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

I work with bariatric patients and I had seen great success, so I was psyched!

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

I paid cash--I like it a lot better, there were less hoops to jump through.

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

Love Dr. Richards. Since I know her well and work with her, mine was pretty quick. Do your research though! Know what you're getting into and come with questions. If you don't like the doctor, find someone else.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to end up 300 lbs. and be so out of control and wasted my 30's hiding.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had 90lbs. to lose, so I thought that the band would work well 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?

Yes, I still have the fear of re-operation, but I try to do what I'm supposed to!

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 husband was completely supportive. My parents were against it a little, but I think they've seen the results. My mom is a little jealous, but she's not even overweight so it kind of bugs me!

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

Totally supportive since that's what I do! I had surgery on Friday and was back to work on Wednesday for 1/2 day.

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

I was only there for 4 hours, but bring lip gloss and comfy clothes including shoes that you can slip on.

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

No--I've been lucky (knocks on wood)

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first two days were rough-mostly gas pain, but use lots of ice and stay on top of the pain. I ddin't have a lot of anxiety and I only had one, "What have I done?!" moment

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

Rest and take as much time off of work as you can. At least 1 week for band and 2 weeks for GB.

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

She's about 45 minutes away

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 couldn't eat salad and bread after my first adjustment. Raw veggies are out too. Steamed are OK, and I really try to not feel too guilty if I can only have a couple bites of them.

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

I excercise 5 times a week 20-30 minutes. 2-3x cadio and 3 days strength training. I hired a personal trainer which I consider an investment in myself. Like she told me, you can be 150 pounds and a size 12 or 150 pounds and a toned size 8.

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

Multi-vitamin, and 2 fish oil tablets (they help with cravings)

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 haven't had any that have been bad so far!

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

The actual surgery and leading up to it!

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

I actually lead a support group 1x month

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

Yep, it's fine and small, I used Mederma, but I've had 3 kids, so it's not so pretty to begin with

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far! I have really kept up on my adjustments!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People tell me I look different, I am expecting when I lose more that people will start treating me differently.