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

On the internet and yes very fearful

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

I had a very difficult time. but otherts have done it so keep it up!

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

Ask lots of questions and keep learning about it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

lap band is not as aggressive. not cut!

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 had no choice with my health. I trusted God and prayed alot.

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?

They were scared for me. Not understanding because of it. Now that it is done they have accepted it. Not much choice huh? They are supportive as long as they do not have to give up things

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

She is my best friend also. So she has watched me struggle,and my health too. she was scared but has been very supportive

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

Hospital was good. i stayed 2 days ,but only because I got a hemotoma on my tummy. Jammies!

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

see #1

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 was excited, fearful sometimes and I talked to my best friend alot. I also went on the websites to collect info. For about a year.

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

I was just a little uncomfortable. but I have had worse tooth aches.

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

Not far maybe 15 minutes

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.

Lets just say I don't care for boulin or jello. now that I am along in my surgery. My band has a mind of its own. Stress plays a big part. I f it is stressful and I eat I can get sick on the very same thing I ate yesterday. It take 6 months to know that though. Be patient and learn.

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

office job and house goddess

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

multi,b12,calcium and fish oil.

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?

All of it but it did not last long

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

nothing. I wish I had it done years ago!!!! ( paying the bill,LOL)

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

I go to Dr. Renhke's group and now I am using this message board too along with his. People are wonderful with experiences. Hubby is not very good at this support stuff

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

it is just a thing for me to see of what a wonderful journey I am on. I am Blessed

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

n Lots! You still struggle with the head hunger. keep trying and be patient. I pray for help too

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes