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

My sister-in-law (at the time) had gastric bypass and the initial impression was not positive. She went in with the mind set that she didn't have to do anything and was put off that she had to give up soda's and that the Dr wanted her to walk 1 block the day after discharge. She then got an infection in her abdominal incision and then 3 months later got pregnant.

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

I called my insurance co prior to find out if they covered Lap Band surgery. I spoke to several co-workers in my facility to find out their experience. Tiffany Bass took care of everything and it was all outlined for me what steps and when to take.

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

I did a TON of research prior to the preoperative information session. When I initially met with Dr. Bass I had questions that I had found online regarding the pros's and con's and any down falls.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My insurance coverage.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, research, research. I wasn't bothered with the weight loss coming off slower. I wanted my body to absorb all and every nutrient going into 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'm a divorced mother of 2 children and my fear was of just general anesthesia and dying while on the OR table and leaving my children motherless. I had told them the risks were no higher than a tonsillectomy, but even then surgery still comes with it's risks. I informed them that I was at a GREATER risk dying from diabetes or having a stroke or heart attack.

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 boyfriend was TOTALLY against it and told me that he would give his support and that I was making a grave mistake. He now tells me how proud of me he is. My mother was against me having any voluntary surgery, but is now very supportive. My friends, co-workers and children have been my best support. Always cheering me on and my motivation.

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

I told him that I was having surgery for weight loss and my department held a party for me the day prior to my surgery. I took 2 week off for my recovery considering my work involves patient care and heavy lifing.

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

My procedure was on an Outpatient basis. I went home at 5 pm. I had the procedure at the hospital where I work, so I knew some of the staff and they would allow fellow co-worker's to come in and visit me during recovery.

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

I had a reaction during recovery with the anesthesia and was vomiting.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The day I went home I walked 1 block, the next day I walked 2 blocks and then as the week proceeded I was up to 1 mile and went to the Air and Sea Show that week end.

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

They give you GREAT pain medication. It's hard to find a comfortable position in bed and getting in/out of bed is rough as your abdominal muscles have been cut into.

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

The hospital where I had my surgery is only 30 minutes away from where I live.

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.

SODA's are COMPLETELY off limits. I do not tolerate any forms of bread, rice or pasta. They typically get stuck. Cake does not....funny....Right after surgery every one is on clear liquids (if you see through it you can have it) and then progress to thick liquids (if you can suck it through a straw you can have it) and then puree (if it sticks to a spoon/fork you can have it).

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

Very active. Once the Band was in place I wanted to be as successful as I could. So I started walking the day I got home from surgery. I eventually joined a gym and started with walking the tread climber and swimming and weights. I did push myself too soon on doing any form of abdominal work and learned you have to wait 4-6 weeks post op before you try any type of abdominal work out.

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

Chewable and/or liquid multi-vitamin. Do I take them EVERY day....NO. But I try to be consistent. The beauty with Lab Band is that I have NO malabsorption issues.

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 only 'complication' I can say is that I have gotten , typically breads, stuck. If I have any type of alcohol I feel the effects faster and it doesn't take much for me to feel those effects. I wasn't much of a drinker prior, so I've always been a light weight in that area. If I have frozen alcoholic drinks (Pina Colada) I feel sick, so I avoid them.

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

Having to buy NEW clothes and find out NEW places to buy clothes.....and shoes!

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

I go to the weekly Monday Lap Band meetings. Prior to them I went to the meetings that were held monthly, but I prefer the weekly meetings. I find that they keep me more in line and focused.

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

Very minimal. I typically keloid, so I was afraid that I would have these ugly puckered scars. But you can barely see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've experienced 2. Once was during a cycle of putting in fluid in my band and then having fluid taken out. The second time was meeting again with the nutritionist to 'tweek' my eating habits and going over my food diary/log.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are more friendlier to me and look into my eyes and do not avoid me. I don't have kids or people calling/yelling out "fat ass" or names.