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

Mainly from advertising... I was extremely interested.

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

I was denied by my insurance company but I felt that I needed to make the investment in myself. This was hard as the hospital, doctor & anesthia all had to be pre-paid. The cost was more than I make in a year!

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

Very good visit. I was thrilled that I qualified for the surgery. I had read almost everything possible about the surgery before my visit and had a real good understanding of everything involved.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't stand to look at myself anymore, I was sick every day with fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, asthma, rapid heart rate, etc...AND I have a 21 month old grandson that I cherish... I want to be an active part of his life for a long time!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap-band was most logical for my weight... I like the fact that it is adjustable and could be reversed if necessary. I also like the fact that it is less complicated and has a faster recovery.

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 really didn't have any fears. I was fully aware of the risks .. and made appropriate arrangements incase anything happened... but I felt I had higher fears of not having the surgery!

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 was like an open book for every one. They were all pretty supportive but also concerned about risks involved. The only thing I wasn't upfront about was the cost of the surgery as I don't think some of them could see the value as much as I did & would not have supported my decision.

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

Not really an issue for me as my husband & I own our own business. I went to work about a week after surgery.

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

I elected to go home the same day as surgery & returned the following am for the swallow test. I didn't bring anything except my inhaler and I dressed in easy comfortable clothes.

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?

I felt great. Most of my anxiety was about getting my diet right... example - proper amount of protein.

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

Expect to be a little sore from the sugery and expect some confusion as to what to consume and when.... but it all works itself out.

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

I didn't need to travel.

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.

The hardest thing to give up was the sugar. I found that with the higher protein in my diet that I didn't really have many cravings. Sometimes when a commercial would come on TV, I would wish for something sweet but it didn't last long.

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

It was pretty low at first but I am becoming more active each day.

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

Flinstones Complete Calcium 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 havn't had any side effects.

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

The expense!

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

The hospital has a support group. I havn't needed too much support but can see how it could help others.

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

Scars aren't bad. No one will see them... besides I have other bigger ones that would concern me more if I had any concern.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have started to notice the weight loss & have given positive comments.