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

Friend of a friend died of complications in the mid 70's. Helped research the then current surgeries available for another friend. Figured it was just another way for the weight loss industry (this time doctors) could wring more money out of us.

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

Did not even try. The surgery I wanted had not been approve by the FDA. Even It I got in to the local clinical trials my insurance would not cover it. Iron clad obesity exclusion in the policy. Even it they did it would cost twice as much in the US. Advice......educate yourself as to what YOU really want not just what your policy covers. After all you are the one who has to live with it not the insurance company. The FDA approved the lap-band on June 6th 2001. Many insurance companies still refuse to cover the band.

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

It was warm and friendly. I had a long list of questions based on internet research I had done. He took the time to answer every single one of them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight had been creeping up over the last 10 years and the constant hunger was relentless. I had tried serveral times to cut back, exercise when I did lose the hunger increased and soon the weight. I saw this choice as the only one I had left.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, Research, Research and emailing people who had had the different surgeries and asking questions. The internet is a blessing. When I desided to have the Adjustable Gastric Band by BioEnterics I knew it was something I could live with, I knew that I had the chance of losing 79% of my excess weight and that I had nearly a 100% of not feeling hungery all the 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?

We all are going to die. That is a fact. I new my knee was getting worse, so were my feet. I felt I was on the edge of some really bad medical problems. Now was the time to face it not when I had developed additional problems. I was aware of the possiblilty of death as a result on any surgery but I felt I was at risk for disablity which would stretch into years. I felt I was in better shape to have wls now then if I were to wait. I investigaed the surgeron and had faith in his ability and I chose a surgery method that was least invasive and a surgery that is totally reversable and leaves my organs intacted.

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?

Those who love me trust me and my decision. For the passed several years I have been weeding the dead wood out of my life. The users, abusers and the vampires. The people who are around me respect me and are well aware of my struggle and know that I have taken a lot of time to look into this tool.

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

I told them that I was going out of the country for surgery because I could not afford it here. Which is the truth. Only one person asked what kind of surgery and I was honest to them when I said I prefer not to talk about it at this point. I have since told two people in my office about the Lap-Band Surgery who expressed sincere interest.

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

I went throught admissions at 6:30 am; had the surgery at 8:00; was in recover by 11:00am and into my private room by 1:00pm. I was released to my hotel at 1:00pm the following day. My stay was excellent. Attentive care, good drugs, pleasent surroundings. Important to bring, pj's ,comfortable slippers and a robe. A hair gather to keep my long hair up and lip balm.

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

A week after the surgery I had a great deal of pain in my shoulder. The gas used in the lap surgery takes time to work out of the body. Massage and heat and it was gone in two days

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 morning for the large amounts of food I use to eat. I deal with this grief by going to the lists and support groups and filling this form out. I knew intellectually before the surgery what the changes would be. Now I feel them physically.

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

I am beginning my third week.. I went back to work the monday after my surgery. Tired at the end of the day. I go home have some soup take a shower and go to bed. But I go to bed happy.

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

I went from Seattle Wa. to Monterrey N.L Mexico. A local doctor in tacoma does the follow up care for my surgeon.

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.

I dropped dairy from my diet several months before surgery. Sugar cravings subsided after a few months. After surgery I added back sour milk products such as yogart, buttermilk, cottage cheese. I am moving from cow dairy to goat dairy sets better. I am now 6 months out. Many things are too sweet for me. Chocolate gives me heartburn. Never went back to coffee and don't miss it.

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

Every day I felt better. Could walk more, move more until the shoulder pain hit. Once that was resolved I kept moving forward.

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

Liquid centrum, aloes juice, arnica montana. 6 months out I have a protein supplement for part of my 60 grams. 2 multi vitamins per day and an calcium tablet a day.

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?

Just the shoulder pain from the excaping gas. Heat and massage corrected that in two days.

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

Worrying about having it done in a foreign country. And also realize that my health plan leaves alot to be desired. When It is time for reconstructive surgery I will probably have that done in Mexico too if insurance won't cover it.

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

I belong to the Bandsters which meet once a month. I subscribe to two email lists specific to my type of surgery and one email list specific to my weight range. A world of suppport and information. If I were a doctor I would not do the surgery on anyone who has not been a member of an online support group for atleast 6 months. It prepares you for the surgery and is a wealth of information.

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

I have 6 scars. 2 about 1/8 inch long, 3 about 1/4 inch long and one where the band was inserted that is 2 inches long. All healing very well. I saw the scars from the surgery 1st hand at Bandster meetings and knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too early. About every two weeks I am sure I am not losing weigh. At that time I go in for a chiropractic adjustment and get weighed. Useing a scale at home would be torture.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Too early. Except for me. I am treating myself better. Listening to that inner voice more. People return my smile more readily.