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

My co-worker had gastric bypass surgery and lost alot of weight, I was impressed.

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

I was approved after the first submission of my information to the insurance company. I would advise anyone interested in surgery, to make sure you have all of the requested or required information with your request.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was informative, I spoke with two physicians and the office manager. Everyone was very candid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I new that surgery was the answer, after much failure on my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I initially started the search for gastric bypass, but I decided that lapband was more suited for me.

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?

The fear of death is real, but once you decide that the surgery is for you; you experience a calmness that lets you know that you are making the right decision. I was very calm the day of surgery.

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?

I shared all of my research with my family. They were afraid of death or complications from surgery, I was initially told to try to lose weight again on my own. After much conversation, my family accepted the ideal of surgery and wished me well.

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

I did not share the nature of my surgery with my employer.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful, which is good. I was in the hpspital for only one day. The most important thing to take to the hospital is a pillow for the ride home.

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

I had no complications from surgery.

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 experiencing an emotional rollercoaster, fear, happiness, anxiety, excitement....

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

I felt relief afterwards, but I was a little sore and still anxious. I was hoping my recovery would be uneventful and speedy.

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

I traveled less than 10 miles to 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.

I was on liquids for 2 weeks, mushies for 1 week, soft foods for 1 weeks, soft/regular for 1 week, regular food week 6 and thereafter.

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

rest, relax and no physical activity or lifting.

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

Multi-vitamin 2x a day for 1 month and 3 calcium pills Multi-vitamin 1x a day after 4 wks and 2 calcuim pills thereafter.

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 have not experienced side effects.

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

With the lapband the weight loss is not as rapid as gastric bypass, therefore, you have to be patient and persistent.

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

I attend the support group at the hospital once a month.

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

I only have one scar that is really visible, it is the longest scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

With the lapband, you really do not have any restriction until you have a fill. I had lost 30 pounds before my fill, so I have done well without a fill. However, I have received 1 fill and I have not felt much restriction, so it is business as usual.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have received compliments.