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

I first called for a brochure about a year ago, but I never followed through with it. Then I sent for another one, decided it was not some I wanted to do. So late in 2003, I saw an add for LiveLite in the local newspaper, I cut it out and then went to an informational meeting. I was very impressed because I wasn't aware of the LapBand procedure. I started to consider it.

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

I was supposed to be in the hospital about 3-4 days, but I had complications on the 4th day and had to go back into surgery. So I was ther for a total of 6 days. Everyone was super nice, and my surgeon and his staff were very concerned. Don't bring too much to the hospital, except like your house shoes, they come in handy because you are usually up and about right away. Maybe toothpaste, deodorant, comb, brush, things like that. But as far as night clothes, the gowns have that "one arm" thing if you have an IV, so regular gowns won't work.

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

Yes, something can apart and I was vomiting great volumes, and running a low-grade fever, so my surgeon was right on top of it, and got me back in surgery. I was in intensive care for that night until the next day around noon time. I actually felt better after the 2nd surgery, the doctor went back into the same incisions (I had Lap)so there was not any pain, as I remember. And then when I was about 8 weeks out, I ended up back in the hospital for three days on my vacation with a stricture. But my doctor fixed the problem once I got home. And haven't had any problems since.

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

My surgery date came quite quickly, because I had planned an extensive vacation in a few weeks, I was in the doctor's office on Thursday, they asked if the following Monday was okay, I said yes. He wanted me to have a longer recovery time before I left for vacation after surgery.

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

I ate a lot of liquids until I could hardly stand it anymore. But I use the liquid diet to fall back on from time to time when some foods don't agree with me. It seems to settle my stomach.

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

I did not travel far--20 miles maybe.

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.

Off limits for me have been green leafy vegetables, they seem to get stuck. Maybe later. I still have problems eating seafood like shrimp. It just doen't feel good in my mouth. It's the texture. And I believe that most of the time when food doesn't agree with me, it could be because I have to chew it so long before swallowing. It is getting better each week. I will try something once and if it doesn't agree with me, I'll wait and try it again a week or so. Usually I react to it better then.

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

Low, I can tell the difference now from the first couple weeks. I have much more strength now and energy.

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

I am on a multi-vitamin & 4 Tums with Calcium per day. I am going to change to a different multi-vitamin soon because I need the b-12.

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 did some vomiting after surgery, but that happened a few weeks after the surgery. I did dump once right after surgery because I eat too much at once. I have been successful at avoiding sugars and only using Splenda. I check labels constantly for sugar levels and the type of sugar used in a product.

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

Being in the hospital so long. Sometimes feeling regret that I had the surgery. Not being able to eat like I use to.

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

I have great aftercare. The office staff is the finest around. The nurse would come to see me each day that I was in the hospital. It is very important in this type of surgery because of the suverity of the surgery.

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

I have several small scars because I had it Lap, also I have other lap scars from my gallbladder surgery a few years ago. I think that my scars look better this time because they did not use stitches to close, they used Derma Band.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only see a 1 or 2 week plateau when I am changing diets.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, just my husband. I get a lot more attention from him. Which is a good thing.