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

I heard about gastric bypass and it was immediately discarded as an option. When I heard about the lapband I knew I found what I was looking for!!`

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

I have had no respect for my employer when it comes to the insurance coverage that they have offered us. I realize that it is not the insurance company. I feel that the insurance company could have handled my rejection in a better manner.

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

I love Dr. Larsen!! I was taken aback because of his age, but after I spoke with him and got to know him, I fell in love with him. He cares alot about his patients. I think you should be prepared with as much knowledge as you can get about the lapband before you go in. There is so much to learn from him that it can be overwhelming.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was jut THE RIGHT thing to do to save my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had already decided that the gastric bypass was NOT an option. I didn't want any surgery done to my intestines. This was the answer to my prayers.

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?

My fears were based on the fact that I was a self pay. I had no concerns that Dr. Larsen wasn't capable and I knew that I was in a great hospital. My concern was that the insurance wouldn't pay if something happened. I found out that there are ways to get around that, so I wouldn't worry about it if I had to do it again

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 so much support!!! I did an article in the paper so I announced to the world that I was having surgery!! It actually was a great thing, as it helped me to admit in a big way that I had a major problem. I also heard from friends that I hadn't heard from in years after they read the paper. They were so supportive and knew some of what I had gone through trying to lose weight in the past.

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

My boss was GREAT!! I am a teacher. SHe and the assistant principal were remarkable!! They were very supportive and told me to take as much time as I needed to recover. I will have been out two full weeks of work.

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

I was in the hospital overnight. I think the nurses were somewhat informed about the bariatric surgery, but I think there is more work to be done. I don't think I took anything but slippers. I liked to walk.

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

no 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?

I was very excited and anxious. I wanted to get as much done for my family and job as I possibly could. I worked away my anxiety. I also felt comfortable talking with others about my surgery.

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

I didn't have any problems. I would recommend that you do what the doctor says and follow it to a T. I did a little bit too much too soon and felt tired.

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

It is about a thirty minute drive

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.

Since I am only out three weeks today, I ahven't had any difficulty in eating. I did the week of liquids and found it to not be as bad as I thought it would be. They have told me to only eat soft foods and to introduce salad and vegetables. I haven't had any problems with my food. Sugar goes right through me though.

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

I am tired, but I think that is due to not eating balanced meals.

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

a daily vitamin

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?

The worst part for me was the sleeplessness the first couple of nights after surgery. This has happened when I had surgery before, so I guess it is from the anesthesia. I haven't had any problems.

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

Wating for the insurance company and then liquidating assets to pay when they declined.

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

There is a psychologist and a support group meeting once a month at JFK. And I see a separate counselor also. I find this to be very important. I need to work on my head while I work on my body.

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

They are healing. I have a tummy that looks like a roadmap due to some other surgeries, so this is nothing new. I think Dr. Larsen tried not to leave any more scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since I just had surgery I haven't seen anything. I just don't want to be one of those that gains weight before a fill.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that I am treating people differently, so yes, they are treating me better. I am happier and more content with me so I show it more.