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

My doctor suggested it, then we looked on the internet for places in my area. I felt like it was my only alternative. I didn't feel like I had a choice if I wanted a good quality of life.

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

I could not get insurance approval even though I met all the criteria for weight loss surgery. My insurance company would not agree because they felt I should use other methods of weight reduction even though I had tried them all. I would incourage other people to keep fighting with the insurance companies. I ended up paying for my surgery myself. I feel like it is worth it. I will have paid for my surgery by eliminating the meds and not having to pay my co-pays on them.

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

Dr. Whipple was very nice. I trusted him completely. I talked to him completely about why I wanted this surgery and want I wanted to accomplish with my weight loss.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to have a better quality of life. My husband and both agreed it was worth the money and effort involved.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with my doctor and decided that at my age-62, I didn't want an invasive procedure. I had rather discipline myself because Lap-band is only a tool.

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 was fully aware of the complications, even death but I figured what quality of life did I have now and what about in the future? I was willing to take that risk to see my grandchildren grow up and be able to play with them and take trips with them. I also prayed and trusted in the Lord to see my through and he did!

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

I was only in the hospital overnight. My surgery was the easiest part of the whole weight loss plan. I had a little gas the night after my surgery, which I had expected. I brought along GasX that I slipped on my tongue and walked up and down the hall. Those things helped. The gas dissipated before morning and I was fine. I brought my robe, slippers, toothbrush and the GasX. ( and my sister for moral support!)She was a big help.

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

I did not have any complications from the surgery. I kept waiting to have nausea or vomiting but it didn't happen. I could swallow really well. I was a little weak but that was to be expected. The walking helped that tremendously.

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 excited and told everyone I knew. I really didn't have any anxiety except wanting it to hurry up so I could get started. I had to go on a two week liquid diet before surgery to shrink my liver so the surgeon could better visualize my stomach. That diet was the worse part of the whole process! The surgery was nothing compared to the diet. I had moral support from my family. It helps with the diet if you are not around the smells of food at all. Let somebody else do the cooking during this time or even better, tell them to go out to eat. The good thing was I lost 17 lbs on the diet alone.

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

I was a little weak but everyday I built up my strength. I did my post-op exercises because there was still a chance of blood clots. I had to drink the protein drinks even though I never found one I really liked. The good thing was, the weight just fell off.

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

I had to travel 90 miles to have my surgery. I was still able to go to my post-op visits. The trip was worth it. I managed to work in a little shopping on these trips.

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 had to continue on my liquid diet for two weeks after surgery and it was kind of hard even though I had the lap-band. After that, I could have one ounce of protein and one oz. of vegetable or fruit. After 4 weeks, I could have 2 oz of protein and 1 oz of veg. or fruit. After 6 weeks, I could have 3 oz of protein and 1 oz of veg. or fruit. I could not have peas, corn, potatoes, bread, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, sugar. I usually ate tuna salad, chicken salad, salmon, baked fish, green beans, broccoli, squash, zucchini, tomatoe, applesauce, 1% milk.

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

I had a lot of trouble with my exercise since I hate exercise. I did however buy the DVD "Walking away the pounds" and did that every day. I also did alot of walking in the yard. I also did my pre-op and post-op exercises to prevent blood clots. That was very important.

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

I didn't like any of the chewable bariatric vitamins so I took Centrum Silver vitamins. I cut them up into 3 or 4 pieces and took the pieces with liquid one at the time. I also took Viative for my calcium supplement. Viative turned out to be my chocolate treats every day. I love them!

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?

The only side effect I have had is a little hair loss but I was told the hair should return.

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

Absolutely without a doubt, the liquid pre-op diet! The rest is a piece of cake ( no pun intended).

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

I live 90 miles from my support group meetings, so I don't go because gas is so expensive. I wish I could go, I think it would help to have people to converse with about my ongoing diet. I just subscribed to OH magazine so I could read their articles and feed back.

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

It looks like my scars are fading. Before I had my surgery, I was worried that the port would bother me but I can't even feel it. I know I have one because I have had two adjustments but they didn't hurt either, just a needlestick.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I am having my first plateau since I had surgery April 11, which is almost three months ago. I have only lost one lb this week, when I have been losing 2 lbs each week. I am just going to bump up my exercises and see if that helps. I know I haven't cheated on my diet so my metobolism must be slowing down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My friends are amazed that I have lost 50lbs in three months and they say how good I look. My clothes are getting too loose to wear but I hate to buy new ones because I want to wait until I am at my goal weight. I guess I'm going to have to break down and buy a few. My husband comments about how much weight I have lost already. I also feel a lot better and have gone off some of my meds. I didn't have to take any more diabetic pills since I came home from the hospital. I also don't take any cholesterol meds. I still take one blood pressure pill now instead of two and I go back to my pulmonologist next month to see if I can come off my c-pap machine. I don't have to take Advair anymore.