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

Two of my friends had lapband surgery and were very successful. I knew that if they could do it, I could too!

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

My insurance company had an 'exclusion' that absolutely would not cover any WLS. Funny, they would cover the $1000+ each month for prescriptions, etc.!

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

Dr. Watkins came across as very personable and sympathetic without being condescending.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The desire to be healthy and fit and to be able to participate in activities I was interested in.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had watched a friend's sister battle with problem after problem from having bypass surgery. I knew that it wasn't for me. After watching my friend have gastric banding, I knew that it was something that was safe and effective.

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 never had any fear. The surgery couldn't have happened soon enough for me!

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?

They were a little bit sceptical at first, then after I told them about the procedure and had them look on the surgeon's website to see how safe it really was, they were behind me 100%

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

She was very excited for me. I took a week off work, but I really didn't feel that I needed all of it.

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

I didn't stay in the hospital. My surgery was performed in a day surgery environment.

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

I had a slight infection on my port incision that was quickly resolved by my surgeon.

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 wish I didn't have to wait as long as I did. Once I made the decision to have surgery, I wanted it done NOW!

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

The only discomfort I felt was like I had done WAY too many sit ups. My muscles were sore where they attached the port, but nothing I couldn't manage.

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

My surgery was done in Everett, WA only 10 miles or so from home. Aftercare has been a breeze.

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 first two weeks after surgery, I stuck to liquids (only that which went through a straw), then I did two weeks of 'mushy' foods. After that, I started to incorporate regular food slowly. They only foods I have purposely stayed away from have been fresh bread, rice, and carbonation. I find that the further I get from surgery, I just don't crave the old temptations anymore. It's been really weird!

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

I started having so much more energy! I had my surgery in the winter so going outside was pretty limited. I found that at night when I would sit down to watch TV, my mind needed to be more occupied. I found myself crocheting at night to keep my mind 'satisfied'. I ended up crocheting 3 scarves!

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

I take a Flintstones chewable vitamin daily.

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 from surgery.

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

Not having clothes to wear? Never being home? I had no WORST PART.

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

My surgery center offers two support group meetings a month as well as a Yahoo group that I monitor. It's great to talk with other people going through the same thing and laughing at our shared experiences!

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

I have 5 small incisions along my abdomin with the biggest one being about an inch. They don't bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The first time I hit a plateau, I panicked. I figured that I was the first one that wasn't going to be successful. I really had to rely on my support system to get me through the first one. Now I know that it's OK and I'll eventually move on. I try to tell myself that it's only temporary and that it's not weight that's going to come back on.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They see me now, whereas, before I kind of blended into the background.