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

I first heard of bariatric surgery years ago. But never put the thought of it into full swing until about 6months to a year ago. When i realized my insurance would cover it, there was never a doubt.

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

Be patient. Fortunately my insurance has been amazing. BCBS has truly been a blessing but more and more as days go by i do learn that the saying that got annoying as a child is true. ALL good things do come to those who wait.

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

As of 03/04/2009 i have not yet met with my surgeon other than at the initial seminar but even that few moments, i fell head over heals into it. I knew from moment one that i was in GREAT hands.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The desire to feel better and to not come across any health problems that have taken so many of my family members.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I always knew that the LapBand was right for me. the other two options that were given were just far too drastic.

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 have yet to fear anything. Dr. Stanley Hoehn has got me under his caseload and ive never felt more safe and secure. You have to have this connection before you can proceed. Fortunately i found it on try number one.

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?

Everyone i have told is fully supporting me and over half are looking into it for themselves or other loved ones.

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

Again so supportive because they understand what a different and healthier lifestyle ill be living.

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

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

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

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

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

Will only be traveling about 10 minutes from my home.

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.

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

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

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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?

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

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

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

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Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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