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

TV comercials, Al Roker, and I researched the differances in all the WLS surgeries.

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

Was denied ins coverage and made arragngements to set up a payment plan in order to have the surgery.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was pleasant, and I knew I was in good hands. My recomendation is that you have a list of questions ready for the surgeon, whether it's your first meeting or not. No question is taken lightly, and they are willing to answer all of your concerns.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I needed something permanent for my back and a healthy future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the different procedures and decided on Lap Band because it was less invasive and I was concerned about the long list of possible complications related to RNY. I knew RNY was the quicker way to loose weight, but I was more interested in the 'healthier' alternative (fewer complications).

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?

My fears were minimal in comparison to prior to my back surgery, and with Lap Band I wasn't as afraid of complications. I would tell them the surgery (Lap Band) is almost pain free.

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?

I was surprised how supportive they were! I was embarrased that I needed the help to loose weight, so I thought they would be less supportive than they were. I didn't tell them (other than my kids and husband) until after the surgery, todo over I would tell them before.

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

I'm my own boss and I was only out of work for one day :)

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

My stay in the hospital was pleasant, and I was onloy there for one day.

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?

Nervous and excited at the same time.

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

For me it was business as usual. Other than my obvious eating habits changing, no one even noticed a change in me. I had the surgery 1 week prior to the memorial day weekend (big for campgrounds) and I operated the same as always.

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

20 minute drive, didn't phase me in the least.

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.

Primarily liquids in the beginning, but the main focus was chew, chew, chew! I learned in time that celery is no longer my friend, bread & pasta are my enemies, and my teeth are my life-long buddies!

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

I began to gain more energy the more weight I lost and found that I was getting around the campground much better and there was a spring in my step. Now I go to Curves regularly.

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

Chewable Vitamins (fromCentrum-adults) and Chewable Calcium, and the occasional protein mix (only when I feel I'm low on protein - tired).

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 only problem I've ever had was probably my own doing. Vomiting is the biggest side effect and primarily do to the fact I didn't chew enough, ate the wrong thing (bread, pasta, or celery), or simply ate too much. This doesn't happen often, and usually only after I've had an adjustment (fill) and I have to get used to the routine again.

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

The one time (last week) I had an issue. I had a blockage in my band, I was sick for 3 days (on the road) and got dehydrated because I couldn't even keep liquids down. This put me in the hospital and the doctor had to remove all the saline from the band. I feel great now and will go back for a re-fill at the end of the week.

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

Some, my schedule has had many conflicts to go to the support meetings. But I do find help on OH.com

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

Minimal, only 4 tiny scars on my belly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm down to my last 25lbs and finding it hard now. I think I"m at my cap on the fills so the rest is up to exercise and control.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They keep telling me how great I look!