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

My best friend brought it up and I had never heard about it. She mentioned she was going to consult with a surgeon and asked if I'd like to come along. I said yes, did a bunch of research and just a few months later, we were both banded. My initial impressions with the procedure was that it would be perfect for me, since portion size is one of my biggest problems.

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

I had no problem, even though I worried and stressed over it the entire time I waited for approval. I needed a psych and nutrition evaluation, bloodwork and a letter from my doctor stating medical necessity, which I faxed over to him and my signed and faxed to my surgeon. I was approved within a week of sending all my paperwork in.

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

I had already made my mind up that I wanted a LapBand and would NEVER EVER get the gastric bypass. My doctor asked me why I had chosen the band and I gave him my reasons and he agreed. He explained a lot of the risks and possible complications, the success rate and post op instructions, and told me I'd be a good candidate for the procedure. I didn't have many questions, but definitely write out a list of questions if you have them so you can get them all answered when you're at your first appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery the second I heard about it. With a BMI of 44, I knew I wouldn't live a long and healthy life to take care of my two young boys, and they deserved better than a heavy tired mother with no energy and no ability to run and play.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I heard about the LapBand, I knew it was for me. I would never EVER EVER have had a gastric bypass. The high surgical complication risk was something I wasn't willing to accept. I did not want to DIE to be thin. Also, the malabsorption and the complete rerouting of my intestines was NOT something I was willing to accept. The band fit my lifestyle perfectly and was right for me.

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 was terrified that I would die during surgery and I almost backed out the day before. But, the risks with the LapBand are almost non-existent of dying during surgery and so I reaffirmed to myself that I would be fine and I would not be the first patient to die from the procedure. I focused on the goal, the weight loss and the gained health. It was scary but I was determined.

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?

Everyone has been amazing supportive. My husband was scared by the surgery and the anesthesia but he was still very supportive of the idea, if it was what I wanted. My best friend had surgery with me, the same day, and we are on this journey together.

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

I didn't actually tell anyone until I had already had the surgery. I only needed two days off and said it was just for surgery, and no one asked me any questions. When I did tell them, everyone was very supportive.

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

I was only in the hospital for part of one day, from 5:30am until around noon, so I don't have much to tell about this. I didn't use anything I brought (book, chapstick, pillow, iPod)

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

I got an infection in one of my incisions, but not my port incision. I took antibiotics and packed the area with saline gauze until it healed.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Immediately after surgery, I felt fine (that same day). The next day, I felt like I got hit by a truck and I felt HORRIBLE for about 5 days. I was in incredible pain from the gas in my left shoulder. I didn't expect to be in so much pain. I just let each day pass and tried to focus on the day I'd feel normal again.

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

With the Lapband, once the surgery pain fades, there isn't really too much change. I had absolutely no appetite, which was very exciting, and I was on a liquid and then mushy diet, which was hard. But I did start losing weight and that was so exciting! And my energy level soared and I felt better than I had in YEARS!

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

I only traveled about a half hour for surgery and it had no affect on my aftercare.

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.

INitially following surgery, I was on clear fluids for 48 hours and then full liquids for 2 weeks. Then, on to soft liquidy mushies for 2 weeks and that's the stage I am currently in.

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

My energy level soared and my activity has increased. I have started exercising for the first time in YEARS and am able to walk 2 miles with ease and actually ENJOY it.

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

I take a chewable multi vitamin and a sublinqual B12 vitamin. I also take calcium.

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 have minor hair loss. I had trouble sleeping right after surgery because of the pain but it's fine now. I had no nausea or vomiting and otherwise, feel fine.

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

The fear I felt the day before the procedure that I would die and leave my children motherless. The pain for the first week or so that was pretty severe.

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

I haven't gone to one yet.

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

I have 3 tiny incisions (half inch) and one longer incision (2 inches) where the port is. They're very small and will be hardly noticeable when they heal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm only 3 weeks out from surgery so I can't really answer this.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone has been very supportive so far.