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

I am a nurse recruiter and one of my employees and her father had the surgery done. She supported me and gave me wonderful information about the various procedures that are available today. I was in fear of the gastric bypass so I began to research the gastric lap band. After a year if investigations I feel that I am pretty much an expert at this point.....I highly recommend investigating to make certain that this is a surgery that you feel comfortable with, that is very important.

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

This was the tough part! I got denied on my first attempt for not meeting medical efficiecy. I then became a very persistent lady! I called every day. I put in a letter of appeal and attached a portrait of my daughter to it with a cute saying. I told them that I am not a number and it will surely cost more if I have a heart attack. I let them know how I pray everynight to the good Lord above to help me with this process. I kept my FAITH strong and that is why I am where I am today.

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

My first visit I felt very rushed. I did not like that feeling. However by the end of the meeting the Doc had relaxed a little and took a breathe and became very accomodating. I highly recommend taking notes and asking as many questions as you can think of. You need to know all ins and outs of this surgery. Of course if your like me you left and thought of a million other things to ask. Well I jotted them down for my next appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to LIVE and be HEALTHY and be a WONDERFUL MOMMY!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to go with the less invasive surgery the gastric lap band. The mortatlity rate is less and the procedure does not have malabsoprtion issues. I definately wanted this surgery done laproscopically. I felt this was the best choice for me at this moment in time.

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 death! I cannot even explain it. There is this little sick thought that is constantly playing in the back of my head about dying. It really isnt the idea of dying for me, its the idea of leaving my daughter. I guess it has to be normal to have fear of a surgery but I am over the edge. I know that if I do not have this surgery I could die another way. All I can recommend to you is to have FAITH and trust the Lord above to handle what will become of you. You cannot stop living life for fear of death. Any suggestions for me...by all means please share that wealth!

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 friends were wonderfully supportive. My parents on the other hand were very skeptical. I actually brought them many brochures on the procedure so they could understand. I have offically turned there skeptisim into belief. Everyone that I know are thrilled for me and cannot wait to see the results. The sugery will be performed on November 15, 2004 at St. lukes Hospital. WISH ME LUCK!

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

My boss is a great friend and she fully supports me and any time that I may need off from work. She is a blessing!

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

My hospital stay was not a pleasant experience for me. However it was because of a few select employees who obviously disliked their jobs. The most important thing to remember is that regardless if we are BIG people or not we still need the attention and care of any other patient. I was scared out of my mind and had to be drugged before surgery because I could not stop crying. I was afraid I would die..how horrible!

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

I did not pass my first barium swallow. I had to wait a few hours however it was just some mild swelling.

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 thrilled and could hardly believe this was finally happening. At the same time I KNEW my life was about to change forever.... I spent a lot of time researching, reading and looking forward to a bright new future.

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

I was SO SORE! I could hardly move in my bed. I had this horrible feeling in my gut as though I had done something wrong to my body. It is VERY normal to feel like this...it slowly went away and the longer time passed the happier I was with my decision to have the lap band placed.

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

Honestly and thankfully the hospital was 5 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.

For the first two weeks I was on solids. I drank Ensure High Protein, chiken broth, and juices. It STUNK but so worth it! The next two weeks I was on what they like to call, "MUSHY" foods. This included baby food, apple sauce, yogurt, mash potatoes, pretty much anythign extremely mushy. I felt SO excited to hit this stage and be finished with those damned liquids. Finally after two weeks of mushies (yes I did test my limits and learned the hard way) you graduate to soft. Eggs, crackers, anything with a easily chewed, swallowed consistancy. I have been blessed to have NO restrictions. As long as I chew carefull yand completely I can pretty much eat anything that I choose, amen!

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

Tons of walking......and I also rode my gazelle for 30 minutes every morning.

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

I take ONE flinstone a day and two tums for extra 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?

I had no dumping, no hair loss, no sleep disturbance. The only issue I have had is vomiting or PB'ing (productive burp). This however can ALMOST ALWAYS be avoided by your own self control and willingness to FOLLOW the rules....

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

The worse part for me was the horrible hospital staff. I was very scared and I felt they looked at me like an in and out mart...in comes one and out goes another. No personalized attention. Also the ride home was horrible! Every bump made me feel like my insides

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

My support system is wonderful. I have an extremely supportive family and close group of friends who all followed me through my journey. Thank god for good and understanding people! I think it would be beneficial to attend more lap band support seminars however the time to do this has been difficult for me.

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

I have 5 tiny scars. The main one is in the center of my belly and is the most noticeable. However, the others are very small and almost invisible to the naked eye unless you were looking for it. The scars are a mere reflection of what I have been through and I embrace them....

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus. The body will get accustomed to one way of living. However I would maintain and than suddenly drop 5-10 pounds with a few minor changes.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Of course! I am a 28 year old single woman who went from 251 pounds to 140 pounds. I get men noticing me ALL the time. It is really strange for me and I have yet to get used to it though the positive recognition is an amazing feeling. It feels great to be attractive and not the fat girl!