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

I had heard about it for the first time when an assoicate at work had the by-pass. She was very ill, and finally quit her job. I thought that was not for me! The next time i heard about it was last may (06). A friend at work told me her husband was going to have lapband surgery. I researched this surgery alot and decided i was ready to have it.

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

I have not begun the official process, but i called my insurance to check on the coverage. I am very blessed, I work for CIncinnati Public Schools and it is will cover the surgery and hospital stay 100%

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

He seemed quiet. He answered every question i asked, but i felt i had to do research ahead of time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was deteriorating

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

No thinking, i did not want something that could not be reversed if necessary

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?

none

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 children were Hohum. i had tried somany things before they felt it was one more...Parents were ok, but apprehensive. Co-workers very supportive

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

they were awesome...I was out 2 weeks

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

My stay was fine. I was in overnight. I really did not use anything I borught....I did read for awhile, but i was pretty tired

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

My port insicion became infected. I was put on antibitics and it cleared up fine

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 really felt great. I was sore, but i had( and still have)such a positive attitude. Any concerns i had, i posted them on OH adn received great help

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

I was tired, I was emontional, and not hungry at all. It was hard to take it easy becasue i felt so good

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

ONly about 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.

So far beign 8 weeks out, i have had not difficulty with any food...i have even had spicy. Chew slow and use small bites was and still is the best advice

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

going up every day

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

none

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?

gas pain and bloating were the worst,. GASX strips were awesome...A little constipation, mild laxitive works great.

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

NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!! (well maybe the preop liquid diet)

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

I belong to s SWL meet-up group that has been great anf of course OH is wonderful

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

It is what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i had been losing like craxy until about 60 pounds and i seem to be stuck

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NOt really, just more compliments