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

My aunt had it done about 20 years ago, when I was just coming out of my teens. I thought it was a radical procedure, to say the least.

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

My experience was incredible. My surgeon had a last minute cancellation, they asked me if I wanted it, and just 11 days after signing consent I was getting surgery. My insurance approved the whole thing in less than 24 hours!

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

It was a quick meeting. I thought he was kinda quirky, but he had a fantastic reputation, and that is what truly mattered. I have only seen him a very few times.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was just tired of living this way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I thought that if I was going to do this, there would be no half ways. The lap band was reversable, and I did not want to give myself an "out."

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?

Normal fears, but I think for myself, they were actually very few. I felt very confident in my decision to have the surgery, and left the rest in God's hands.

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?

Most everyone was supportive. They were scared for me, but still supported my decision. They have been very supportive of this whole process.

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

My work has been great. From pre op visits through recovery, they have never given me any problems. The CEO of our company even called me at home to check on me after surgery, and I received several flower deliveries! I was out of work for 2 weeks.

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

Horrible. Was just there overnight, but was moved from the first room after 5 minutes because of a psycho patient, and the second roomie I had whined and groaned half the night. Get me outta there! So glad to go home that soon.

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

No real complications. Did have 2 of the stitches get infected, but I was able to deal with it.

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 definitely had to deal with anxiety, and also a lot of anger issues. Still dealing with that somewhat every day. Quick to anger I feel. Not the best feelings to have.

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

I felt pretty good. I started walking every day, did what I should. Not too bad.

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

Lucky, next town over, about 10 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.

I still cannot even smell protein powders without gagging. Became lactose intolerant, still have some issues with that. I haven't tried sugars, too afraid of them.

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

I started walking short walks right away, and joined a gym a month out of surgery. I go 4-5 day a week now.

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

2 children's chewable multivitamins, 2 viactiv, iron, B-12

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?

No big side effects, other than my hair is still coming out. Baby shampoo seems to be helping though!

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

Learning that food isn't the "blanket" it once was for me.

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

I see a nut at 3 mos, 6 mos, then every year. I get way more support on this site than anywhere else.

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

I have 5 fairly small incisions. No biggie. Not going to wear a bikini anyways!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Hit them all the time. Just have to be patient and wait them out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Starting to. Have had a couple men check me out, more willing to open doors, etc.