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

I have heard about bariatric surgery for probably 20 years. It always seemed like it never worked long-term for the people I knew that had some of the older procedures. I did not know about the Lap Band until 2 of my coworkers had the procedure done. It was one coworker in particular that was very instrumental in educating me and making me realize that "I can do this!"

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

My experience with getting insurance approval for weight loss surgery was one huge headache. I did everything just exactly as my insurance required, but it was still a long and painful process. My main hindrance was my primary care physician's nurse submitting required paperwork to my bariatric surgeon. If I had it to do over, I would have stayed on them to get it done, instead of assuming that his nurse was taking care of everything as she was supposed to, once I was out of sight.

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

My first visit at my bariatric surgeon's office was actually with a nurse. It was a lengthy visit, and really concentrated on my own education about the different types of procedures, and if I am a candidate. I would educate myself as much as possible prior to the first visit on the different types of procedures available, and to keep an open mind. Learn all you can before making up your own mind which procedure (if any) would be best for you. Ask a lot of questions. Ask about number of procedures performed by that surgeon, years of experience, and complication rates related to any types of bariatric surgery you are considering.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The main factor that made me finally decide to do it is that I had two coworkers that had successfully had bariatric surgeries, and they were insured by my insurer. I thought, "if they can do it, I can too!" I saw what a huge difference it had made in their lives. I was ready for a change in my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There were two main deciding factors for me. The main reason I chose to have the Lap Band procedure over RNY is because it does not cause permanent anatomical changes. The other reason is because of the much lower complication rate. Both procedures have almost the same long term success. I didn't want to subject myself to any unnecessary risks because I have two children and a husband. i want to be around for them for a long 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?

My main fear of the surgery itself was from general anesthesia. I am always afraid to be put to sleep, each and every time. I was not really afraid of the procedure itself. I had great confidence in my surgeon. The main complication I worried about is stomach erosion from the Lap Band, but It's been almost 2.5 years, and I have not had any problems at all. It has been so very worth it!

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 family and friends were all supportive. I'm sure there were many skeptics out there about what real success I would have, as I had inevitably failed every diet or weight loss attempt I had ever made. I felt like my family and friends were more comfortable with the Lap Band procedure versus the gastric bypass because it is reversible and does not change your anatomy. I felt the same way. Everyone has been incredibly supportive throughout my WLS journey.

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

My employer worked with me as much as possible. My supervisor knew I had planned to have the surgery, and the date would probably be decided within just a few days' time. I found out December 23 that I was going to have my Lap Band on December 27, and she got my schedule covered for me without any hesitation. I returned to work 13 days post-op, and that was just about the right about of time for me with the Lap Band procedure. That was as soon as I felt like I could return without limitation.

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

I arrived that morning. I checked in quickly, and got admitted by the outpatient surgery nurse. They started an IV, and I waited a while for my scheduled surgery time. Immediately prior to my Lap Band surgery, the OR crew started coming in one at a time, doing various things. They put SCD pumps on my legs to prevent blood clots. Someone hung an IV antibiotic and gave me some IV Zofran to prevent nausea. The next thing I know they zipped me around the corner and I transferred myself to the OR table. I remember I thought it would be a while before they actually put me to sleep and did the surgery. I was talking with them, and last thing I remember is the anesthesiologist putting the blood pressure cuff on my arm. The next thing I know I am in the recovery room being fussed at for not taking deep breaths by the recovery room nurse. I was at the hospital about 10 hours total, most of which was time that we waited for my 4 pm surgery time. It would be a good idea to bring a book or something to keep your mind occupied if you have a long wait like I did. Wear comfy clothes! I would recommend elastic waist pants for sure, and slip-on shoes. Take your contacts out, and bring your glasses.

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

The only complication I had was exercising too vigorously too soon after surgery. I nursed sore muscles for a week or so, and slept sitting up, hugging a heating pad.

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 had some initial feeling of grief, almost like I had lost a best friend. I spent a couple of days crying. I missed being able to eat. I felt guilty for my dependence on my spouse for a few days, and him having to stay home from work to help me. I really wanted some real food, but that got better as each day passed. I would say the first week was the worst as far as cravings. I spent a lot of time writing in my online ObesityHelp.com journal I was keeping. That seemed to help. I had no idea who was reading it, but I was able to express what I was feeling. Getting responses from other members that had been exactly where I was, or that were presently going through the exact same feelings helped me.

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

I think your first few weeks should be a time for healing. Don't push yourself too hard or too fast. If it hurts, don't do it. Be as active as you can be, but don't over-do it. I delayed my own healing a week or so by pushing myself too hard while exercising. Listen to your body.

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

I traveled around 100 miles one way. It makes aftercare difficult to say the least. If I had a surgeon that was closer, it would have been much easier to follow up, and see him every 2-3 months like he would like.

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

The insurance approval process, no doubt!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It's really amazing. People that I work with almost every day didn't see the dramatic weight loss. Some people were saying to me just the other day, "Beth, you weren't very big to begin with." Then I showed them my pre-op picture. They started saying, "Oh my God. I don't remember you being that size!" I even had one person at work ask me if I had gained my weight back. They just don't remember how big I actually was, and No! I haven't gained my weight back. :-) I can't say that people treat me much differently. I think I may be taken more seriously than I was before in some situations; People seem to listen to what I actually have to say more.