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

I learned through my insurance carrier that bariatric surgery was covered under my plan. I personally knew two people that had Gastric Bypass but I knew that wasn't the route for me. I decided to go with the Realize Band.

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

United Healthcare is very strict. I had to prepare for surgery. It takes 6 months to prepare. Once I submitted my paperwork, I was approved in less than 24 hours.

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

My first visit with Dr. Burrowes (Atlanta, GA) was VERY informative. He allowed me to ask all the questions I needed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After years of failed attempts, I knew this was the solution for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, research, research!

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?

Think about the complications or even death when staying at an unhealthy weight.

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 immediate family and very close friends know. I didn't share it was just anybody. They support me 100%.

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

I did not let anybody at my work know of my decision. I simply requested time off and had my procedure. I only took 4 days off since I had the Realize Band.

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

There was a lot of information. We had the option of asking questions. I encourage anybody that desires this procedure to attend this meeting.

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

I stayed overnight. The staff made me feel very comfortable with my decision to have WLS. Bring a pillow for the car ride home, comfortable clothes, diary for your thoughts, and a bible for scripture support!

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

None...thank God!

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 got my surgery date two weeks before the actual surgery. I was excited because I told myself if I was approved...it was in God's plan. So, I had NO anxiety!

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

First week, you will have gas. Once that is gone, you feel much better. Getting use to eating smaller amounts need to be practiced before surgery, so you know what to expect after surgery. Bowel changes may also occur and energy levels.,

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

45 minutes away from home. Didn't affect aftercare 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.

No bread, pasta, or anything white.

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

High...I walked 2 miles after the second day of my surgery!

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

Women complete vitamin and get B12 shots monthly.

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?

no side effects with Band surgery...thank God!

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

Getting approved.

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

Monthly support groups at hospital, realizemysuccess.com (Realize Band),. and obesityhelp.com

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

small...not noticeable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Actually experiencing a plateau now, but I am losing inches.,.,so I'm still good!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, lots of compliments and questions.