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

I have known a few people that have had the different surgeries. Some of those people didn't have very good experiences so I was actually turned off from the surgery for a while. After doing some of my own research I decided it was a good idea you just have to work hard and get the right nutrients.

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

I didn't have any problems with the insurance. My surgeons office filed the letter for me so I didn't have to worry about it.

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

I had a great experience with my first visit. I had read lots of books so I went in with questions to ask. I think this is the best way to make the most of this meeting. You need to be somewhat informed inorder to make sure the surgeon is what you are looking for.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had back surgery last year and I was told that if I don't lose weight I will have to have back surgery again within the next few years. I felt comfortable with my surgeon and felt safe having the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was kind of afraid of the bypass surgery. So I went with the band surgery. My family doctor that has been my doctor since I was 5 years old or so also convinced me that I should try the band first. If that didn't work I could possibly have the bypass in the future. I don't really want to do that so I am working really hard to make the band work for me.

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 was terrified of dying during or after the surgery but I knew that I would definately die young without it so I knew I had to do it. I would tell people that it is okay to have fears just talk to your surgeon and his team about it. They usually do these procedures several times a week so they can tell you what usually happens and maybe ease a little of your fears.

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?

Everyone was really supportive. My family knows how much I have struggled with my weight so they want to see me be successful. My family has been helping me with making better choices while I am eating.

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

I have been out of work for a while with a back injury so my boss didn''t really have much to say about my surgery. Her daughter had the surgery a few months before i did so she was okay with it.

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 just overnight. The hospital stay wasn't bad at all. I was up and walking that night. The nurses were helpful and knoledgeable about what was going on. It is important to bring a robe because they will have you out walking the halls soon after surgery. It is also important to bring something to occupy your mind while you are laying around.

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

No Complications so far

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 didn't have much time between the time I received my surgery date. They called me on wednesday and said to me how does next wednesday sound to you. My date was a surprise. I knew the surgery would be coming sometime soon though so I guess I was feeling nervous and excited.

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

Honestly I was incredibly emotional. The littlest things made me cry. I had to be on a blood thinner for 7 days after I came home and it was in the form of an injection. After being stuck over and over at the hospital I was really upset about this. My mom was here visiting me so she gave me the shot so that helped. I cried alot. I felt like I was sort of mourning the loss of the food I felt I would never get to eat again. This lasted for a couple fo weeks and then as I could add some things to my diet I started feeling better about it and as the weight has been coming off I have been really excited.

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

Not too far the hospital was just a couple of miles from my home.

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 am only 6 weeks out from surgery. The first week was clear liquids. Second and third week was soft foods like pudding and applesauce consistency. Fourth and fifth weeks were chopped foods. and now I am incorporating more regular food back into my diet. I have been told I need to avoid sugar so I am eating mostly sugar free foods. I am also supposed to avoid a lot of carbohydrates. I am avoiding beef at this point.

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

In the days after the surgery I was up and walking. i walked longer and further a little more every day. ''About 2 weeks after the surgery I was back to doing my exercise routine and strength exercises.

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

the nutritionist with the program suggest the Barriatric advantage brand of vitamin called Vitaband. It is formulated for someone that has had band surgery.

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 haven't really had any of these problems.

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

The worst thing for me has been the surgery itself. I don't think anyone enjoys having surgery and waking up from that. I have really been doing pretty well.

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

The surgeon I used has a comprehensive program. It involves visits with a nutritionist and a fitness trainer. There is a monthly support group as well. Through the program you have access to other classes as well. It is very important to have continued care after the surgery and to have other people to discuss your progress with.

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

I have 5 small scars across my tummy. The largest is about 2 inches or so. The have healed very well and it was exactly what the doctor told me it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has only been 6 weeks and so far I have not had any plateau experiences.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Even thought I have only lost about 34 pounds people have been talling me how great I look and it is pretty great.