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

Believe it or not I talked co workers into it before I even went to a consult. After watching them lose, I finally decided that the Lap Band was for me. They had the bypass. I knew my weightloss would take longer but I researched for so long I had all my ducks in a row and my head in the game.

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

My experience was so easy the Barix Clinics handled everything. Get the right WL Clinic that has your best interest in mind. I have to say that the Barix Clinic is NUMBER ONE!! If you can travel do it, they are worth it.

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

My surgeon is the most kind and gentle person and he is very professional and knowledgable. Truly he is in the profession that is meant for him. Thank you Dr Schram for giving me my life back.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live life to the fullest with a more healthier happier me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't want to change anything on the inside and felt that having a small amount of silicone in my body and do the weight loss slower would benefit and suit 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 can say that I didn't worry so much having the lap band surgery, I knew I would be just fine, one I researched everything and was prepared and two, my surgeon prayed for the Lord to be with us. I knew then it was going to be just fine. I worried more having the plastics and that is only because of the stories you hear such as a famous person's mother passing away but.....I knew that she wasn't be cared for by someone who knew what they were doing. My Doctor is a genious! He was rockin in the O.R. and he is funny and understanding and kind. I have tears typing this because he truly reshaped my tummy and it looks so good. It's normal...its perfect...Thank you Dr DiNick you are such an artist.

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?

I have the most supportive loving family and friends anyone could ever ask for. Of course there are a few who didn't understand at first, but now they see......I am happier and realize that if they truly love me, they support me.

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

My employer supported my journey from day one. There are 3 others in my office who have had the surgery now.

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

For WLS over night and it was pleasant and everyone is very caring and attentive there. The TV wasn't great....giggle

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

None

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

At first I was sore and swollen and couldn't wait to get fills I was so hungry after the swelling went down. But you just have to stay on task and remember why you went through this.

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

To read and stay focused and follow your doctor and nutritionsit orders. Do this for YOU and no one else.

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

25 miles thank goodness

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.

Liquids for 2 weeks of course. I can tolerate most anything expect any meat that is dry. I do dip now more than before. Now that I am at capacity on fills and at my sweet spot, I eat 5 small meals a day, stay away from sugar and carbs. I cannot tolerate bread and if I do I choose whole grains. I have it figured out now. Protein supplements are a must. Liguid protein to get all of it in each day, this is a huge key to success.

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

I was back to work in 2 weeks, I work in an office.

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

I take 2 chewable sugar free childrens vitamins a day and I am going to look for some potassium for cramps I get in my toes and calves.

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?

If I talk while eating or don't chew well, yes it does have to come back up. Not a habit you want to get into because you can have band slippage and you don't want that. I have been so successful with this I would love to tell the world do it now...save your life and get your life back!

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

You want instant gratification and it isn't going to happen, I guess the pain was not good of course but tolerable considering how I feel and look now. Thank Goodness we have this option.

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

I come to this website and forums for support when needed but I lean on my family most.

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

Well I had the WLS scars but now since plastics they aren't there anymore and the scars from my TT are small tiny lines and I don't care.........I can tuck my shirt in and wear a belt for fashion. :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About 1.5 years out I had a co-worker who thought the wls was failing me then all of a sudden..........I got focused and lost the rest. Sceduled plastics and feel fantastic. I could not fail! I went all this way............

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do, ones who have always been thin. I used to be a thin person then gained.............so I feel I am no different than I ever was except..................I am healthier and more confindent (not arrogant) and I am happier. They shouldn't be haters they should be happy for me.