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

I live in a rural area and a couple people I knew had it done. I'd also seen the commercials for Lapband.

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

It took a while, but I think some of my issue was with the dr office not submitting it. The lady that was there wasn't real interested in helping people. Keep at it and if you aren't seeing results....call them!

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

My surgeon was awesome. He really listened and made me feel like I was normal not the fatty I saw myself as. He gave me hope that he could help me!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My insurance covered it and my mom would loan me the upfront money! I'd been trying to make it happen for about a year.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the Lapband because it was less invasive and quick recovery. Also only had 1 night in hospital.

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 wasn't concerned with dying...I was worried about spending all this money only to fail at another attempt at losing weight! I'm telling you now....it's so worth it! Journal your thoughts and you'll look back and laugh! I did!

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?

My son and mother we so supportive! One of my brothers thought I was taking the easy way out and should just diet. I listened and went ahead with my decision. After the surgery, my son and mother went out for each meal for a week. That way I didn't have to smell it in the house while I was drinking my meals! It really helped me...now if you can get TV to quit having so many food commercials! LOL

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

I waited until after. I just took 2 days vacation, a friday and monday. Back to work on Tuesday, then explained what it was. He gave me 1/2 days the rest of the week to get caught up on rest. It made a world of difference.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

There were about 15 people and of course I looked around to see if I was the largest and whew...I wasn't! Just something I always did. It was very informative and helped solidify my decision! I also saw a few people I knew which helped talk out some of the nerves.

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

Stayed one night, in a room alone! Was great, I loved the air things on your legs...mini massage! I was treated so nice. I got up and walked right away. The most important thing to bring besides your mommy....is a robe and slippers!

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

I had no issues. I did have a band slip a year after surgery. I had the flu the week before, then was having pain. (first sign of trouble) I called my nurse and she said to get to the ER. My dr is 1 1/2 hours away. The lower part of my stomach was coming through the band and turning dark in color. As soon as they went in and manipulated it back down, it pinked right back up. Event with that complication..it's the best thing I've ever done for myself!

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 was pretty tired but had a renewed excitement for exercise. I wanted to make this dang thing work! I was angry that people could just eat whatever they wanted and I was eating Mashed potatoes! But when I could finally have them...they were the best damned potatoes I'd ever had! ha ha That anxiety was short lived. My optimistic nature helped me through this.

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

Get good sleep, walk as much as you can (not fast, just up and moving), sip sip sip! One of the funniest things was how noisy the lower part of my stomach was! She was mad..I was starving her but I wasn't hungry! ha

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

1 1/2 hours away, but they come to my town once a month. If it's an emergency, I make the trip.

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 had a very hard time with lettuce...any type! Really dry chicken gave me fits. I stayed away from breads and pastas. Month my month I'd just try different things and found out what worked for me didn't necessarily work for other people. It's so different for everyone!

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

Off the charts!

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

Just a multi vitamin....but now I have anemia and take a prescripted iron pill.

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?

Once I'd had it about a year, I started getting hearburn and major acid. It was that my band was too tight. I had to adjust when I ate and quit eating well before bed! Not a problem anymore.

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

It's the not knowing if it would work for me! I was just sure it was going to be another diet or program that I'd fail at!

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

I attend the monthly Bariatric Support Group at my hospital. This is a great help to know you aren't doing this alone. It is important to talk to people who are going through the same thing...that way you know you aren't alone! ;0)

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

The main one is about 1 1/2". Not noticeable. I had surgery 6/09, so it's been a while.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

around 6 mo out I was getting frustrated, but I measured myself and noticed just because the pounds weren't moving the inches were! Don't get discouraged, anything you are trying is better than before. Get moving!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do get noticed alot more. I felt invisible before and would try to be extra loud trying to get noticed. I am a changed lady, inside and out! It's made me more tolerable and willing to share my story. If I can help one person, then I am happy! My only regret....I didn't do it sooner!