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

As a nurse, I knew about wls. I didn't know much about the band. I was scared of having my intestines rerouted and I saw too many complications with gastric bypass.When I saw how well banding patients were doing, I started doing research.

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 in 3 weeks.I had no problems getting approved.

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

I had a one on one visit with my surgeon. It was good to be able to ask all the questions I needed to.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that the band procedure was reversible and no cutting of intestine. Less recovery time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Talked with husband and we decided together

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 knew my surgeon well and knew I was going to be well taken care of. I also believe that it was better to have the surgery than to remain obese.

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?

My family was very supportive. My coworkers feelings were mixed. I was a guinea pig since the band was a new procedure at the time I had it done. It was aggravating but worth it.

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

I had a difficult time getting time off.

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 overnight. It was a good experience. I had a little nausea but not too much pain

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

no

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 had a friend who had the procedure before me. She helped me a lot.

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

It was scary learning how to eat. I read and reread my instructions.

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

10 miles

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 clear liquids for 48 hours and smooth liquids for 3 weeks. I ate baby food fruit, veggies, soups, yogurts and puddings. When I transitioned into real food at four weeks after surgery. I was able to eat most everything. The only things I can't eat are bagels, white meat turkey and chicken and tortillas.

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

I was tired the first week after surgery but I increased my activity gradually. Over time I joined aerobics classes and had a home exercise plan with tapes and music.

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

Multivitamin and calcium.

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 lost my hair for awhile but it came back. I use Nioxin shampoo to keep the hair I have on my head/

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

I was a little nauseated after surgery, but otherwise it was good.

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

There was no aftercare for my surgery at the time. It would have been helpful. I was unsure of what was and wasn't normal.

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

I have 5 tiny scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at the halfway mark. It lasted for a few months. Once I got a band adjustment, it took care of it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People who used to ignore me now treat me well. It makes me mad because I am still the same inside.