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

I learned most through the web.

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

Self-pay

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

Surgeon is a family freind, so meetings were honest and casual.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Weight going up and up

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Had to do lap-band. I felt that it would be better for pregnancy, adjustable forever, and less invasive. I did not want to be chopped up inside! I am SO happy with my decision.

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 really had little fear except for the anesthesia.

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?

Very supportive. I told everyone and I love having it in the open. They are all tactful and encouraging durring discussions about the surgery.

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

My employer didn't seem to take an interest in discussing it.

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

Great hospital stay. I was out of it so I would say just bring someone who you trust to make decisions for you!

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

No complications

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

SOOOO excited.

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

I expected too much at this time. I was very let down. It only started working after multiple fills, but in the past two months since then the weight has been flying off!!!

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

FAR! Because I wanted to go to the surgeon I knew( she is 3 hours away.) Well worth the personal care, but the drive does get annoying.

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.

It doesn't matter what I tell you. With Lapband it will be different for each individual. No bread or cola for me in 3 months though...pain! And I can't believe I don't miss it one bit!!!

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

sedentary to mild. I'm a teacher so going back in the fall REALLY helped with weight loss. Find something to do all day. If you "graze and laze" around you probably won't lose.

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?

None

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

Being patient.

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

this website. Very valuable

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

Practically gone.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None since I got restriction

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO