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

A dear friend had Gastric Bypass surgery in October 2006. I was very inspired by her success and lack of problems, but I was afraid of the malabsorption aspect of the procedure. Then a local bariatric surgeon advertised a weight loss surgery seminar, where I learned about the Lap Band procedure and decided that was for me.

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

My insurance will cover weight loss surgery only if they determine it is a medical necessity. Despite my diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, stress incontinence and joint pain, they denied my first application. Then I wrote a letter to the Appeal Board detailing how much it was going to cost my insurance company to pay to treat all these conditions until I reach Medicare age, and within a week I had my approval. My advice to others: don't give up! If you're turned down, make an appeal.

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

I had already met my surgeon at his seminar, so in many ways the first office visit was a recap of the seminar. I brought a list of questions with me -- otherwise I never would have remembered what to ask. I liked my surgeon immediately, felt he was being honest about what my expectations of surgery should be. I was also impressed by his support staff - nutritionist, psychologist, monthly support groups, and quarterly educational groups.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided I had already given weight loss my best shot on my own, without success, but that I could use the surgery as a tool for future success. My friend who had Gastric Bypass encouraged me to go for it, my family was supportive, so I went ahead with it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was afraid of the malabsorption aspect of Gastric Bypass and didn't want to suffer from malnutrition. I like the fact that the Lap Band is adjustable according to your needs, so I chose that.

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 afraid of the surgery. I had researched it extensively online, got a ton of info from my surgeon, and talked with my friend who had Gastric Bypass and reported very little post-op pain.

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 and friends have been very supportive both before and after the surgery. In retrospect I'm not sure I should have told so many people in advance that I was having the surgery because all they want to know now is how much weight I've lost, and this process is more than just about losing weight -- it's about improving my health and changing my lifestyle. It's a pain to constantly answer the weight question.

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

I'm self-employed as a Design Consultant and was back to work the day after I got home the hospital.

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 overnight, on the Lourdes Hospital Bariatric floor. The staff there was great, gave me shots for pain whenever I asked, brought me endless cups of ice chips, answered questions. I didn't bring much with me other than a book to read to pass the time while waiting to get discharged.

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

The only problem I had was nausea and vomiting after I ate (a popiscle) for the first time after surgery. I was given medication for nausea which helped, but I didn't need to take it after I got home. No other problems.

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 fine after the surgery. I was bored with the liquid diet I was on for 14 days, but kept myself busy so I wouldn't dwell on it. Switching to pureed foods was a thrill! I was a little anxious when it came time to switch to real food -- afraid I wouldn't be able to get it down -- but had few problems that couldn't be solved by taking smaller bites, chewing more thoroughly, and taking plenty of time to eat each meal.

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

If their experience is like mine, the first few weeks home from the hospital should be a piece of cake. I had very little post-op pain and was able to start walking daily 2 days after I got home from the hospital. Every day I walked a little farther until I got up to 30 minutes a day. My energy level has been good, and I was psyched by the almost immediate reduction in my blood sugar levels.

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

It's a 1 hr + 15 min. drive one way. It's a long drive, but I'm determined to participate in all after-care activities so I don't mind.

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 have trouble eating any very dry meat. Pork especially gives me trouble no matter how well I think I'm chewing it. Beef has not been a problem as long as it's a tender cut. After my first fill, I had to work harder at eating slowly and chewing thoroughly.

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

Within 2 days after surgery, I was walking 15 minutes a day and within 1 month was up to 30 minutes a day. Except for a restriction (by the doctor) in how much weight I could lift in the first 2 weeks, and the fact that I wasn't allowed to drive for the first 2 weeks, I've had no problems doing whatever I felt like doing. Now, 3 mos. post-op, I'm a lot more active than before surgery because I'm walking every day and going to Curves 3 times a week.

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

I take 1 Flintstones Complete multivitamin and 2 Viactiv chewable calcium a day, plus liquid B-complex.

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?

The worst side effect was the nausea and vomiting I had after the first time I ate after surgery. But they only lasted about 2 hours, were treatable with medication, and haven't bothered me since.

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

Getting the procedure approved by my insurance company was the worst part.

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

My surgeon's office runs a monthly Lap-Band support group meeting, which is well-attended and very helpful.

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

I have 4 tiny scars and 1 big scar. The big scar (near my port) is very deeply indented in my abdomen and I didn't expect that. But I'm not planning on wearing a bikini even after I lose the weight, so it doesn't worry me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had 2 weeks go by without any weight loss and got very discouraged but stuck to the eating plan and started to lose weight again. Since then, I've stopped weighing myself so often. Haven't had any further plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, but I haven't lost enough weight to make that big a difference in my appearance. Maybe when I look slender people will treat me differently. Mostly right now people are curious about the surgery itself.