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

I found out through a friend who has a lapband. I was on a diet and she began to tell me about her surgery and how successful it had been for her.

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

I was pre-approved through Medicare and BlueCross/BlueShield Michigan.

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

I attended a seminar that was very nice. My Surgeon has a lapband and was newly banded himself. I felt as if everyone in the room was a team.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that my health was at stake and after researching the band, I felt that it would be a fairly easy process which it was.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no choice. My Surgeon performs RNY and Lapband but due to my health he felt that I should have the least invasive procedure.

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?

It is normal and natural to fear complications and death during ANY given surgery, but my advise it to go with God. Say that sinners prayer right before being put under and you will be okay.

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?

Many family members were supportive and some were not, but for the most part everything was positive. I never kept my intentions a secret. Although there was concern regarding my health and how well I would tolerate the surgery, people accepted my decision. The most frustrating thing is that many will not research. They will chose to share horror stories of a friend of a friend who's great aunt died from the surgery 20 years ago and apply it to you. This is not fair.

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

I am disabled so I did not have this issue.

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

I was in the hospital overnight. My stay was comfortable. As far as packing I would say to bring a robe, toiletries, and a comfortable outfit to wear home. You may also want to take a pillow.

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

I had no complications until now and they are not related to the surgery. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and as a result of a bad exacerbation (MS attack) I had to have my band unfilled so that I could get in more nurioushment, be able to get medications down, and to help calm down my immune system.

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

Everythng went so quickly that I didn't really have time to dwell on it. I do remember being somewhat excited and I wasn't nervous on the day of surgery.

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

With the lapband it was a breeze. The pain from the procedure felt like I had done 100 situps. I tolerated very well with no gas or major issues. Never took a pain pill. I walked a mile at the mall on day 5.

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

I traveled one mile to the hospital. It did not affect my aftercare at all.

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.

The first two weeks prior to and after surgery were liquids, the following 2 weeks were mushies or soft foods. After going back on solids I noticed that I craved foods that I normally did not eat. I also disliked many foods that I had always liked previously.

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

I was able to tolerate walking at that time

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

Flintstones chewables

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 side effects.

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

The worst part for me was having to have my band unfilled due to my MS diagnosis. I am still unfilled and it has been just about a year. I haven't gained all of the weight back but I have gained some. I may need to have the band removed but I will have a mini-bypass if this occur. My advise to anyone with MS or other autoimmune disease is to make sure that you discuss this with your Surgeon. I had no idea that I would be diagnosed with MS but had that happened pre-band I would not have had the surgery.

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

It is very important to have support. I belonged to my local support offered for free by my Surgeon but have not been able to attend. I will next month.

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

My scars are nearly invisible. Just 5 little marks on my tummy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss was fairly steady but I lost over 50 lbs in the first 3 months. Not everyone lose bonus weight with the lapband but I did.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They did before I began using walkers and canes. Once the weight began to shed I had lots of male attention that surprised me. Since I began using mobility aids the madness stopped.