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

I started researching surgical weight loss when I decided that time was running out and I was never going on another diet as long as I lived. I entered my research with an open mind, explored all options, and chose the option I felt was right for me. At first it was terrifying, but the more educated I became, the more determined I became to do something.

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 easy. My advice is DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I made sure I knew what the requirements were to get surgery approved and kept careful notes of every phone call, letter, etc. Before seeking approval, I knew that I had met all the requirements and it was well documented.

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

My meeting with the surgeon was great. I had studied, I understood my proceedure and was able to ask appropriate questions. He answered everyone to my satisfaction. I must stress again, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. The more knowledge you have going in, the more satisfied you'll be with your first surgical consult.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided that I couldn't continue on this path and hope for a good quality of life down the road. I had to accept that I couldn't do this alone. I needed help. I had to accept that if this meant I had no will power, self control, blah blah blah, then so be it!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Careful research, my health status currently, my spouse's opinion, and how the proceedure would affect my lifestyle long-term.

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 no fear of dying, mild concerns about complications as with any surgery. I was well informed and confident going in. I really think the more education you have of your proceedure the degree of fear will be diminished. Any surgery can be dangerous and have complications. I did exactly was I was told pre and post op. I was willing to take the risks, but I also knew they were very low with the proceedure I chose (LapBand)

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 family and friends have been very supportive. They love me and many felt it was not needed. They don't live in this body and aren't obese though. Everyone accepted and supported my choice. If I were to do it again, I may not have told as many people. Now they are all watching me. Yuck.

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

I was straight forward with my supervisors. They were great. I was off work 1 week.

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

I had the LapBand and it was done outpatient. Went home about 4 hours after the proceedure.

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

3 weeks post op-none so far.

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 have had many episodes of anxiety if the scale is not moving down. I am convinced it's over and I will re-gain what I have lost. If the scale goes up, I'm beyond rational. This had improved with support groups and time. I'm not sure it will ever completely be gone.

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

We drove 4 hours to another state for my surgery. The traveling is inconvenient, but my proceedure is not being done everywhere and I chose the surgeon I felt was the most experienced with LapBand.

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 was on clear liquids for a few days, then full liquids, and now blended foods (Basically mushy stuff). It's been okay. No nausea, vomiting or pain. I'm not hungry very often yet, but eat at meal time because I have to get the nutritional benefit. Not to mention that I love to eat, or I wouldn't be filling out this survey would I?

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

I was at normal activity levels within one week. It's almost 3 weeks now and I'm ready to get on my treadmill. Prior to that, I walked in the mall, but no routine as yet.

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

I take a multi-vitamin and calcium each 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 have had no side effects

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

First the esophageal monometry pre-op test. Very uncomfortable! Second, just the post op pain, but I took good drugs and it was well managed.

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

There is no formal aftercare program. A few friends and I are working on a support group. One of my best buddies had gastric bypass one month before my Lapband. She and I are helping each other a lot. I wish there was a group close to home-expecially lapband patients. I am still trying to figure out this internet stuff. I'm not very good yet.

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

I have five incisions. 4 small and 1 that is about 3 inches where the access port is for fills in my band. That incision has caused the most discomfort, but they prepared my for that.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a number of plateau's. Usually if I increase my H20 and exercise, I start dropping again. It always seems to come back to the exercise thing.