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

I found out about Lapbands through my local hospital. I went to several meetings. I waited for two years before I decided to have it done. I wasn't sure about having it done because it involved surgery and I have had enough surgeries. But after a lot of investigation I went ahead and did it. I remember seeing a very thin woman saying she had it done and I was wishing that I could look like her someday.

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 did not give me any problems in paying for this surgery. They were supportive.

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

My doctor is fantastic. She is a caring and concerned physician. I enjoyed meeting her. She is younger and extremely intelligent. I felt confident in having her for my surgeon. To get the most out of meeting your surgeon ASK QUESTIONS. Don't be afraid. Questions need to be asked and answered or you will feel apprehensive about your plans.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I kept gaining weight. I was in my later 50's and I was getting bigger and bigger. I was not comfortable in my own skin. I was short of breath and unable to participate in life. I was tired all of the time. I hated being fat, but I was always hungry. I had to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have a lapband because it didn't involve cutting into my body. I scar easily and I didn't know if my body would support other kinds of weight loss surgery. I have thought a sleeve would have helped more because it would have taken away more of the hunger. But I am managing with my lapband.

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 so afraid before my surgery. I didn't know how I would make it. I am allergic to most pain meds. The pain meds that I could take could only be administered in the hospital. So I was scared afterwards that the pain would be too much to handle. The first month was really scary. But I found that I survived and got better and thinner every week. Now looking back I realize a lot of my pain was caused by my mind manifesting scary things that didn't happen.

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 family thought it was a good idea. But others thought it wasn't. My immediate family didn't help much because they continued with their poor eating habits in front of me. They tried to get me to go back to old habits. But my lapband wouldn't let me over eat anymore. And choices I made really showed up on the scale. I eventually began to learn to control emotional hunger and to not let others sabotage my progress.

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

I am self employed so this wasn't a problem. I took it easy for about a month. I think I went back to working after 2 weeks, but I didn't do a strenuous schedule.

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

Yes, I was glad I attended. I was able to see the changes others had made with their lapbands. It is amazing to see the changes people make in such a short time. It is even more amazing to see how people keep the weight off after a few years. Something I was never able to accomplish pre lap band.

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

The hospital stay wasn't so good. I had a strange nurse that insisted on telling me about her weight loss surgery and how it had failed for her and how she had become bald. I chose to ignore her and I did tell my doctor what she was saying to me. That stopped it. I had to bring my cpap machine, relaxation tape, and just try and be calm during the stay. I don't like any hospitals and tend to be a big baby after surgery. So I was careful and gentle with myself and reminded myself I was there to heal not to support others feelings about themselves. I had to focus on me.

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

The first time food got stuck I panicked. I thought I was going to die. My physician prescribed some meds for me to help my stomach calm down and relax. After that I was OK. I always called the surgeon if I had any questions. All and all I did pretty well.

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

My anxiety was intense. I tend towards anxiety anyway. I listened to my relaxation tapes. They really help me calm down. That is the best way for me to relax.

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

It was kind of hard. I didn't have pain meds that worked for me. I wasn't in tremendous pain, but I wasn't sure if this surgery would work. The first time I went to the doctor I had lost 17 pounds! It was working!

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

Only 30 minutes away. It did not affect my aftercare. The doctor and her staff were wonderful.

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 couldn't eat meat or sugary food. I had to stay on phase one and two of the plan. Sugary food has been off limits and salty food like chips and cheetos. I cannot handle having that food around me. I go nutz. I also cannot have bread around me. At first I couldn't eat rice. But now I can. I need to eat everything slowly and chew enough to be able to digest the food so it won't get stuck. I also have to wait between bits at least 30 seconds. It has taken a few years for me to learn to do this. I do my best to eat slowly and carefully. I choose foods that are not going to get stuck.

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

I had low activity. I have other health issues so I was careful. I wanted to go out and join a gym. But I didn't. Now I still have to push myself to be active. It is something that I have a hard time doing. But I know if I were more active I would feel alot better.

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

multi vitamins for women over 50 with menopausal support. 81mg aspirin. Vitamin D and fish oil.

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 have had hair loss. I need to make sure I keep up my proteins. But it has grown back. I have had vomiting when I eat too fast. I still have to be careful to eat slowly and make good food choices.

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

Getting used to the fact that I couldn't pig out anymore. I loved my food binges, I found out. I really went through a depression about it. It surprised me how much I emotionally ate. It was a real eye opener.

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

I have friends that have had lapbands. I tried to go to a support group but found that they were too far away. I live in the country. I think a support group is very important. You need to be able to talk to others that have gone through this surgery.

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

Very little scaring. My surgeon was very careful about it and I had little or no scaring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been stuck at 180 for years now. I look OK at 180. I wish I could experience 150 but emotionally I can't seem to get there. I still identify as a fat person. It is hard for me to emotionally get thinner. I am still working on it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people say I am pretty and they call me skinny. They say I eat differently. My children are surprised that I haven't gained any weight back. I usually did when I dieted before. But this time I am maintaining. I am heading into my 5th year.