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

My sister had GBS years ago. Watching her go thru that, and the complications she had, scared the life out of me. She has since gained back a lot of the weight she lost, so that made me think why bother. Then I had my son with cerebral palsy. Realized that he'd need me forever. I had to do everything I could to stay around. So I said lots of prayers, and searched the internet, and think the band is right for me.

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

I had no issues with insurance approval. I had to simply go with a center of excellence. I had to have a BMI over 40. I do. I had to have at least one comorbitidy, and I do- diabetes type 2. As soon as I met the surgeon's requirements, I met the insurance requirements. Don't give up. No matter what the insurance companies, or how discouraging it seem, it is worth it.

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

First I met with the FNP, Bob. He's awesome. So caring, kind, gentle. Yet very up front with information. When I got in to meet with the surgeon, it was so close to meeting my 5% weight loss goal for approval. When he asked me how much more I had to loose, and had just 3 pounds more to go, he was so excited, he got up and gave me a high five. Dr. Heneghan is a wonderfully supportive man. Very encouraging.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My children, and their health issues. My own health issues. Time to get healthier.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My sister had the bypass years ago, and had all sorts of complications. That scared me. She went thru a period of time she couldn't care for herself, I needed to be able to not go thru that. So that was one... The other way I decided was the more I read the more I loved the band. I've since decided the band was a HUGE mistake. I'm on the line for a RNY this fall/winter.

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 really didn't have fears of that. I'd had so many surgeries in my life. That really had not come into my mind. My real fear was the liquid post op diet. Couldn't figure out how 1/2 a cup to 1 cup would fill me up? But it truely does.

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 are very supportive. My mom and brother have expressed concern that I'd have the same issues my sister did. But so far so good. I'm 2 weeks post op and doing great.

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

I don't work! 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?

Band: a couple hours. Wish I'd brought some music and a puzzle book. RNY: not done yet... but will be there at least 3 days.

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

Band: slipped before my 2 yr anniversary at least twice.

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

BAND: I felt good. Ached a little taking care of my disabled son, But i managed. RNY< have help lined up already for my recovery period.

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

Band:It's been difficult lifting/caring for my two yr old with cerebral palsy, but I've done it. So if possible have help with anything like that. My father at 2 weeks post op still goes grocery shopping with me, so I don't have to lift the heavy stuff. RNY: PRE OP

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

I only had to drive about 20 minutes to where I had my surgery.

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.

BAND:I'm on starting week three of my post op diet. First week was liquids. I could drink anything that I could have done thru a straw, but no straws. Week two brought the mushies or puree's. My first several meals with that diet were not easy, but they were delicious. I made mashed potatoes, and stewed Chicken. The old me popped back in, and I wanted to eat it all. But after less than 1 cup, I'd be stuffed. So far I have an intolerance of bread like consistancy. So that's off my diet for now. RNY: PRE OP STILL

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

BAND: I am a single mom, so I do all the fun things I have to do. By days end, my oldest son is helping with lifting on the baby. But he's great at it. I'm just two weeks 1 day post op. RNY: PREOP

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

BAND:I have only taken a chewable vitamin once a day since. I also took calcium supplements, as i'm now in menopause. RNY: PRE OP.

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?

BAND:So far I haven't had any that were bad. I had some trouble sleeping on my sides the first two weeks, but I just changed position, moved pillows until I got comfy. RNY: PRE op yet.

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

BAND:Um... is there one? The wait pre op? RNY: Having to wait to start my journey, because I've not had my band for two full years.

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

I go to support group at least once a month, sometimes twice.

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

Band:They told me up front I'd have 6, and even the measurements. So that wasn't a surprise. I do have one that indents. That is a bit weird. RNY: to be done

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

BAND: I got as low as 225, then blew up to 240, with band complications. Am averaging 235, and heading for a revision to RNY. RNY:

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people watch everything that goes into my mouth. That freaks me out!