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

Probably on TV...of course I was skeptical.

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

The approval process was stupid. I weighed 369 lbs. What else do you need to know?

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

My first meeting was a seminar. It was good because my husband got to go and he really liked the Doctor. That helped because he didn't really want me to have it done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I guess I was tired of being tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I liked the flexibility of the lap band.

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 think the advantages outweighed any possible complications. I felt like I was on a fast track to death without it.

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 happy for me and supportive. The only doubting Thomas was my husband. He's still upset I can't eat a whole ribeye steak anymore.

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

I was out of work for 3 weeks and everyone has been very supportive.

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

It was very nice. Baylor Frisco is like a hotel...my private room had a sitting room and a bedroom with 2 tvs. My husband was able to stay the night with me. I brought a robe which was helpful because I had to walk to another part of the hospital for an x-ray. I forgot my toothbrush but they gave me one. I also wore comfortable clothes so I could wear them home.

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

No complications.

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 tried not to think about it and the time went by fast.

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

I was sore from where the port was sewn. it especially hurt when I got up from my recliner or got into bed. But the pain didn't last long and I was off of pain meds in a couple of days. For the most part it was quite pleasant watching TV and figuring out full liquids to eat.

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

A 15 minute drive.

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.

The surprise was no carbonated beverages or caffeine. I'm not much of a coffee drinker but I love iced tea. Now I always order water out even though I don't drink it...I'm really saving a lot of money.

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

i pretty much took it easy.

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

I mix 2 scoops of Gensoy (no sugar) with no sugar added chocolate instant breakfast for about 30 grams of protein. I got a chocolate chewable vitamin called Viactiv--it's delicious...tastes like candy. I've also drink a lot of Vitamin Water 10 and 0 calorie Sobe Lifewater. I add a couple of packets of equal to it and it tastes like Koolade. It's really helped me get my liquids in.

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?

So far I really haven't had any side effects except weight loss.

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

In all my 6 months of preparation, seminars, videos, and bariatric professional appointments i was never told they would have to do x-ray/drink barium for each fill. It wasn't that bad, I was just upset no one ever said anything about it.

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

Obesityhelp is it.

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

They are very small and going away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.