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

My co-worker said she was going to do it and I immediatly got online to get more information to talk her out of it because I knew there was no "quick fix". I ended up learning about lap band and the more I learned the more I knew it would be a great "tool" to keep me on the weight watchers points plan.

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

I had to go to my general doctor for six months and prove I could stay on a plan.

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

I wasn't weighed in the doctors office until after my surgery which was about 8 months after the initial consultation. I thought this was strange because I was there for weight loss.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was no question about having the surgery. I was 33 and 370 lbs. I have a three year old at home and knew I could stay on a eating and exercise plan. I had lost weight in the past I just had trouble maintaining and I believe the lap band will help me get to goal and keep it off.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap Band would have been my only choice, I wouldn't have done anything else. I wanted full control and it is reversable and safe if I choose to have another child.

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 thought I would have a heart attack before I turned 40 so there was no question I had to try. The depression was so bad I felt impending doom anyway so I had to get out of that thinking. If I died during surgery I would have died young, but if I wouldn't have had it I would have died young too. I knew I was saved and going to heaven and I prayed for months about it.

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?

If any of my family or friends had anything bad to say about it it wasn't in front of me. They were all supportive, but worried at the same time. I continue to educate them on how things are going and what it has been like and I don't mind a bit. So far I am down 84 lbs. and I walk at the track every morning for an hour at 4:30am. I cherish this journey of weight loss.

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

I had surgery the day after Christmas so I was on the 10 day liquid diet through the holidays. My supervisor was worried of course, but let me know they supported me and knew I would be successful. I only missed two days of scheduled work.

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 overnight. I slept most of the time. Bring a new roab or gown that will make you comfortable and warm.

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

No, there weren't any complications.

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

My anxiety was gone after surgery. I started writing a journal about how I felt because I knew I would want to read it later. I was happy after surgery and ready to learn everything that came with being a "banster".

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

I ate very little such as broth, mashed potatoes and instant breakfast. It went very well and as soon as they said I could start walking I started. The pain wasn't significant and I was able to go back to work the Monday after having surgery on Wednesday the week before.

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

The hospital was only 5 miles from my house.

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.

I still cannot eat rice, I tried it three times and it just don't work. I ate mostely soft foods during the first few months and still do now because it works better. My rule is if I try it three times and it doesn't work, it is off limits. Everytime you have a fill you will have to relearn what I can and can't have. It's always a learning process.

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

I took it easy until they said I could start walking after three or four weeks. As soon as they told me I could start walking I had activity at least 30 minutes per day 6-7 days per week. Exercise for me is the only way to live healthy and loose weight.

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

I take a multi vitamin every day. I try to get 75+ grams of protien and stay under 100 carbs per day. I also get at least 35 grams of fiber per day.

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 didn't have any sleep disturbance, dumping or hair loss. I felt sick when I wouldn't chew the food enough. Even now 9 months after surgery I still have to be careful and think about chewing everything until it is completely gone. I can't eat and talk to people, I really have to pay attention. Vomiting happens occationally but not every day and not every week. When it does happen it is my fault because I didn't chew the food like I was supposed to.

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

Waiting 8 months to have the surgery and start the journey was the worst part. I was so glad and so happy when it was finished. I journal everything I eat no matter what and I get exercise 6-7 days a week. I feel 15 years younger.

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

I went to weight watchers meetings for over 2 years before my surgery, it is important to have support. My family and friends are my support now. I have a lot of confidence and know exactly what I need to do to make this work; journal and exercise every day for the rest of my life.

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

The scars are smaller than I thought they would be. They don't bother me at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Some months I will only lose .4 or .8 and I know that it is just the way it goes. When I started walking for one hour every day at 4:30am I lost .3 the first week and gained 4.1 the next. It was four weeks before a whopping 12 lb loss showed on the scale. You have to mix it up the eating right and the exercise because your body will get used to the same thing everyday.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to be happy and excited for me as they see the lbs. coming off. I haven't heard any negative comments.