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

My mom mentioned it to me and I honestly never thought of myself as "big enough" to consider it, but I actually really was

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

My first visit was great, because I knew that I had found the answer to my problem and I was being "validated" that it made sense for me to be there. People can get the most out of their visit by having already done their research through talking to people and reading up on the Internet. They should have an idea which type of surgery and what to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew with all my heart that this was what I needed to get control of my over-eating and constant need to feed myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt like since I had less than 100 pounds to lose and also since I couldn't be out of work for as long as what would be needed with gastric bypass, that the lapband was the solution for me. Also, I liked the reversability of it, since I want to get pregnant again once I get at least close to my goal weight.

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?

To be honest, I looked at it from 2 angles, 1) that I had a greater chance of having serious health affects and dying if I DIDN'T get the surgery (from something like Diabetes) and 2) that people all the time electively choose to go under the knife to get breast implants, so why is putting a band implant in my body much different??

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 INCREDIBLY supportive. Actually it was funny, because most people didn't think of me as "big enough" to get it. I think that is because most people think that only those people who are 100 or 150 or 200+ pounds overweight get weight loss surgery.

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

I got the surgery on a Thursday, worked from home the following Monday, and went into the office on Tuesday. I was still a little sore and walking slowly around because of still being sore and tired, but was able to function.

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

I was there overnight. I definitely needed every hour that I was there to recover. I needed the pain medication and was glad that I made myself get up and walk around alot. There is really nothing to bring except yourself and a toothbrush!

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

None

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 felt pretty much back to normal after about 1 week. Just losing weight in the first few weeks makes you feel amazing.

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

Just to take things slowly and get used to eating the stages of food to build back to eating solid/normal foods. I allowed myself not to start an exercise regimen until about 1 month after the surgery. I wanted to take it easy, since just adjusting to the food regimen was life changing enough.

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

I was lucky that my surgeon lives 5 minutes from me and so is the hospital.

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.

My portion sizes have shrunk by 1/2 to 1/3 of what I used to eat. I really can't eat "large/bulky" foods like bagels and sandwiches. Chicken is also difficult to get down. I was surprised that crunchy foods are actually not difficult to get down.

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

I built up to 3 days per week of exercise.

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

Sadly, I don't take any! I really should though.

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?

In 9 months since my surgery, I have only thrown up twice. It wasn't really what I ate, I just think I ate it too fast. I have had no other side effects.

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

The whole experience has been so positive, because I have felt so strongly about needing and wanting this. Really only the hardest part was the pain in the few days after the surgery, but since I had a cesarean section when I had my son, I kept comparing the pain to that, and frankly the lap-band pain was a bit less.

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

I actually go to Weight Watchers on a weekly (sometimes every other week) basis to feel accountable to weighing in and surrounding myself with others trying to lose weight. I also have made friends with someone else who had the surgery, so we support each other.

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

The scars have faded a bit, and I know as time goes by, they will fade more. Honestly, I don't care much about them..I look at them as my "battle scars"!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has slowed down now to about 1 pound per week. That is okay for me, since I don't have a ton more to lose.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are so supportive and always acknowledge how good I look.