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

I heard about it on TV. I thought it was great. But scary.

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

I had no problems with my insurance. I followed the 6 mo. diet with my PCP and I was approved in one day.

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

It was overwhelming. Make sure you have all of your questions written down and write the answers down. Because you will forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couln't do it on my own. I was sick and tired of myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor suggested the lapband because I was not soooo overweight. In my head I was, but she has seen people more obese. I was also afraid of the RNY because I have alot of health issues already. Didn't want to add more to it.

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 wasn't afraid of dying, b/c I had the lapband. I was afraid of the pain. It was bad... Don't let them tell you it wasn't. I was in pain for 6 weeks.

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 friends were supportive. My family really didn't say too much. Sad but true.

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

Not working outside the home.

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

My stay was great. They wanted to kick me out the next day. I was not ready to leave. The surgeon allowed me an extra day. I really needed it. I slept all the time because of the drugs. You will need them. For me personally, I didn't need anything b/c I slept or watched TV.

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

No complications.

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 felt alot of pain and was very tired. It hurt to sit, stand, cough.

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

You should expect to be in pain. I can't believe that people can return to work in 1 week post op from lapband. I was in pain for 6 weeks.

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

The hospital is only 20 minutes away from me.

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 had liquids for a week or two. That sucked. I was hungry alot, but got nauseated with broth. Then I moved onto soft foods. I ate ricotta cheese with splenda and cinnamon. Surprisingly it was very good. I ate that alot. Finally at the end of the 6 weeks. I could eat about anything except fast food. I do vomit alot. Its mostly b/c I don't chew well enough. I have to throw up to feel better.

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

I had no stamina. Taking a shower was exhausting. Walking the stairs was exhausting. This lasted about 2 months.

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

I take 2 Flintstones vitamins. and now biotin because my hair is falling out.

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?

The vomiting is the worst. But, I am not one of those people who hate throwing up. Im not bulemic, it just is part of my everyday life so I deal with it.

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

The worst part was the pain.

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

I haven't started a support group yet. I will be going in Feb.

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

I have a bigger scar than I expected. It is on the right side, just up from my belly button. It is still very red. It is about 3.5 " long. Plus several others that are about 1/2 to 1" long other places in the stomach.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am not hitting a plateau yet. I surprisingly even lost 3 # over the holiday's. Don't know why. I ate alot and alot of cookies.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet...