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

I was flying home and saw a segment on 60-Minutes about the new "Lap-Band" surgery. I was excited to hear of such a surgery and could not wait to get back to California and investigate it further.

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 problem getting approved as my bariatric group helped with everything along the way. I'm sure it did not hurt that I have diabetes, High BP, and Sleep Apnea.

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 for about 24 hours. I didn't find that I "needed" to bring anything except for feminine hygeine products and houseshoes.

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

No, I did fine.

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

This was a toughie! I went back and forth. Should I do this, will I be successful, what if I fail, will I be able to eat things I like? To alleviate most of these feelings, I did a lot of research about my surgery type and talked to people at the support group meetings.

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

I'm about 5 weeks out so it is still "new" to me. The first couple of days were uncomfortable and it was hard to remember to eat/drink as I didn't want much of anything. The best advice here would be to have a good "helper" at home to take care of you for at least a day or two. I was fortunate to have a WONDERFUL husband.

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

My hospital is approximately 45 minutes away (with traffic).

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'm so new that I'm still learning. Although, I do find that bread isn't easy!

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

I feel like I could be more active but my doctor says to take it easy and heal.

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

BeneProtein Supplement Powder and Isopure.

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 anything unpleasant. I did have some nausea the first couple of days but it quickly passed.

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

The approval process and the waiting... It took me 9 months from start to finish.

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

I so new that I haven't done much of this yet (except for OH). I plan to attend the local support group meetings.

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

I have 5 and only one is not what I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most do not know.