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

I'm not sure where I heard about first. My mom told me about the Lap Band, I read about it and said ok. It didn't take a lot of time to make the decision.

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

I was self pay.

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

The first time I met Dr Ross Fox (father) was at the seminar. He was so thorough, it left little to question. His son Dr. Earl Fox did my surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was not invasive as other methods, recovery time, cost.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was not invasive as other methods, recovery time, cost

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?

The only fear I had was about the IV needle. I'm a big wuss when it comes to needles but the surgery didn't scare me at all.

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?

Everyone has been really supportive and to be honest if they weren't, I would have done it anyway.

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

I'm a full time student and stay at home mom for now. My former co-workers are very supportive.

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

Mine was done at a place called V5 in Richland, WA. My surgeons have an office there and in Auburn, WA. I went in at 6:30 am and went home at 3pm. I didn't bring anything with me but my cell phone.

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

Everything went perfectly.

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 have any anxiety. I was just ready to get it done and on with life.

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

Little sore, little bloated, lots of gas. LOL I was uncomfortable sleeping but you just have to find the right spot.

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

Richland, WA is about an hour from Yakima, WA. I stayed with my aunt nd uncle over there for 4 days, then they drove me home. I probably could have driven but better safe then sorry.

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.

For two weeks prior and 4-5 post, I am on liquids. Soup broth, protein shakes, water etc... My surgery was on 4-19-07, all real food is off limits for now. You just gotta do what ya gotta do.

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

The first couple weeks home was a little sluggish but now my energy is up and life is good.

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

I take 1500 mg calcium and 4 Flintstones chewable vitamins a day.

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?

I haven't had any bad side effects.

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

The IV and the gas.

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

My surgeons office will be with me the rest of my life if I need them. I first met them Feb of 07 and I am closer to them then I am my PCP who I've been with for 6 years.

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

The port scar is about 1 1/2 inches but fading, the other little ones are fading as well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just starting out, no plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No