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

Heard about it years ago and wanted it... but insurance did not cover it and I was unable to pay cash. Then my sister got the surgery and insurance paid for it, while I watched her succeed in envy.

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

My insurance did not cover wls, so after explaining to my husband how being overweight truly affected me and proposing my plan to obtain financing he was on board.

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

Exciting, and scary at the same time. Kind of like.... "How did I get here, to this place in my life"? I was ashamed of my past but ready to make a change for my future.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I turned 30, and new I did not want to live my 1 and only life hating my body.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I guess I though the lap-band was the safest decision for me. I also needs minimal down time. Seeing my sister succeed with the band and learning the band rules ahead of time I knew it would work for me too.

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 had never had any type of surgery.. so just the being cut open and recovery in itself was scary. But I followed doctors orders and made smart decisions and survived the surgery and healed up just fine. My advice is that the week after feeling weird is a small price to pay for the chance of the rest of your life being happy and healthy.

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 daughter did not understand it, said Mommy you're NOT fat! Well she is my daughter and never knew me any other way. I didn't tell many other people.. but my husband made sure that I knew he loved me and thought I was beautiful and to never forget that.. but if that's what I needed to feel beautiful then he stood behind me every step of the way.

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

They asked if I had chosen a good doctor and that I was being safe. I was out of work two days and then back to work. I had a desk job, and a high tolerance for pain, and the need for money so I got back as soon as possible.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I didn't go to any. So I cant give any input.

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

My stay was fine. It was fast. in at 7 and out at 3. the nurses were great.

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

Not at all.

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 sore for a couple of days, but really started to feel great after 2 weeks. I just stayed calm and knew that I had made the right decision and was in good hands.

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

Take is slow and expect the discomfort you did just have major surgery. Follow the doctors rules to the T and you will be fine.

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

20 minutes. not far at all.

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.

Bread, and raw broccoli and sushi. These things I still cant eat. If something I ate hurt me... I didnt every want to try it again. I knew I shouldnt have eaten it in the first place.

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

I walked alot after the first week. a few months into it I was walking and running... now I am running every other day and on the off days weight lifting and toning. At first the diet was enough alone for the weight to drop off, now I have to exercise to continue the weight loss, I am okay with that.

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

I use vitamins to help supplement and the brand is "Celebrate" especially for banded patients. It helps with the hair loss.

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 really haven't had any issues worth complaining about. But I guess the hair loss really freaks the hubby out. But I have a LOT of hair and its very thick so I know its nothing to worry about. I think that since taking my vitamins it has tapered off.

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

The fears of it its going to work or not.

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

I am very diligent about my follow up care with my doctors office. I think that is important, especially with banded people.

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

very light and less noticeable every day. I put scar cream on it and it seams to work.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Every 2 months the weight loss slows or stops and that's when I know I need a fill or need to switch up my exercise plan.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People do treat me different. At first it hurt my feelings that I did not get that type of attention and respect being obese. But then I realize.. I carry myself differently and respect myself much more. So I guess it goes back to the... gotta love yourself before someone will love you or something like that. I carry myself with a high level of confidence and don't hold back now and I guess that in itself has earn the added respect and attention.