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

I have family members who have done the Reun Y but it was the ads on t.v. for the lapband that made me start checking in to bariatric surgery.

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

I was part of a pilot program for my hospital and insurance company so insurance has been pretty easy.

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

My surgeon gave me credit for the research I had dne and made the whole meeting a pleasant and reassuring experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed to do something for me. I take care of everybody else and don't care for myself. I was tired of the handful of pills everyday and want to do something about it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did my research. The Reun Y is successful because of maladsorption and I don't want to fo that. I also want a surgery that can be reversed if necessary.

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?

My only fear had more to do with the anesthsia than with the surgery itself. I have a nasty habit of getting sick after surgery but they gave me something so 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?

They didn't understand. Just get will power is their motto. I waited until just days before the surgery to even tell them.

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 as a consultant but my employer was very supportive and curious about the whole procedure.

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

My stay the day of surgery was a piece of cake. I was there only a few hours and the doctor said I was doing so good he would let me go. I did end up being readmitted two days later because I was dehydrated. A warm robe and comfortable slippers were nice to have. Don't worry about a nightgown or pajamas because they don't work with ivs.

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

I starting throwing up three days post op. I tried it on my own for about five hours and then my husband took me to the hospital. I was severely dehydrated and my potassium was low. I was also in some pain from the vomiting and needed an i.v. to get it under control.

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

I was tired after surgery but as my surgeon kept telling me, you just underwent major surgery and you are 52. Give yourself a chance. I didn't really feel anxiety, but because of a flare up of my fibromyalgia, I was really fatigued.

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

Take it easy. Don't push. Find what works for you. It's different for all of us. I could not handle pureed food of any kind. Every time I tried, it bounced. But dry cereal did just fine.

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

I am 10 minutes from the hospital I had my surgery at.

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

I was tired. I started walking to the end of my driveway with my puppy and just kept doing it several times each day. I am now on the bicycle and am working up. Bending and standing were two activities that took awhile before they stopped hurting.

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

I am on the doctor prescribed vitamins.

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 nausea and vomiting happen only when I eat too fast or don't chew well enough or when I try to eat something that is hard for me to digest. They got better and then I had my band tightened and they are worse again. I have had some changes in what tastes good to me since surgery. I'm learning to not eat it if it doesn't smell or taste good with the first bite. That has never stopped me before.

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

Not knowing what to expect. It was also hard with my family. They have told me my wholelife that I'm fat but when I chose to do the lap band they asked why I would do something like that to my body. I told them I was doing for me.

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

The hospital has a bariatric program that I have been part of. There is also a support group here but so far have not been in town when they met.

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

I still have some scabbing two months out. They scars are not an issue for me. They are small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I can't seem to get past 25 pounds. I have been up and down between 23 and 28 pounds for some time now. I am checking what I eat and trying to keep exercising and hope it will start again soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I haven't lost enough for people to notice more than that my face is thinner.