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

I first heard about weight loss surgery when singer Carnie Wilson had her sugery. My first thought was, that's the easy way out, it's like cheating to get what you want.

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

I decided to pay for the surgery myself because I did not want the hassle of dealing with insurance. My husband had lasik eye surgery a couple of years ago and we decided that it was my turn to change my life for the better.

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

It was brief, but very informative. The seminar that I attended first had the most information. Plus I did a lot of research online before the doctor's visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my daughter drew a picture of our family and I saw one person was larger than the rest, I asked if it was Santa Claus since it was dressed in red and it was around the holidays. She said, no mommy that's you. I just about broke down right there in front of her. I knew right then that I was going to take charge and change myself no matter what it took. I did not want my daughter to know me as being fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I always knew I'd do the LapBand since it's less invasive than the other surgeries out there.

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 mostly worried about being under anaesthesia. For some reason, I wasn't that nervous. Even though I'd never been under before and was terrified of the thoughy of surgery. I knew this was the right decision for me.

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?

They were very supportive and proud of my decision. They all knew it was what needed to be done so that I could get healthy.

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

Not applicable- I'm a stay at home mom.

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

It was done as an outpatient surgery. I went in around 5am and was home by late afternoon.

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

No, just some nausea from the anesthesia.

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 was very excited about the decision. It made had a huge impact on my attitude. I was ready for this big change!

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

It was a longer recovery period than I thought it would be. I'm 2 1/2 weeks post-op and I still get tired easily. I have to take breaks from my activities and rest some. I also have to remember to eat! I have not been hungry at all!

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

35 miles.

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.

The first 4 days are clear liquids- I drank mostly hot tea, crystal light, water, popcicles, and chicken broth. Then I transitioned to Carnation instant breakfast shakes, strained soups and yogurt. I tolerated everything very well. But I did have to just sip things slowly. If I took too big of a drink, I could feel it build up in my esophagus and it was very uncomfortable.

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

I started walking two days after surgery. But I did tire easily. Each day though my energy levels kept increasing.

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

Just chewable vitamins.

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?

The nausea and then headaches. The nausea lasted on and off for about a week. Then the headaches took it's place. It happens when I get run down and tired. I just relax and sometimes take liquid Tylenol

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

Dealing with the fact that I had gotten myself to this place where I had to make the decision to do this. It's very hard for me to admit that I need help and to not "tough it out" on my own. But I have dieted for years, only to gain back what I lose. I'm tired of the roller coaster. I'm ready to take charge of my own life!

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

My surgeon's practice has a very good Bariatric Coordinator who is easily accessible, day or night. There is also a LapBand support group that meets monthly. Having post-op support is very important. I also meet with a therapist to help deal with the emotional side of having surgery. I am an emotional eater, which is how I got to being this heavy. I work with my therapist on ways to deal with my emotions in other healthy ways instead of seeking solace with food.

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

I am just two weeks post-op, so I am still healing. The incisions are smaller than my c-section scars, so I'm not too concerned with them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not reached plateaus yet. But when I do, I'll remind myself that as long as I am eating and exercising like I should then the weight will come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've only dropped 25 pounds and have about 160 more to go. So there is not a noticeable difference in my appearance yet.