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

A friend/coworker had it at work. I met her a year later, and couldn't believe she had ever experienced being FAT. She was a very positive influence and has been my Angel.

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

I was approved after about one month. I had done some tests, like the Sleep Apnea test, I had High Blood Pressure, and High Cholesteral. It was beneficial that I had tried to lose the weight and hadn't been successful. Keep records.

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

He was great. I went in to discuss the LapBand and he offered education and suggestions about laproscopic bypass.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't stand being FAT another day.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Doctor's information and Friend's experience.

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 wasn't so worried about complications as I was about changing my entire world of eating. My doctor hasn't lost any patients during surgery and had a history of few complications.

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

1 day.............the room was very cold, but the care was excellent.

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

none

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 feel anxious, except I wanted the weight (and still do) to just disappear! It is actually melting off quickly. 52 lbs and 55 1/2 inches within 3 months...........I feel great.

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

Get out and Walk. Eat simple food that doesn't require much chewing.........soft foods.

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

25 miles...........I do go to my regular scheduled visits but havent' attended any Support Groups. Probably b/c its farther away than I am willing to travel.

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.

clear liquids 1st week. soft foods next 2 weeks-Cream of Wheat, oatmeal, yogurt, soups 4weeks, chili, regular food, but cut into small portions Edamame is a great form of protein.

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

walked daily

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

vitamins, iron, 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?

no real side effects

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

just the gas pains right after surgery

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

NA. I haven't attended any.

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

I do have 5 small incision scars. One is about 1 inch long and they are darker than I was hoping for. After 3 months I was hoping they would disappear. Perhaps I just need to continue to wait.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I do tend to plateau, but I lose inches during the time that I am not losing weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have gotten so many compliments, its sometimes embarrassing. But yes, much better reaction from people.