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

TV commercials. It made me think. I could relate to the commercial.

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

My insurance is different than most and I didn't do anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I read about it and I talked to people in my life. I had been on weight watchers for a month and not losing weight, yet feeling deprived everyday. Then a good friend of mine had the surgery and I learned more about it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just think the lapband would be the best fit for me.

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 still have some fears about going under anesthesia. I have had a lot of surgeries and it is not fun to go under.

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?

Most family and friends were very supportive. I am just glad to have good friends and family.

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

It was so much easier than I thought. I was overnight in hospital and I was ready to go home in the morning. I slept most of the time. Just chap stick and comfortable clothes to wear home.

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

Surgery went well and recovery went well. I would be sure and have pain meds on hand. Some people don't need them but others do. I did need them for a couple days.

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

Yes. I had anxiety about being put under anesthesia. I talked about my feelings.

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

I took some time to relax. I napped during the day when I felt sore or tired. It really healed faster than I expected. Be sure to have all the information on what to eat during the first weeks.

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

30 minutes from home. Very convenient.

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 had lapband. There were strict weekly food lists. I followed the rules and had no problems. With lapband there are adjustments and my problems started about 3 months after my surgery. I couldn't eat solid food without throwing up. I am still having these problems and it's now over 6 mo's out.

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

Walking was suggested and I walked outside around the block as I had the energy. It felt fine.

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

one daily vitamin plus calcium three times per day and now vitamin d with the calcium.

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 problems at all except the vomitting. But that hasn't been bad. They didn't start until months after surgery. I had no nausea at all.

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

There was no bad part for me. I guess eating liquids got old. And with lapband, waiting for fills got long too. Hunger wasn't managed immediately and that was hard.

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

I have an online support group that has been very important to me.

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

very small lines on my stomach...they are getting lighter with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

This last month I have been on plateau as I have had trouble eating solid protein. My band needs to be tightened but with the trouble eating, we have had to wait.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do think I am treated with more respect as I have lost 45 lbs. Maybe it's alot how I am acting more outgoing since I FEEL better. It is hard to say.