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

I heard about Gastric Bypass many years ago but heard about Lap Band about a year ago from a colleague at work. As she described it to me, I was very intrigued by the non permanent nature of it but the restrictions that it allows.

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

My insurance approval was very quick. I received my approval within two weeks of submitting the paperwork.

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

By the time I met with the surgeon, I had done a lot of research so meeting with the surgeon was just getting confirmation. Meeting her helped me put a human face to the person who would help me change my life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being overweight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided based on the fact that the lap band was not permanent and there was no cutting or rearranging of internal organs. I also like the fact that there the recovery would be shorter with less issues (specifically the vitamin deficiencies and the need for B12)

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 not fear of dying because I prayed and asked God to let me know if this was the right thing for me. I asked Him to make my path so easy and because it was, I knew that everything would be fine. I would advise people to make sure that they have complete clarity in the decision before moving forward.

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?

The firends that I told were very supportive. My mother was supportive of the decision but did not like the speed with which everything was hapening. I chose not to tell her and that was a mistake because she felt betrayed by being kept out of the loop.

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

Because my supervisors and I have a very good relationship, they were very supportive. I will be out of work for 1.5 weeks but really feel as if I could go back sooner.

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

I was in the hospital for two days and the staff was fantastic. I did not bring anything with me but I should have brought a book or something because I was a bit bored.

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

Mu surgery went off without a hitch!!!

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 had not anxiety, time just flew by.

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

I was fortunate enough not to have any discomfort or problems. I made sure to walk alot and follow all of the rules.

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

My surgery was 2.5 hours from my house and that was a bit f a pain. It would have been nicer to have been closer to home but I had to go where the insurance company sent me.

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.

So far I have not found any foods that I can't eat. Because I hav eard many people talk about the problems they have had with pasta and because pasta has always been my downfall, I have just chosen to eliminate it from my diet.

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

My activity level was/is pretty bad. I have started playing tennis again (4 months out) and feel good about getting exercise.

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

I have been taking a daily multi vitamin as directed and I have been taking the antacid 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?

The only side effect that I have is a small amount of hair loss but I think it is also due t the fact that I got my hair chemically straghtened before surgery.

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

I have not had anything that I would say is "the worse thing".

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

Because of my very busy schedule, I have not participated in any aftercare support. I do read a lot of information on this site and post questions when they arise. Sometimes I wish I had time to go to support meetings but the on time I attend one, the focus was on RNY patients

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

My scars are pretty mnimal. The most noticiable scar is the one for the port, the others are barely noticiable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The time before my second fill was a bit difficult but it also included the Christas holiday and all of the eating that goes with it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No ihave not noticed any difference. People do comment about my energy level and that is a good thing.