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

I knew several people who had gastric bypass, but until 2008, I just kept saying I will never have surgery.

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

It seemed like it took forever to go through the program. It was a "hurry up, wait" situation for months. Be PATIENT!

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

The first actual visit with the surgeon was anticlimactic. We talked about which surgery I was interested in and it was over in about 15 minutes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally realized that I can't do this without help. I need some physical restraint on my eating because I was out of control and didn't have any sort of life anymore.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through the workshops I attended and speaking to various people who had had the different surgeries. I decided on the lap band because of its adjustable properties and the fact that the digestive system is left intact.

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 really didn't have any fears of dying. If I continued the way I was going I'd have died anyway, just would have taken a little longer.

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?

At first my parents were not keen on the idea of surgery...my sister started out as supportive as anyone could have been... but after they got more information (my mom even went to the informational seminars with me) and I convinced them that this was my last resort, they came around and are now helping any way they can.

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

My boss and coworkers were very positive and supportive. They all had lots of questions. I took 4 weeks off because of the lifting restrictions after surgery.

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

I stayed overnight at the hospital only because there was a snowstorm and my entire family was too sick to ask to come transport me home. Otherwise, I would have left the same day. The stay was okay. They don't let you sleep in the hospital. Everyone was friendly and positive about the type of surgery and were prepared for the plus-sized patient with regards to wheelchairs and beds to fit in.

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 didn't have any anxiety. I recovered from the physical pain relatively quick and so far so good.

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

Start slow. Take your pain meds. Follow whatever diet plan the nutritionist gives out.

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

I didn't have to travel...my surgeon is in the same city.

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.

At first it was just liquids, then pureed, then soft, now general. I have to be careful with breads and dry foods as they tend to get stuck, but other than that, nothing gives me problems if I eat slowly and chew properly. I am only one month past surgery, so I don't have too much to say about my long term effects.

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

The first week nothing. After that I started walking slowly and then using my eliptical.

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

General multivitamin and protein shakes if needed to get the amount of protein in for the 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?

So far, the only thing I have had is constipation. It was bad for the first 2 weeks, but taking a stool softener has taken care of that.

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

Waiting for insurance approval and to actually have the surgery.

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

Follow up appointments with the surgeon and dietician at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Then as needed. There is also a support group held weekly and online groups recommended. It's all important as the surgery is just a tool. I need the support to keep on track and stay on the program and healthy lifestyle.

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

I had my surgery laproscopicly, so my scars are very small except for the port scar, but they've all faded to not even bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did need a fill so my restriction was better, but no plateaus as of yet. It's still early for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not so much yet. Just lots of questions.