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

I was aware of the bypass but had not heard of the lapband prior to attending a seminar. As soon as I heard about the band, I knew it was the surgery for me.

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

My insurance did not cover the band. However, since I had gallstones (a co-morbidity of obesity) my insurance covered part of Dr. Srikanth's fee and all of the hospital charges. Ironically, my insurance covers the band now.

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

My first visit with Dr. Srikanth was awesome! He explained all of the surgical options and then asked me what I wanted. He didn't tell me - he asked. Dr. Srikanth impressed me then, and he continues to impress me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery because I knew without it I was a health nightmare waiting to happen. My joints hurt, I had gallstones, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without becoming winded and almost every adult member of my family had diabetes - it was just down the road for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was impressed by the non-invasiveness of the band. I was a single parent and I needed to feel that my choice would not negatively impact my daughter.

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 knew the risk of dying from the lapband was miniscule - that is the main reason I chose this surgery. I would tell anyone who was worried about dying from the surgery that you are already dying. You are dying from being obese. I know, because I was dying from being obese.

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?

I decided to not tell most of my family initially. I think I was afraid that once again, I would fail. Since I was having my gall bladder out, it was easy to say that was the surgery I was having - not a lie, just not full disclosure. Looking back, I would not recommend this. You need the full support of your family. And you family needs to know the rapid weight loss is expected and you are going to be fine.

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

My supervisor was extremely supportive. I never had any problems at work. I began working from home about one week after my surgery.

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 for only one day. Everyone at St. Francis was extremely knowledgable about weight loss surgery.

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

Yes, my band slipped and had to be moved back into place. This was done by Dr. Srikanth using his new technique and I have had no further 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?

The hardest part was going back to work prior to being back on regular food. I was still on a liquid diet when I returned to work. I just told people I was dieting.

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

The first few weeks are not bad. The first two weeks it wasn't hard to be on the liquid diet - I didn't want to eat! After a couple of weeks, I did start to want food and it was a bit harder to stay on the liquid diet, but it is doable. Once I was back on food, the hardest part was learning not to overeat and end up getting sick.

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

I didn't travel. I lived in Tacoma and the surgery was in Federal Way - about 7 miles away.

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.

Dr. Srikanth puts you on a liquid diet for 30 days after the surgery. There was no food for a month. So, it was protein shakes, sugar-free popsicles, broth and lots of water. After four weeks, I started on pureed foods, then on soft foods, then back to a regular diet. For the most part, I can eat anything - just in small quantities. Bread and pasta are sometimes an issue though, so I tend to stay away from them.

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

Dr. Srikanth believes in walking right away - so I walked.

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

I take calcium, children's chewable vitamins and protein shakes.

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 think the worst side effect for me is the vomiting. I have had to learn to be very careful with my eating to ensure I don't overeat and get sick.

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

I can't think of any "worst part." This surgery changed my life for the better. I can't imagine going back to my life prior to the surgery.

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

Dr. Srikanth requires followup care. Since I am at full weight loss, I only have to see him twice a year. I also am the facilitator for his lapband patients support group held at St. Francis on the first Wednesday of each month.

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

The scars from the band are minimal. There are about six of them ranging from 1/4 inch to about 2 inches.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't really have any lengthy plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!!!!! Men and women treat me differently. Men hold the door for me, make small talk with me and even stop in the middle of the street to watch me walk by (yes, that really happened!). Women treat me as if I am more intelligent. I'm not, but it is nice to have my intelligence acknowledged.