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

Was looking for help for someone else and found out about 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?

No trouble at all...6 weeks from first hearing about it to getting the band. Blue Cross approved insurance coverage in one week.

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

I was not fond of him, but he is competent and seems to have a low infection rate.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My feet and legs were swelling every day and my mobility was becoming limited.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I would never have considered the gastric bypass, so it was no "decision" to me.

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 wasn't afraid at all.

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 still have told very few people; it was a private decision. My spouse was nervous but supportive.

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

I told my boss since I needed the time off. She is a horrid, judgmental woman and seemed to think it was a personal failing on my part that I needed WLS to "control myself". I was of work for one week.

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

Clovis Community Hospital is clean and beautiful; the staff were very kind and helpful. I found the pre-surgery tour to be the most helpful thing we did. I was constantly cold and had no trouble asking for warm blankets, which were promptly provided. Don't be afraid to ask for things that you need,.

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

No complications at all. I went to my children's high school graduation the next night.

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 felt great, and very hopeful.

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

I needed to remember to take it easy. Bits of pain from overdoing things.

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

I traveled 3+ hours. It has made after care very difficult, as it is very far to go get a fill.

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 had some restriction almost immediately, unlike many people. I still have trouble with all forms of meat. I had no trouble transitioning from liquids to softs, to solids.

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

I joined a gym and started exercising.

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

I only take cod-liver oil, preferring to get my nutrition through proper eating.

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?

I had no side effects.

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

It was not bad at all, so no "worst part" for me.

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

I participate in online mailing lists. I find if I stop reading posts, or checking in, I "backslide" and cheat.

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

I have 5 small scars from the laparoscopic surgery. The are barely noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few, all related to health issues that have nothing to do with the lap band (congenital birth defect of the kidney). I have not lost weight in a year, but have not gained either, so that is good.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.