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

It was first suggested to me about 3 years ago, just before I got pregnant with our youngest daughter. I didn't want to have it done, because I thought I could lose the weight on my own. I thought it was the easy way out.

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

So far, my surgeons office is taking care of all that for me.

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

My first visit was wonderful. Dr. Schirmer was great! He was very informative and through. I would suggest that people go in with a list of questions. Anything, no matter how dumb you may think they sound. Your surgeon should see that you have been putting an effort into researching your decision and he will be able to put to rest fears or give you information about any other topics you may come up with.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I started getting winded just doing daily chores. And sleeping was becoming more and more difficult. I decided I have to do something before I fall apart.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the Lap-Band after going to the consultation class. I think the main reason I want Lap-Band is because I didn't want to have my insides re-routed. I know someone who is having issues now, and she may need surgery to get rid of an obstruction in her bowels.

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 am scared to die. And anything can happen. I guess if it's my time to go, I will go, no matter where I am or what I am doing. Put it in God's hands, and don't worry about the what if's...life is too short for that. And at least you will be trying to get healthy.

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 husband is fine with my decision. He is going to support my choices and stand by me on the difficult road ahead. My children are really too young to understand, though my nine year old is a little scared for me to go to surgery. My father told me to "just stop eating too much." @@ And my mom told me that she stood by me when I decided to have my knee surgeries and that she will be here for me for this too. Friends and extended family are scattered about their opinions...some support and others ridicule or warn me not to do it. I like to think those are the ones that want to keep me fat for some selfish reason.

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

Since I am a stay at home mom, i guess the kids would be considered my employers. I think they will be happier with a mom who can take them on walks and get down on the floor to play with them. ;-)

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

UVA treated me really good. The nurses never kept me waiting for anything. They also gave me enough independence to do things for myself. I hate being coddled, so I was appreciative that I got to take myself to the bathroom and do my shower on my own. The lady in my room wasn't quite as mobile as myself, and they were there for her to help her out.

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

I had an inner stitch that gave me a heck of a time for about three weeks. It literally kept me from being able to raise up without pain. The night before it dissolved was the worst night I have ever spent...I regretted my decision and cried and was so depressed and in pain. Then I woke up the next morning and was totally fine. It was so odd.

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

Days...I went for preop on Thursday, July 5 and had surgery on the 9th. I didn't have much time to get nervous. I had a few second thoughts on Sunday, but it was more like being afraid of the anesthesia, rather than the acutal proceedure.

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

I am six months post op now and have lost just about 60 pounds. I would have NEVER been able to do this on my own. If I could turn back time, I would tell myself to do this just after the birth of our youngest.

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

250 miles, 4.5 hours

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 can have pretty much anything in moderation. At meals, I try to get in all my protein first, then veggies if I have room. The only thing that has really made me sick have been dry meats, like chicken or ground beef. If I don't have some sort of sauce with these meats, they cause nausea and/or sliming. I have only done the sliming thing once, but I have been nauseated a fair few times.

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

I was pretty sluggish at first. I also had a few weeks, around the beginning of December, when I was pretty tired. I started a new daily vitamin and added another glass of milk per day, and have felt better since.

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

One a day womens formula.

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?

Pain in my side for about three weeks. Other than that, I did really well.

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

Bowel prep...enough said.

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

I have several friends who have had weight loss surgery. I also have this site, to search out answers to any questions they can't answer.

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

My scars are still a little dark. I expected them to be lighter by now. None of them are too huge, and I really don't mind the scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a couple plateaus, just before my fills are due. About every two months. I am averaging about 10 pounds per month, so the plateaus haven't bothered me. Everything is going smoothly with recovery and weightloss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are smiling at me more. I see men looking at me too, it's disconcerting, sometimes since I am still in the fat girl metality. I think they are just looking at my fat with disgust.