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

My PCP suggested. Was against the full by-pass but was interested in the lap band.

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

My insurance company approved this surgery only in 2007. I just had to meet their minimum requirements of over 40 percent body fat.

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

The initial meeting was at the monthly seminar this group has. They were very up front what they were able to do and what the patient MUST to for this to succeed. They were very realistic on what to expect and what not to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Long term problems that were beginning to affect my overall health from my Type II diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Discussion with my PCP, plus did not want to have the gastric by-pass.

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?

No fears about surgery...have had several surgeries before this and this was probably the easiest. As for dying, the thought just crosses my mind when I am signing the pre-op papers just before surgery. Strong faith in the doctors experience.

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?

Mixed. Some had heard stories of by-pass surgery problems but none had heard of the lap band. The skinny ones can't understand why you just can't diet and lose weight. The ones who are overweight are waiting and seeing my progress to see if they can do this.

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

My bosses were very supportive. Many are mixed ex-military and military and are physically active. I was out of work one week.

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

I had surgery at 11:00 AM and was dismissed at 6:00 PM. Went very smoothly. Post-op had to get up and they wheeled me for an x-ray to review my swallowing to see if the band was properly working. Wear comfortable clothes, slip on shoes, and bring a pillow to hug on the way home...more for balance.

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

No complications during surgery. 3 days post-op I couldn't get liquids down...felt like a lump in my chest. Called surgeon and went immediately back for the swallow x-ray which showed my esophagus had swollen. Was admitted and was on IVs for steroids to reduce swelling and for preventing dehydration. Was out in 32 hours. No problems since.

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

No anxiety.

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

Came home from the hospital and slept 5 hours. Got up and was up for a few hours and back to bed for 3 hours. Was up walking around the next day. Did not fill my pain prescription from surgeon, just took Liquid Tylenol. 3rd day I drove to the store as was not on the prescription pain meds. -Had some minor shoulder pains from the gas during surgery. -Day 3 had the esophagus problems previous discussed. -After home from thay was out and about doing very well.

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

Approximately 55 miles, almost an hour drive. I could have gone closer, but my PCP recommended the doctor and had 12 previous patients with this bariatric center.

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.

The first week was pure liquids. The next 2 weeks were soups, protein shakes. The next 2 weeks were pureed foods, thicker soups. -At 6 weeks I could finally start normal foods. -Since I am diabetic I was already on a low carb low fat lifestyle and continue with that practice. -Biggest focus is getting enough protein, either through Atkins low carb protein shakes, Isopure water, or now foods. -I am not allowed any breads or pastas for 6 month to a year, but since those are carbs, I don't eat them anyway. -I follow what is easiest to eat. -I have a hard time with chicken or tuna salad....others don't.

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

Mainly walking. I ended up with a toe ulcer and currently have pronation problems with my ankle which will ultimately end up in surgery. -I was going to join a gym for muscle toning and to use their acquatic center. Has to wait until ankle is taken care of. Otherwise I walk my retired greyhound 3 times a day and do some upper body muscle toning exercises.

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

Centrum chewable vitamins and a chewable calcium supplement.

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?

None

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

Getting up and down from a prone position. Learning to sleep on my back for a while instead of my right side as I normally do.

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

Have not goine.

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

The port scar is approx 1/2 inches long, plus the minor incisions. Less than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

During the mushie stages had a 4 day plateau. Otherwise have been losing but less than the liquid stage which is normal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just commenting on my weight loss.