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

I found out about it from a co worker. My first impression - aahhhh a quick fix to being fat! - Boy was I wrong, its a definate life long adjustment.

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

I have not had too much dealing with insurance approval since the Dr's office has handled everything.

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

The first impression was a lasting one - I went to a seminar at Ellis Hospital with my neighbor who was also considering surgery. The surgeron welcomed everyone. This meeting was a wonderful informational. It took me over 1 year after that before i made my decision to have the Lap Band surgery performed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got totally fed up with being fat, not being able to keep up with my hobbies & my kids. I also don't want to increase my cancer risk that is already high in my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Clarke helped me make the decision based on my weight. I was (am still) afraid of the potential complications from the gastric bypass. The Banding seemed to be what would fit 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 heard alot of horror stories from nurses that work in gastroenterology. I decided to ignore them & just talk to the Dr. I'd tell others to ignore the rumors & address any concerns w/ the surgeon

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 & friends had mixed feelings. For the most part they were very supportive & understanding of my desire to be healtheir again. My mom wasn't too sure at first but the day of surgery I got her total backing. I know she'd be there for me but may not agree with it, but she changed her mind when she saw how hard I worked for the month prior to surgery to loose my 10% body weight.

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

My employer - she's naturally skinny so she doesn't understand what its like to be heavy. She actually asked me to postpone the surgery until after our stores grand re opening.... the NERVE OF HER!! But after i refused to budge, she couldnd't say anthing. She couldn't understand why i wanted to do it, said i wasn't that "fat".....I think she could have been a little more sensitive and understanding. I was kept out of work for 4 weeks (im goin c.r.a.z.y...)

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

My hospital stay at Ellis was great. I was there for 23 hours. The most important things for me were my fuzzy bathrobe, and chapstick.

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

I have had no complications from surgery ! YAH

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

The Dr's office scheduled all my appointments for me, mailed me the schedule & I was very anxious, but in a good way. I counted down in a positive way til the surgery. I didn't look at it as ' oh man, another 3 weeks of this' but rather - I can't wait to begin my new life journey to a healthier me.

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

My first 4 weeks (as of 11/28) I used pain meds for the first week & then didn't need them. Napped alot while the kids were at school. Came dependant on Sugarfree (SF) popsicles - tropical flavor - and began keeping a list of foods that didn't agree with me.

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

I traveled only 30 minutes 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.

Wheat toast (bread is a no no), sauteed veggies, tuna (for some reason), chicken (more than 2 bites). Each week as you heal you can handle more, but no one can stress enough that you MUST drink your water !!

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

I'll probably shock a few of you - I came home from surgery the day before Halloween with the determination to be walking with my kids around the block. I did it. I had help w/ a walker but I did it. I try to lay low during the day while they are in school & use the scooter at the store since i'm still fairly sore.

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

I take 7 vitamin/supplements a day - reluctantly! I hate pills!!! Ursodiol (gall bladder) citrical (calcium) benefiber (regularity) multivitamin (i chose the chewable) B-12 nexium (this one i really don't get why i have to take!) Isopure (protein powder from GNC)

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?

sleep disturbance seems to be my only side affect so far - but i think thats party because im not on my normal schedule of work yet.

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

The worst part of the surgery - The post op gas I couldn't pass due to the pain in my belly.

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

I have joined the ObesityHelp.com website. That has been my only support so far but I do plan on going to Ellis Hospital for their support group next Monday

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

I have 5 small incisions, and when I took the tape off on Day 5 post op - they were all healed up. It is what i expected, just not WHERE i expected. It was my understanding it would be near my belly button, but its much higher up. Thats ok though, they are small enough and not real noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think i've reached a plateau - around 226 lbs - and its time for my first fill tomorrow (11/28).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, definatley! And I like it! I stopped in to work wearing a pair of black jeans i'd not been able to fit into for over 2 years & even my female co workers were lookin. It makes me feel great to know that i'm turning more heads for the better now. Yes i have a long way to go, but i'm off to a great start.!