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

My GP told me about the LapBand

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

It was extremely easy for me. Eight days.

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

I liked Dr. Bagnato. I met him at a seminar that was required for people who thought that they wanted to have surgery. He gave all the pros and cons about LapBand surgery and Bypass surgery. He wanted us to be informed so that we could make the right choice for ourselves.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I took a good look at myself in the mirror when getting a haircut and did not like what I saw!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not like the mortality statistics with Bypass surgery and I know someone who had it, lost a 125lbs and gained it back. I was also sold on the fact that the LapBand can be adjusted when needed. I had unrelated surgery last year and developed complications. The doctors were able to empty my band so that I could take in the extra nutrition that I needed to fight a very bad infection.

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 have had many surgeries, but it never is something to take lightly. I knew what the risks were, but I was willing to take them. It was the best choice I have EVER made.

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 husband was very supportive. He knew the struggle that I have gone through with declining health and we both felt that this would help. My father and sisters were also very supportive.

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

I am medically disabled.

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

Only stayed overnight and the staff was great.

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

No

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

Excited, anxious. I also went from Georgia to Connecticut for a wedding so I was kept pretty busy. When I came home I had to start on the SugarBusters diet so I kept myself busy planning meals and shopping.

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

My husband said I was whiney, but I don't know about that. I had a lot of gas, but I knew that would happen from previous surgery. I also stuck strictly to the liquid diet for the whole 3 weeks post op. I lost 20lbs that first 3 weeks where others who were banded the same day as me didn't do as well because they went to soft foods sooner.

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

340 miles round trip. I spent one night in the hospital where most patients have the surgery and go home the same day. My husband has always been able to take time off to take me to the doctor/clinic for fills and checkups.

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.

Like I said, I stayed strictly with liquids, Hi Protein Boost, jello, pudding, tomato juice and tomato soup for three weeks. Off Limits, I still cannot eat bread, anything doughy, rice, dried out meat;beef;chicken;turkey (it has to be moist), skins on fruit like apples and pears, the membrane on citrus fruit It's hard to remember. I do know that I really had to fight with myself to chew everything well. There was quite a bit of PBing-Productive Burping (kinda like vomiting, but not the same). Once I learned to chew, eat slow and quit just before I felt full, everything went well. I do know it is strange, but most LapBand patients can eat salsa and tortilla chips when some other food will not go down. I allow myself a few a week when I really have a snack attack! I try not to restrict myself to where I can't have some ice cream or chips or whatever when I want them. I can now control the amount I have. I learned a long time ago if I tell myself that I can't ever eat something, I want it even more and I loose my battle. I'm not saying eat these things all the time, but once in a while is ok. I have even found a pizza place that fixes a low carb pizza in a dish without crust. Just some sauce, a few pepperoni, mushrooms, onion, peppers and a little cheese on top and then they bake it. Really satisfies the craving for pizza. I have always known when I needed a fill, not because I gained any, but because of the amount of food it took to satisfy my hunger. I've only had something stuck in my band once. I'm not sure what I ate, but it caused my opening in my LapBand to swell and I had to have my fill removed. After two weeks, I was ready to have my fill put back in.

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

It slowed me down for a few days, but all in all, it was a quick recovery. I didn't lift anything heavy for about 6 weeks, but I was back to doing housework pretty quick.

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

I just take a good multiple vitamin and 375 tablet of iron 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 some problem with hair loss until I increased my protein, then my hair got thicker

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

My husband is a big guy and he likes to eat out a lot. It was hard to find places where I could get something to eat. I learned what I could eat on the menu and I always put half of my food in a doggy bag to take home. I do this before I eat so I am not tempted to overeat. I also get very small portions or child portions when possible. I have found that many restaurants will not let an adult order from the kids menu even when I explain....we don't go to them anymore.

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

I have used the internet for support mostly. The Obesity Treatment Center in Albany, GA tried to have support meetings, but people didn't show up. There were several times we made the 340 mile round trip and I was the only one who came to the meeting, so they pretty much faded away. So I turned to several web sites.

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

Four tiny pink areas. You can see my port in my chest. This is where Dr. Bagnato puts them. It makes fills/unfills very easy and inexpensive.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I got to 220lbs I stayed at that weight for about 4 months. The clinic removed my fill for 3 weeks, then put it back in and presto, I started loosing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It is sad to say, but Yes I have. I'm not invisible when I go into clothing stores. I used to have to beg for help with finding clothes, now the sales people are much more friendly.