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

I heard about it from the internet and a friend of mine had WLS with the same doctor I was looking at. I spoke with her and that is how it started. I figured that this was my last chance for me to be the real me.

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

I am Active Duty military and they would not cover me. It is funny all the dependant spouses can be covered but not the member themselves. I was a self pay.

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

He was very knowledgeable and comforting. I felt he knew what he was talking about and seemed really interested in me, not my money.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got sick of being fat. I wanted to be happy again, and not chemically happy either. I am sick on seeing a closet full of clothes and not being able to wear them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was too scared to think that my whole insides would be re-routed. That and I had about 70 pounds to lose. I felt safe with the lap-band knowing that it is reversible.

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 had fears, I had extra insurance taken out since the military said that my insurance with them would not cover me if I were to die. My doctor has completed many surgeries and I felt confortable with him. I would tell people to make sure the doctor is well known and has a great track record. To talk to other patients of theirs and follow all instructions given.

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?

My family was very supportive. Some of my friends though I was crazy. But hey, it is my life and my body it is non of their business.

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

My supervisor and commander was supportive of my decision. I was out of work for 1 week.

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

The stay in the hospital was a very good experience. They spoke a little English and we very helpful with explaining what what going to happen and what to expect afterwords. I was only there for one day.

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

I did not have any complications.

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 was very excited about the upcoming date and could not wait for the band to work its magic on me. I was nervous the day of, but that is expected with any surgery.

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

I have had previous Lap surgeries so I knew what to expect. The pain was (for me) about a 4 out of 10. Just take it easy and listen to the diet that is given to you.

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

I had to drive 4 hours to Frankfurt Germany. It was rough to drive there just for the fills. But the doctors were great and it was a beautiful drive. Hey I was in Europe!!!

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 had a hard time with breads, rice, and dry meats in the begining. Now after 1 year I am able to eat just a little bit of bread (it fills me up VERY fast, so I don't do this often) and rice. Dry meat is still very hard for me to eat. I can eat what I want for the most part, but I have to take tiny bites and chew it to a pulp.

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

I was slow for about 3 weeks. After that I hit the gym 4 days a week.

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

I have take the chewable calcium tablets and Kids vitamines.

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?

No side effects

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

Realizing that I should of had the surgery MUCH sooner. I love the band and would not have changed a thing.

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

I do not have a program or group. I have done it on my own.

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

I have 3 small scars and 1 long one that is about 2 inches long. Not that bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateaus since surgery but that is expected. Of course now that I am close to my goal the weight loss is much slower. It is all up to me. Did I eat to much, not work out as much, how is my water intake. I am in control.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I seem to get more looks. They don't know about the surgery, but now that I am smaller I notice more smiles. The ones who do know seem to compliment me more and some even started acting jealous toward my weightloss.