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

I worked for a medical answering service and we answered for a bariatric surgeon. Then I asked my family doctor for more information.

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

It was long and hard because most of my documentation came from france. It all had to be translated. If you plan on getting the surgery done, make sure your not wasting time. Do every program you can and stick to it until you make your decision. They will ask for documentation of all your attempts to lose weight. Get it all ready so it van go faster.

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

My first visit was very imformative. My doctor took the time to explaine everything about the surgery of my choice and also gave me information about other possible surgeries. Make sure you write down all your questions because believe me you will forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It seemed like my last chance at really losing the weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Lap Band is less invasive and reversible.

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 had a lot of fears but was reassured by my doctor and I has my whole family praying for me. My trust in God helped me through it.

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 didnt know until the last minute. Only my husband and a few friends knew and they were all very supportive. When I finally told my family the date had been set and there was no turning back for me. They respected my decision and prayed for all to go well.

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

When i made my decision I was no longer working. I quit because of a recent loss in my family and also this surgery coming up. I also recently had my son and wanted to stay home with him.

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

I_was in the hospital for 1 night and it was ok. I wish i had my own room to rest in. The staff however was wonderful and helpful. I didnt bring anything with me but my insurance card.

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

I had 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_felt great. Recovery was somewhat painful the first couple of days but then it got so easy.

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

My husband was a great help. I rested and recovered from my surgery surrounded by my loved ones.

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

Not far. 30 minutes was the most I drove and that was for the hospital.

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.

I felt that everyday was different. After my first month I started on a somewhat normal diet but in a much smaller amount. Certain foods like mashed potatoes and breads were very hard for me to take. I would throw up at least once a day because some foods would just not go down. Foods I_could easily eat were meats and veggies. Even pasta was easy to eat.

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

I tried walking as much as possible.

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

Multivitamins and calcium are the supplements I take.

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?

Vomiting would be the only side effect I have experienced. I still have them and as I learn how to eat it is becoming less frequent.

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

Being unable to help around the house. My husband had to take care of everything.

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

So far I have only entered a support group on Yahoo Groups.

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

I have 4 small scars and they were expected. The doctor had previously told me where they would be and how big they would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateu when I reached 30 lbs and now when I reached 40 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. Not yet at least.