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

Researched for well over a year and made decisions with my doctor.

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

No pay-No way! For me - in Canada.

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

Being so far away I had a phone consultation. Always found everyone helpfull and freindly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Too many people dying just after retirement. Wanted to enjoy my cottage and outdoor activities. Needed to have help to get the weight off, get more active -putting in a garden- lose weight and try to get a few more years out of life after retiring.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Know people with staples - even my employer.Knew I could not and would not do this. Researched for over a year and found the best options with the fewest complications- THE LAP BAND!

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?

Never had one fear. After the operation now I would tell people to meet their doctor- do their research locally and not to worry too much.

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?

Different people-different opinions. Not all people will be happy. Some may be too concerned or scared. Go with your head ad your heart and let it be your choice. Perhaps discussing it with fewer people untill it's said and done might be better. After they can see the proof for themselves especially if you are committed.

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

Took an extra month off. My boss had staples so he knew exactly what i was thinking and wished me luck and gave some advice.

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

In the clinic for about 3 hours. Completly amazed me and felt that I was kept up to date on all goings on a all times. Great staff and doctors!

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

None.

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

Only a week so far but feel good. The surgical team and anethstetist tok away any anxiety ,right away!

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

Only one week so far. Liquid phase only.

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

Ha to travel to Toronto Canada from the East coast 1200 miles for surgery. Had parents in thus area so I was o.k.

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.

N/A

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

more later!

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

Chewable vitamin. Fibre addititive. Meal replacement shakes to keep up nutrition.

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?

Luckily nothing. A little bloating on the 3rd day. Stayed in bed and took gas-x. O.k.later that day and fine ever since.

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

Nothing to report at this time

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

More later. Bought a total calorie count book. Helps make wiser choice when buying foods.

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

4 small round holes. One minor inscision.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None at this time

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Now that it's all over no one needs to be worried about the surgery. It's all better from here on in!