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

My mom had lap band in 2005 i think was the year. I thought it was awesome. she lost a great amount of weight!

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

I was soooo nervous about getting approval. My doc gave me more assurance because my particular insurance company usually approves. Either way I knew I was going to get the surgery no matter what. I got approved though. If anybodys in the stage of waiting just wait and try not to get anxious. I know sometimes they tell people to weight six months so just stick to the diet and I hope all goes well!

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

It was funny actually. I loved my doctor he wanted to know all about me and what I wanted my goal weight to be. He kept me optimistic and hopeful!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided when I saw the success my mom had. I just had to wait until I was 18. I knew I wanted a better life and I knew I needed to get in control of my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Because my mom had lap band I felt most comfortable with that. I also researched and decided what was best for me and my lifestyle.

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 didnt really ever have the fear of dying. I knew it was a possibility but I didn't stress about it. I knew my decision was worth the risk. I needed a better life. I was just nervous about having surgery in general. My biggest fear was waking up during surgery..THAT DIDNT HAPPEN. thank God. and I was also nervous about clots. but I've been doing great. Advice I would give is research the complications, know your families medical history and possible problems and decided what steps you need to make to insure safety.

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 dad was nervous..My mom had it and he thought it changed her. Whether or not it did change her i know it was for the best. My friends thought it was great and for the most part my family thinks it's awesome for me.

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

My supervisor knows about it and she was happy for me. I've known her all my life so we have more of a personal relationship. She wanted what was best for me!

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

My stay in the hospital started at 10 because my doc requires that's what time all patients for the day check in. I didn't actually start surgery til about three i believe and then stayed there until one in the morning. I WANTED TO GO HOME. lol but the stay was fine. the people were nice and they just had me doing tedious things for my health but i know it was for my benefit.

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?

I felt sore. and tired of sitting around and only being able to walk for a little bit. but that only lasted like a week. I actually know I over did it after that and had some pain but it went away. I coped with anxiety by talking to my mom and researching what kind of pain was normal and not normal. So i knew what to look out for.

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

You'll be in pain. You'll probably want to move but I suggest that you don't do any more walking then your doctor advises. Expect to take it easy.

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

Not too far. It was down the freeway.

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.

As of now I can eat anything physically. I became more lactose intolerant though. and high sugar or carb foods are off limits!

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

I walked everyday but because I lived on campus I know I over did it walking up and down stairs but I did get walking in everyday. at first it was tough!

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

Too many to list...heres a few Vitamin D, B12, B complex, iron, zinc, E and protein of course.

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?

maybe sleep disturbance but i was pretty ok. the doctor gave me medicine for nausea tho.

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

The worst part was the liquid diet for sure.

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

I only have my friends at college. I'm away from home so I couldn't join a group. I go to a college in the middle of nowhere.

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

Theyre scars. no biggy compared to stretch marks! but theyre still fairly small and they fade a bit if you follow directions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

plateau right after surgery. but it was my fault because I didn't really follow diet. then I lost ten pounds but now I'm plateuing again because I dont know what my proper calorie intake is.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

they're wondering when im going to look different. so it's great accountability!