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

I had several friends who had by pass surgery and wanted me to do this. I went the lap band route and so far have not regretted it (only 1 month post op)

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

My insurance wouldn't approve surgery until I completed 6 straight months in weight loss classes/counselling. Once I completed this I asked permission and then I had to have it done at a Centers Of Excellance so I had to start all over again at a new facility.

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

I was kind of lost not knowing what to expect, yet having been trying for almost two years to get authorized I know what was expencted of me, and what I could look forward to. Still no regrets (6months out). People need to study the procedure they seek and ask questions, attend support groups of other people who are post op to hear good and bad experiences they may have. It takes a little fear out of the surgery and will give you a support group to call with questions instead of the dr's office.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Having to ask for a seat belt extension when I was travelling.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I work outside year round. I like the sun on my body so want something that won't have to big scars. If there was a probelm wanted something totally reversable with minial recovery time.

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?

Meet with a support group. Make friends, get phone numbers. It happens, I heard of many cases (Not from my Dr but others) so I knew what to look out for and should anything happen, I knew what I did wrong and knew how to correct it in the future.

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

Just overnight and if I ever have to have surgery I'm going back there. Staff was excellant, clean everywhere. Wife says cafeteria could have been better but I can't say. I ate from a selected menu (not much at first)

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

None yet (only 6 month post op) I have had 4 fills, and can not eat just about anything I want (in moderation).

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

Due to having to take the lectures, support group meetings twice I knew most of what I was going to experience. Knew I was eating to fast, etc. So when this happened I felt ready . Think it is important for anyone pre op to sit and talk one on one with a group of post op folks, not just attend seminars. I think this helped alot, One surgeon required it, others don't.

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

Rapid weight loss for first week or 10 days then it slows down. You will learn not to eat as fast as you used to, feel out what foods you can and can not eat. These foods may change as your healing progresses. I can eat almost everything I used to before surgery. Not as much, but pretty much everything.

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

My support group is very important even though I have only made 2 meetiings. I need to go more often but it conflicts with several meetings from my church (I am on the Church Council) so for another year that has priority.

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

I have 5 scars of various sizes. 1 so small it is almost invisible (less than 1/2 in long). Biggest is about 2 1/2 inches and very visible. I expect all but the biggest to heal and disappear this year once I can work out side a little. All are narrow, so think the biggest will disapear eventually but maybe not this summer, but I do expect it to disappear entirely (almost) one day.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been losing 2-3 lbs a month since my initial weight loss stabilized. I am down 49 lbs in 6 months. I need to excercise more and am still alittle to in active. My fault but with the weather improving, I am doing more that I was able to last year at this time due to my weight. Enjoy going out more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I had surgery on a WEdnesday. I had a job interview that Friday and started at my new job a week from the following Monday. My old friends can't believe how much better I look, my new co workers don't know me before so can't say.