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

I had read about the lapband but, I have a friend that had the Gastric Bypass. I was a little leary after she had hers because she got really sick. She ended up being just fine but it scared me.

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

I did not have a hard time at all. I had all of the requirements done in no time at all. I feel like if you need to have this surgery fight for what you need. Do not let anything change your mind.

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

My first visit was good. I was nervous and Dr Finelli knew it. He did all that he could to make me feel comfortable. It worked. I took my mother with me and she asked most of the questions. I believe that you need to take someone not going through it with you to make rational decieisons and ask all of the outsider questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My primary doctor told me that if I did not do something about my weight soon I was going to start having trouble with my internal organs. That did it for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I did not want the Gastric Bypass. Too invasive. The lapband is reversible if need be. That was what made my choice easy.

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?

My biggest fear was being put under and never waking up. This was my first time having surgery. I did not want my daughter being without her mommy. Now that it over I say it was a breeze. Follow the rules and you will be just fine. Well worth all of the time it took 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?

My friends and family were great about it all. Like normal, they had questions. That is normal and to be expected. They all were very concerned and helpful through my recovery stages.

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

My boss and supervisor were great. They may have been more excited that I was about the whole ordeal. They even decided that they want to do the biggest loser for the whole division. I was only out of work for a week, and ewveryone was very understanding about it.

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

My stay at the hospital was good. Of course I kept getting woke up by the nurses so they could take my vitals but better safe than sorry. I stayed one night. Just make sure you bring slippers and chapstick.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 really nervouse at first but I got over that really quick. I think it was just the thought of being put under.

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

I could not get very comfortable while laying down or sitting up. That was only for a short while though.

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

I was about 45 minutes from home. It can be reached without any problems.

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 3 weeks out so I am limited to soft foods like moist chicken chicken/tuna salads. mashed potatoes. apple sauce, soups, I have not had any problems tolerating things just yet.

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

I am very limited in what I can do. The dr told me walking and to limit that. I could not drive or exercise.

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

Flintstones chewables and Citracal 600+D

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 the sleep disturbance issue. I am now starting to get some sleep. I just got to the point that I was comfprtable sleeping on my tummy again.

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

Not being able to sleep on my tummy and the gas pains.

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

I have a support group at the hospital where I had the surgery once a month. It is very informative. I also use OH with a lot of my questions.

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

My scars a way small. you can barely se them. Not what I expected at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have nto gotten that far yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A little. People are really worried and want to make sure everything is going fine.