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

I found out about bariatric surgery through another person who had it done. I then checked into my insurance and found out it was covered under my plan and I immediately persued it.

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

If you have good insurance, it's very easy. Luckily for me, there was an insurance cordinator within Dr. Ali's office who handled that all for me. It took some time for test results to come back, etc. before he could turn everything into Highmark but when he did, I knew in one day that I was approved and things could now move along. My advice? Call the insurance company orinsurance cordinator every week or so to check on progress. Also, call for results on your own and ask them to be faxed to your insurance.

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

My first ever visit with my surgeaon was in informational meeting. Myself and another woman were the only ones attending back in Jan. of 07. Dr. Ali explained in FULL detail both RNY and LapBand procedures. We also got to meet with the insurance cordinator at that time. To get the most out of the first meeting is to ASK questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After much praying and consults with my own pc. She and I decided this would be the best thing for me to do.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My mother in law had rny and I saw the pain she went through with this. I also researched alot on line. I decided I did not want my intestines re-routed or staples in my stomach. I also didn't want to spend 4 or more days in the hospital. LapBand was the best choice for me. I went the non-invasive route and I am glad I did.

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 NO fear of dying from surgery. Maybe you think this is weird but my faith was in God and the Blessed Mother. If this is what you want and your READY to change your life, then NO FEAR!

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?

I wouldn't have told so many people that I was having wls. I would of kept is more private. My friends and family reacted proactively to my decision. My husband and children were and still are my biggest supporters. I did have two or three friends who were against it completely but I think it was because they were not knowlegable on the subject.

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

I had my LapBand procedure the very last day of the teachers school year. My principle did tell me that I looked "fine" and I didn't need it. lol.

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

My stay in the hospital was that of calmness. The nurses were gentle and caring. One of the LPN's even walked with me many times up and down the halls most of the night. One nurse in particular finally explained that I needed to just sip from a souffle up every 15 minutes--- no one told me that till the day I went home! My stay was 1 1/2 days. Wish it was more!!! Most important things to bring?? Yourself.

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

I had no complications from the surgery other than pain afterwards. I dealt with it my walking, walking and walking.

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 felt relieved and happy. This was FINALLY going to happen. I dealt with the anxiety by talking to my family and friends. I also got on the chatroom here and others really helped me because they went through the same thing I was.

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

Well, for my, the first two weeks home were that of: insanity. I don't really know what caused this feeling- hormones? I was crying at the drop of a hat, yelling at my family and just sitting around bored to death. Maybe others didn't experience this, but I sure did. Pain was a big issue for me especially at my port site.

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

For me, I only traveling 3 miles to the hospital and back. This was not a problem. Thank the good Lord.

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 am only into my fourth week out at this writing. So far, there has been nothing that I haven't been able to eat that is on my list of foods. I am sure that once I can eat more solid foods that this will change. Right now, my belly is in the healing process following surgery.

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

The first week after surgery, I had NO activity level. It was all I could do to walk up the street alittle ways and back. It was rough. It is much better now!

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

Flinestones totally ROCK! I take them two times and day. I also am taking petite calcium with citrate pills. Also my protein shake.

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?

Sleep disturbance has been the worst for me thus far. I have had a few nausea moments also. No hair loss as of yet ( I have so much of it). Sleeping problems is still an issue for me even four weeks out. I am coping with sleep by just hoping this will end soon. My PC told me to take alittle dose of Benydral to help fall off to sleep but I haven't tried that yet.

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

WAITING!!!!!

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

My aftercare support group at first was my family. I am planning on attending my Dr.'s support meetings. I also found out that our local home health care facility is having support meetings also!

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

I have a scar about three inches and that is because the port is located near it. I have seven scars and that was more than I thought I would have.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau yet but I am sure it will come soon :(

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice more heads turning now. :)