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

My first impression was WOW maybe this is something for me but do I really have the "guts" to go ahead with it.

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

I was initially denied by my insurance but decided to appeal and was approved next time around. Don't give up if you really feel this surgery is what is for you.

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

My surgeon is wonderful. He was very attentive and took the time for me to give him my history. I felt like he truly cared about his patients. My advise to others is go to this meeting well prepared. Ask any and all questions then and don't think any question is not worth asking.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my doctor thought I would be a good canidate and I did alot of soul searching to make sure I was ready for this journey.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The lapband was my decision because I felt that I wanted to experience some weight loss with losing or shifting organs. My goal was not to be "skinny" but to feel better. I didn't need to lose massive amounts of weight quickly. I was willing to be patient and have the weight come off gradually.

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 felt that the lapband greatly reduced the risks of complications. I also had tremendous faith is my dr.s abilities. Any surgery gives you the risk of dying. But living the was I was was no longer an option anymore.

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 immediate family (husband & children) have been extremely supportive. They have been my rocks. My heart swells when I think about it. Unfortunately, other family members have not been as supportive as I had hoped for (mom, siblings). My mother came to see me when I came home from hospital and has never asked me since how I am feeling or doing. Its very strange. Anyways...my friends are very proud of me and think I was extremely brave to pursue this journey.

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

I have some co workers that know about my surgery and they have been great thru it all. My boss knew I would be out of work for a procedure but I never gave him details. I took a week and a half to recover and then life as usual.

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

I really didn't need to bring anything with me for the hospital. I was on my way home 5 hrs after surgery. I had planned on spending the night but when they told me that I would probably spend the night in recovery instead of having a room I told them I would rather go home. Recovery is too bright, busy and noisy to get any rest. That I was not too happy about.

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

I have had no complications from surgery at all (knock on wood)

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

Recovery was fine...textbook. I didn't run into any trouble until my second fill and then getting foods down has been a challenge. Usually when you get a fill you will experience some restriction and as you lose some weight the restriction will loosen up. But this time I seem to not have more restriction and less weight loss.

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

This is a trial and error period. You have to get to know your new stomach and listen to your body.

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

My hospital was about an hour away. It really hasn't effected me in anyway.

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 smooth foods such as protein shakes and smooth soups like tomato. Then you introduce more chunky foods such as soups with soft veggies. Carbs have seemed to give me problems, such as breads and rices and potatoes. And after every fill you have to start introducing the foods again. Liquids, then thicker liquids then softer foods and then crunchier things.

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

Activity levels certainly increase as weight loss kicks in.

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

For lapband people protein shakes as not needed on a daily basis but you should continue to take calcium and multi vitamin supplements.

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 not experienced any side effects except the occasional not chewing enough or putting that extra bite in that will not fit and you have to vomit it out. That can be painful!!

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

I try to attend monthly support meetings. That is not always possible because of the distance to the meetings. I also belong to a internet support group that I found on yahoo. That is very helpful.

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

I have 5 incisions. 4 are only about a 1/4 inch long and other is about 4 inches where the port is inserted. Not an issue for me because I never intend to where a bikini.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am experiencing a plateau now and it has been challenging. I know I should increase my protein intake but that is hard because I am having a hard time keeping anything down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not my immediate friends or family but I do notice that the general public (especially men) seem to be friendlier.