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

My PCP told me about it after her husband had it done and he lost 150lbs in 6 months. I still think the lap band is the one for me, I fell it is less of a reconstruction than the others. Initially I thought it was crazy for anyone to go to such lenghts to lose weight, but again as time went on I researched it and found it was safer than I thought and the results were incredible.

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

My insurance approval was handled by the doctors office. I submitted all my info and they informed me approximately 3 weeks later that I was approved!

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

I prepared myself with a list of questions that I had regarding the procedure and post op. He answered all my questions and made me feel much more assured than I had been. He was kind and patient and very personable (not something you always find in a doctor!!).

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My life needed to change. I have 2 children and apart fom just the unhealthy lifestyle I'm exposing them to, I'm unable to play and enjoy activities with them. The bottom line is I'm doing this for me but utimately doing it for them. I want to be around to watch them grow up, and if I continue on the course I've been taking, I wont be.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The adjustable gastric band is less invasive and there is no altering of the digestive process other than decreasing the space in the stomach. I didn't want to have anything more drastic. The band is placed over the stomach and constricted with injections of saline through a port just under the skin. It is adjusted to the person according to their needs, and I felt that that was the way I wanted to go.

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

My boss has been very supportive in that she knows it is something that I need to do for myself. I don't think she approves of the surgery itself, it being a more drastic way of losing weight. But so far she has been very supportive in giving me the time off I've needed to get this process underway.

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

I was in same day surgery, so it was only for the day, but the experience was wonderful. The nurses, doctors and the staff we're kind, professional and caring. They went out of there way to make me and my husband comfortable and confident that everything was going to be ok. We were there about 7 hours total. The most important thing for me to bring was lip balm. I hate how dry it gets in there and the lip balm helped.

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 elated and nervous. I got progressively more nervous as the time got closer. I leaned on my husband for support, he has been and angel to me.

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

My doctor is 3 hours away form me. Its a long drive, but he is worth it so far.

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

I'm 2 days post right now, and I'm exhausted!

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?

Nausea is the worst for me, and the fatigue.

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

Pain, any pain stinks!!

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

None at this time.

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

Small, just what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Currently having a plateau. I've stalled at 30llbs. I think I need to up my exercise to kick start my weight loss again....

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sometimes, but I think it's just my feelings towards myself. I don't feel like people are staring and judging me like before. I guess I don't feel as self concious of my weight, even though it's only 30llbs that I've lost.