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

I saw a commercial for the Lap Band System and was impressed by its claims of being safer and just as effective

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

I had really good insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield MA PPO. My surgeon submited all of my info and I was approved in 1 week - no hassels - they were wonderful. My adivse is to contact your insurance company and find out exactly what they will require for documentation so that you can make sure they get it.

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

I didn't get to meet my surgeon until all of my preop testing was done and I was approved to participate in the program. I did meet with his nurse and the program physician. If you have questions (and you should if you have done your research) bring them with you and do not be afraid to ask - no matter how small or silly the question - its your right to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that I was 32 years old, 5 foot 3.5 inches tall and weighed in at 300 lbs. Boarderline hypertensive with chronic heartburn, headaches and joint pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I would never have chosen to have RNY unless my quality of life had been much much lower. I was basicly healthy other than being fat (although that would not have lasted forever). I wanted a WLS that would give me the help I needed without the added problem of a riskier surgery and malabsoptive issues - thus the Lap Band.

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 done so much research that I felt pretty confident that I would be OK. I had a top notch surgeon and with a mortality rate of less than 1% I felt safe - Obesity was going to kill me eventually and I drive a car every day - both activities are riskier than my surgery was.

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 overwhelmingly supportive (although some were skeptical)

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

I told everyone - even strangers on the street. I received nothing but support and well wishes from my co-workers. I was out of work for 9 days.

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

My hospital stay was quick and uneventful. I had surgery on day one and was released in the afternoon on day 2. I didn't bring anything other than my toothbrush and really didn't need anything - I was in and out so quick

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

No complications to date - over 1 year out.

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 back to work on day 10 and felt like myself by day 14. I was just excited to get the band to start working for me.

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

In the first few weeks expect to be sore and tired. Don' worry about eating just get those liquids in.

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

My surgeon in located about 30 miles from me - travel time 45 min to an hour depending on traffic.

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 only intolerance I have had is to bread and dry meat (cooked in liquid seems to dry it out). Other than that I eat all of the same foods I did before - just in smaller portions.

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

It took a good three weeks to work up to walking the 1 mile around my block. The first week I was lucky to make it around the house before getting tired.

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

I take a multi vit and 2 calcium a day.

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 a good amount of hair loss starting at 3 months and lasting until about 6 months post op. Luckily I have thick hair so it was not visible. I did not have any other side effects other than weight loss.

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

Waiting to get all your pre op testing done and then waiting on the ins approval (that is a nail biter) Oh and the post op liquid diet is enough to drive a sane person crazy but it was worth it.

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

My main support is my family and OH.com

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

I have 5 very tiny scars - not an issue at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateau are normal and although they are fustrating they happen for a reason.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed strangers treat me differently but the people I know still treat me the same.