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

A friend who was in the process of getting approved for Lap Band surgery first told me about it. I knew about Gastric Bypass, and knew that I was too nervous to go through with it, but I didn't know about Lap Band. I was immediately interested in learning more about it. Less risk, less complications, seemed like a good option for me.

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

Well, so far I haven't had any trouble with approval (cross fingers!!). I did have trouble getting insurance to approve nutrition appointments and psych consult, so I paid out of pocket for those. But I have been approved for surgery.

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

First time I met my surgeon was through the initial informational seminar. He was very helpful and thourough in explaining the process. To get the most out of your meeting with the surgeon I can't stress this enough: research, research, research! Know what you're going in for so you can ask meaningful questions and not obvious ones that you could have found the answer to on your own.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The informational seminar in part. It only helped me to solidify my decision. Once I did research on the process I knew that I was going to go for it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted low risk, low complication while still believing that I would be successful. Lap Band meets those requirements.

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 afraid of Bypass surgery which is why I went with Lap Band. Research your procedure as much as you possibly can from as many sources as you can, and talk to people who have had it done! Only this can aleviate your fears. And even then, you'll probably still have some. Your fears aren't going to dissappear completely. You have to decide whether or not you're going to face them or run from them.

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 and friends have been immensely supportive of me. They all know that this is what I want and they also know that when I put my mind to something I tend to achieve it. The only choice for them was to be supportive because they love me and believe in me. I haven't had surgery yet but I know they will be there with me right along through the whole process.

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

Employer was supportive as well. I work in a very close-knit family-like environment that believes in putting the workers and not the work first. I was completely honest in the very beginning when I started looking into surgery. I let them know this was more than a possibility in the near future. I plan on being out 4 days + the weekend.

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

My stay in the hospital was alright, as good as can be expected I guess. I'm a pretty independent person so once I was able to be up and moving I was. I was in the hospital for one night due to having my gall bladder removed at the same time as surgery. I didn't need to bring much, actually.

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?

Was very anxious but OH and family and friends helped me realize that this was what I wanted.

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

Minimal pain, had to give myself time to relax and heal. Most prevalent feeling after surgery is mourning food. And you notice all of the food commercials and I was craving meat and fruit after a few days.

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

I traveled about 75 miles or so. Not really affecting my aftercare. I'm glad to travel to be in competent hands.

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.

Liquid diet for 2 weeks, mushy/pureed food for 4 weeks, regular food as tolerated afterwards. So far what I don't eat is untoasted bread, pasta, and rice mostly. Also pancakes, waffles, and french toast are no-no's. With each fill I have I have to test myself out to see what I can tolerate.

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

Not back to normal completely for about a month - had to build up my energy level again.

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

I had to take Vitamin D directly after surgery for 8 weeks. Also take daily calcium (600mg) and a multivitamin as well as Iron (but I took this pre-surgery).

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?

Sleep distrubance due to incisions immediately afterwards. Other than that no real side effects.

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

Nothing really. Its been good for me so far.

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

I attend numerous support groups that help me keep myself regimented and give me exposure to others going through the same thing.

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

I have 6 incisions...I scar easily so they haven't faded nearly as much as I would like them to but I put moisturizer on them constantly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

All small ones which I've been able to work through.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really...just get more compliments on my loss. Feels good.