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

I was scared of the gastric bypass. I have seen if fail and I have seen it successful. I have seen people nearly die from it but I have seen people gain a life from it. I didn't think the gastric bypass was right for me though. I thought the lap band looked neat and would be something I could do.

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

Just keep on the doctors and the insurance companies. Call and call and call if you have to. Make sure they stay on top of it because if you won't, they won't.

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

He was a jerk and that he had no clue about me and didn't care too much about my problems. Go with your gut feeling! If it doesn't feel right, get out! No matter how well the insurance is paying right then.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My right knee would not heal properly due to the weight I had on it. I had surgery in January 2005 and had to relearn to walk but it never fully healed. The Ortho said it wouldn't till I lost some weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

research, research, research

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 was terrified of the complications if I had gastric bypass. I was also afraid that my body would reject the band and send me into an immune response. It hasn't happened so its all good. Fear is common, just don't let fear run your life.

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 all for surgery, my husband and mother was addament about me not having gastric bypass. I took my mom with me to a seminar and she was horrified even by the band. Told me I should exhaust all options before I went to surgery. At that point I already had exhausted them all. They are somewhat supportive now. My dad gave me the first compliment he has given me in years because of my weightloss.

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

I was not employed when I had surgery.

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

My hospital stay was great. I wasn't there long enough to have a negative experience. I went home before noon after having my procedure done at six a.m. Most important to bring, house shoes!

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?

Scared but excited! I talked alot about my surgery. Told everyone I could about it.

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

If liquid is all thats going in, liquid is all that will come out. Fruit juice does NOT help this situation! Drink your protein! Don't skimp. You will feel it if you do!

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

75 miles (an hour away from home) I had check ups every six weeks.

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

Poor! I didn't get in enough protien and was severly dehydrated from going to the bathroom.

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

flinstones chewables and b12

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 issues with my shoulder. The band was placed too close to a major nerve and it give me alot of pain. If I drink to soon or eat too soon after drinking sometimes this isn't even the case, eating anything will cause it to rub. IT HURTS! BAD! I just wait till it either passes or I go lay down and see if I can't get some relief by changing positions.

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

Dealing with the surgeon I had.

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

None at this point

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

I have five scars due to laproscopic procedure. I have a keloid on one of them but the rest are starting to fade. I was informed they would all fade like my past laproscopic scars faded to nearly nothing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau for about six months and felt I would not lose any more but I have since lost 10 lbs and am on the right track again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People who knew me before surgery say I look great.