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

My pulmonologist suggested lap band surgery to me and I began investigating it online and with my insurance company. My cousin was fat all her life. She and I are close, and have been ever since I can remember. She got gastric bypass surgery two years ago, and her life changed dramatically. She shared her weight loss journey with me and I became intrigued. She lost 132 pounds in that two years. She had diabetes, on insulin: now, gone. She had several other more minor comorbidities that are also gone. So my impressions were good, and I expected good things from it.

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

My insurance company required that I go on a year-long diet before they would approve me for the surgery. I lost very little weight with the diet. All my many doctors signed off on the risk of surgery for me, which was considered moderate. And the insurance company approved me! Interestingly, during testing for the insurance company requirements, it was discovered that I have atrial fibrillation. Darn!

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

My meeting with Dr. Juarez was quite long. He asked many questions before he let me ask mine. I had only a few left by the time he was done asking and talking. He's an excellent doctor. I left that meeting very impressed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided somewhere in that diet when I wasn't losing anything and feeling bad about myself. I could hardly comply with that. I figured that lap band would give me the added power and structure to really do it this time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctors all agreed that lap band was for me because of my COPD and dependence on oxygen. It's less invasive and a faster procedure than the others. I agreed with them

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 was dying without the surgery. I was killing myself, adding continually to my list of comorbidities. Dr. Juarez told me that I was at moderate risk for severe complications to surgery itself. When I was being prepped for surgery, the anesthatologist also pushed me on this issue. I told him that I was aware of the risk, and prepared to face whatever happened. I had to stay in the hospital overnight though this is usually an outpatient procedure. But I came through fine. I think you have to weigh what's happening to your life and body, and decide if an early death vs. a renewed life is worth it.

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 have been very supportive throughout this year long process, though a little apprehensive. Only my eldest son wasn't apprehensive. After surgery, they were very helpful. We didn't have cake on my recent birthday because I couldn't eat it. LOL It's great to have such a positive family.

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

I am very glad I attended the first seminar on weight loss surgery. The different surgeries were described to me, and I was able to see how lap band could help me. I also met Dr. Juarez, and was very impressed with him. Later, I chose him to be my surgeon. The Bridges Center for Weight Loss in Arizona is very impressive. I attended two intensive classes before being scheduled for my surgery.

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

I went to St. Lukes hospital in Phoenix. It's a highly recommended hospital. I went to the hospital expecting to go home later that day. Therefore I brought nothing with me except my oxygen, my purse and phone. It ended up that Dr. Juarez wanted me admitted overnight to observe my lung function. As it turned out, I did very well. I would bring a robe and a book to read if I were being admitted for a hospital stay.

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

I've had no complication from the surgery. I only had it a week ago, so that could still change. However, I am feeling better every day.

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've only been home from hospital one week, therefore I haven't felt any anxiety yet. I have felt pretty darned good. Only one thing has bothered me, and that's my weight. I was weighed in at the hospital at 257. When I got home I weighed 267. How I gained 10 pounds in one day is beyone me. I have lost 5 pounds since then, but I'm still above where I was last week!! I tell myself not to worry over ten pounds. I'll lose it. I have to lose a little over 100 pounds - what is a mere 10?

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

I didn't expect to be very sore. I have been quite sore, and really needed the pain meds they gave me for the first few days. I had had laproscopic surgery before and felt no pain from it whatsoever. I rather expected this to be the same. It wasn't. So that first week, I've had to take it slower than I anticipated. Also I was amazed at how little food would satisfy me. I'm fully satisfied with every tiny meal.

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

I only travelled about 7 miles to the hospital, so this was not of importance to 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 think my diety restrictions will bother me more as I go along. Right now I'm thrilled that I'm satisfied, and not worried about the restrictions. But at some point having all sugar (all sweet stuff!) including fruit might become an issue for me. I plan to beat it and not cheat at all on my diet.

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

The first day after surgery, I only walked around the apartment and sat up in my chair with my little dog. I am now walking him, and am active all day. In August I will be going back to my pulmonary rehab maintenance exercise program. That will get me back in shape.

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

I have been taking a daily vitamin designed for people who've had lap band. I need to get some calcium with D soon that is either powdered or liquid.

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?

Thus far, I've had no side effects. We'll see.

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

The day after surgery, I was in a lot of pain, and I really disliked that.

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

Bridges has a monthly support group meeting that I will be attending on a monthly basis. I think that support is extremely important.

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

One incision is much bigger than I expected. It just matches another scar on the other side of my abdomen. LOL