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

Saw commercials. Have friends who talked about it. I was very skeptical and reserved.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't want the RNY because it was much more invasive. It came down to what I wanted done to my body. I was uncomfortable with the idea of putting a foreign object into my body, but I overcame that. The DS didn't have as much data and research behind it and I didn't feel comfortable with it based on the limited amount of statistics.

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 didn't think about it or even worry about it. I did make sure to spend some extra special time with kids/hubby before-hand, but really didn't worry about it. I was probably more likely to get hit in my car on the way to the surgery than have serious complications. :)

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?

I didn't want to tell anyone. My kids and husband knew and they were supportive. My husband urged me to tell others but I've regretted that I did. It's just so personal to me and I didn't want to have to explain my decision to anyone else.

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

I did not tell anyone at work. I was out of work for two personal days. My surgery was on a Thursday and I was back to work on Monday (I sit at a desk).

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

It seemed like 10 days. I was only there 1 day. The staff was great and the facility was very nice. Bring something to do (unless your a tv watcher)

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

none.

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

It happened so quickly that I only had a few weeks to prepare. Probably easier that way!

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

The first week was weird. I definitely regretted my decision a few times during that first 7 days. After that, the eating was easier and I became more accustomed to it. I've never regretted the surgery since that first week.

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

I live close.

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 can't eat bread, asparagus (unless chopped really small), some meats are difficult too. Mainly any type of bread is bad for me. I never realized how much bread we eat each day until now.

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

Slow and easy. I didn't want to overload myself and become disappointed or bored by pushing too hard. That's paid off for me.

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

I take an adult complete multi. I now get my protein through eating protein-rich foods and milk. I also get my calcium mainly through milk/dairy. I take an iron tablet and that's it.

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?

none.

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

This is a very minor one because I really had a good experience. The port incision hurt for a while (like I said, very minor).

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

Monthly Lap Band Support at St. Vincent.

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

I have several small ones - I suppose as I get smaller so will they?!?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit -40 and that's been a plateau for me. I knew it was coming and have just waited it out. The greatest thing is knowing I won't start heading BACK UP the scale this time!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. But it's not as noticeable yet.