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

It was for people who had no self control...not for me. I didn't have to go to those extremes. It seemed extreme to me.

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

Insurance companies in Canada absolutely do not even look at something like this. This is completely out of pocket.

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

He is a wonderful person. Straight, up front and accommodating. Have your questions ready, but he will answer anything you want to know before you ask!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Realized it is not so extreme and is a wonderful tool to help me on my journey.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Researched all bariatric surgeries for several years before settling on the lapband.

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 had fears I would die on the table. It's just a chance you have to take to end this endless cycle of eating and being fat and getting fatter and fatter.

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?

Not well at first. My mother who is very dependant on me didn't want to lose me. My BF didn't think I needed to go to these extremes. I think educating both of them about the procedure helped them except this is my body and this is what I am going to do, no matter what.

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

Didn't tell them anything. I took 2 weeks of vacation time off. I have no intention telling them.

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

Scarborough Grace Hospital was wonderful. A very homey atmosphere. I stayed for 1 night and was home the next morning. I only took some slip-on shoes to use as slippers and I wore loose fitting clothing. A pillow on your tummy on the way home in the car helps. It was a little bit of a bumpy ride.

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

Felt a little pain in the abdominal area. Couldn't sleep on my tummy for a few weeks. A little nausea...not vomitting.

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

Good, but realizing my relationship with food will never be the same again. I will never be able to eat my troubles away.

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

I did walkies alot to keep blood clots away. I did breathing exercises to keep the lungs clear. I slept alot. I was much more sleepy than usual! I slept alot!

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

1 hour to 1.5 hours away. Not far at all! I also travel that when I go for a adjustment. No problem.

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.

No bread ever! I could eat mashed potatoes and potato soup in the first 6 weeks, but now it's too heavy, too starchy. I can still eat rice and pasta and noodles go down way too easy! I can eat beef, pork, chicken, fish, many, many veggies, fruits...everything so far.

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

In the days following you have to keep up the walkies....even if only for 5-10 minutes around the apartment. I now walk 30 minutes daily. I also do mild weight lifting to tone the muscles 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes.

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

Nothing. I eat a balanced diet.

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?

Nausea lasted a day or two. I couldn't sleep on my tummy for a few weeks. No dumping, no hair loss...so far. I have slimed and productive burped several times. No pleasant...but a must sometimes. It's gross and you certainly want to avoid it at all costs...It's kinda of like vomitting without the bile.

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

Nothing. I would do it again in an instant!

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

Unfortunately not much. I belong to a Toronto support group that meets monthly and talks on a message board daily. This is very,very helpful. Also belong to other lapband -bandsters- smartbandsters -extraordinarybandsters yahoo groups. They are very informative and a good place to go for quick input.

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

Very tiny little sratchs on my tummy. There are 5, about 1 inch long. Mederma doesn't do anything to whiten them up. They are nicely healing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had an adjustment for a couple of months and my weight has stalled between 270-274. Not moving from there. Watching what I eat on Fitday.com I realized I am eating too much...time for an adjustment. It's knowing when to go for one that is a challenge.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. More compliments...more men looking my way.