than that, I did alright, I was very anxious about having the band and this is where having a psychologist comes into play, It is a huge adjustment and I would recommend to anyone seeing a psychotherapist before having surgery to discuss what is about to happen to you. It is not a bad thing, The band has saved my life, but I have had to make some big adjustments for me to lose my weight.

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

Your first few weeks from the hospital will be alright. There will be some gassy feeling, maybe in your left shoulder. You should not lift anything or exercise. You should, however, try to walk around as much as possible. This is to prevent blood clotting and the get the bloating and gassy feeling to start to dissipate

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

My surgeon is in the town I live in

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 two weeks I was on a liquid diet. Then the third week I went to soft, mushy foods. By the fourth week I was on a regular diet only having to get my first fill before the 5th week and thens tart all over again. For me, red meat is off limits. I do not like seafood so that is off limits. I tried eating steak, but it came right back up, so that is off limits. Pasta, rice, and bread are also off limits for me. They swell inside and then the results are not good. After having had a slipped band, my dietary tolerances have changed quite a bit. I am able to eat more protein, although I do have problems meeting my daily grams of protein and fiber. With the band, the one thing you do not want to do is feel deprived of ever eating food again. Learn what your substitutes could be. Eat your veggies and fruit.

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

By the fourth or fifth day I was eventually able to walk to the end of the block and back without feeling too much discomfort. Within three weeks after the surgery I was at the gym walking on the treadmill. No weight lifting is allowed the first few weeks after surgery. Since having dropped as much weight as I have, my activity level has doubled. Instead of only being able to exercise 20 - 30 minutes, I am now able to do a full work out, then walk in the pool with weights, and then finally the hottub.

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

I take two vitamins a day and two calcium pills a day. It is very important to get the daily recommended supplements in you. I find the liquid vitamins to be the easiest because you do not have to crush or chew them. I also take fish oil pills 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?

I had all of those. The nausea and vomiting went on for one and a half years only because I was abusing it. When the band slipped I could not hold liquids or food down for two months. It also became very painful. That is when I realized the band had slipped. It was emotionally draining to vomit every single day for as long as I did. It also wears you out physically. I recommend to anyone, if you are not willing to change your eating habits and what you eat, do not consider getting the band until you have talked to someone in more detail.

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

For me, it was when I came out of the anesthesia after the surgery. It was a very uncomfortable feeling with the stomach being pumped up with air.

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

I see a psychologist every two weeks to get back on track mentally and emotionally. It is very important to go to support groups and they can help you with any situation you have. You learn all kinds of things at support groups. I try to hit three a month if I can. It keeps me on track. It's a great way to meet people who are going through the same thing you are.

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

I have 4 scars. They are very small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My pateau came when I began abusing the band and eating everything I was supposed to stay away from and overeating. That was for a year. Now that I have had a revision to my band I have lost almost 20 pounds in two and a half weeks

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People I know do. They have seen the weight loss and are very,very supportive. Strangers still look at me as an obese person, but it is getting better.