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

I first heard about it through my lil' sister. My sister knew several people who struggle with their wt. and then had the surgery. Now, they all lead happy, healthy lives. Then, I found out my hubby's attorney had it done, so I spoke with him. Then, I did some research and talked to my dr. and I just went from there.

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

The experience I had wqas awful. My best advise is to fight fight fight.. don't let them run your life. You pay for insurance, make them do at least one of the weight loss surgeries. I did have to change from the RNY to the lap band, but... I HAVE NO REGRETS!!

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

Be prepared to ask 1,000 questions so when you leave the office you feel like this is what I want and have no doubts. I really am glad I went with Dr. Ponce. He is well educated on this surgery and the obese patient.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This is my only hope of living and seeing my son grow up. I have done all the diets and workouts. This was my last chance to save my life and not continue to spiral downwards into an early grave.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really didn't decide. I just decided to go with the closest doctor. However, when insurance said I can't have the RNY I did decide to go on and do the lap band and I have never regreted that decision.

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 was afraid of dying. I was afraid I wouldn't pull through. I was afraid of leaving my son and husband. It really hits home when you are faced with the possiblity of dying and not seeing your child grow up. But, I knew I was gonna die without 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?

For the most part, everyone has been supportive. I can't say it was an easy road to travel before the surgery.

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

I am an online student

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

I was in the hospital from 6 am till around 3 pm. The hospital was nice and clean and everything goes so smooth and right on time.

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

Everything went smooth and I was released

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 am at the end of week one. I feel fine. I still have a tender tummy. I have lost 15 pounds. I am happy and ready to live my life to it's fullest.

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

I was able to do pretty much whatever I wanted to do. I was sore but that was all. I really didn't miss solid foods that much. It was easier then I figurd it would be.

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

I traveled 3 hours to Dalton GA to have surgery. I stayed in Dalton the day of surgery we came home the next day.

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.

Week one--I am on soup like foods, I drink water, juices, thin foods. Week two--I am on liquids and moving to mush. Week three--I am on mush and moving to more solid foods. Week four--I am on semi solids, soft solids. Week five and six--I am solids like fish and chicken

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

I have been taken it easy. I have been walking and not alot more.

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

I take a multi-vitamin and that is all.

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 a lot of hair loss, I guess it was from being put to sleep for surgery. It lasted about 6 weeks. I have had more gas then normal. I really have to watch my swallowing. I have had the pressure of something stuck at least once a week. I have to chew chew chew!

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

NOTHING!!!

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

Right now all my support is online. There are no lap band support groups near me.

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

My scars are nothing really. They are between 1/4 an inch to 1 1/2 inch long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued at 3 weeks and stayed there till 6 weeks when I got my first fill.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are constantly complimenting me. It makes me glow. I can't tell the loss on myself so apparently others can.