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

I watch the Discover Health Channel frequently, and decided to research the Lap band.

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

I didn't have any problems, I was approved right away.

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

My surgeon was great. He encouraged me and let me see what a lap band looks like. I was surprise that it was so small. Because I was over 50yrs old he told me that he would not even consider the surgery until I have a colonoscopy, something I had been putting off. You should write down your questions when you meet your surgeon. I forgot most of mine, my doctor was so handsome.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that I had to do something to regain my health, to get off high blood medicine. My eating at times was out of control.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The lap band was the least invasive operation. I did not want the problems with vitamin absorbtion, and dumping.

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 had a lot fears and I cancelled my surgery twice. But now I am very glad that I made the decision.

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 were very supportive, expecially my two sisters and my daughter. Of course they were also concern. Most of my friends were also very supportive.

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

I was off work for only three days, I had my surgery on Wednesday and was back to work on Monday. I didnt tell my boss.

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

I only stayed in the hospital about 4 hours after my surgery. My surgery was at 0900 am and I left about 200pm.

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

A little nausea. Minimal pain.

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 very nervous and a little scared. I prayed a lot.

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

I was walking on air, so excited about the surgery. 'After a few days I could eat pretty good, and that concerned me a little. I only lost a small amount of weight after the surgery. I was thanksgiving. After my first fill I started losing weight fast.

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

Approximately 25 miles to Louisville ky.

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.

After my fill I had some trouble with bread, pasta, so I had to really chew it up. Fried foods dont work. Also some sweet foods, like doughnuts. Fish is easy to eat and also chicken, but I must chew very well. Hamburger is not easy to eat. I am finally remebering to chew chew chew!

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

I feel wonderful. More energy most of the time. I started working out on the treadclimber and I am up to 30 minutes.

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

I take a chewable vitamin, B12, B6 subliminal, Magnesium 500 MG a day, two tums a day, and fiber tablets.

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?

After the first fill, I overate and ate bread, pasta and fried fast food that weekend and I had the worst heartburn in my life. I called the nurse on Monday and she said it could be a sign of my fill being to tight. I know it was because I thought I could eat anything I wanted, wrong. I made up my mind that I will follow the food rules, chew food thoroughly, no fast foods only healthy foods, and a small amount. Now I am doing better.

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

The fist fill, I was a little nervous. The needle didn't hurt to much, although the sight of the needle in my abdomen made me ill. I didnt notice any restriction untill about 4 days

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

The St Mary's and Elisabeth Bariatric Center in Louisville ky. The staff is very helpful.

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

I have a very small scar now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Now that I have had the first fill, I notice a big difference. Some mornings I can only eat yogart, and by the evening I can eat solids.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My friends tell me I look like I have lost weight, and that I look younger.