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

I do not remember how I first become aware of it; probably throught printed material such as magazines or newpaper; or television. At first I did not think it was for me however; over the years I changed my mind.

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

My insurance was co-operative; I just had to meet the requirements which was not difficult for me to do. I know others that have not been that lucky and some have been fighting their insurance company's for several years.

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

I felt like he was trying to discourage me. However; I think he just wanted to make sure I was serious about following through with everything and willing to do the work.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight just kept climbing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I feel the lap band is less evasive (sp) and if something goes wrong it can be reversed.

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?

Pick a good surgeon and hospital and remember you could be killed in a car accident on the way to the hospital.

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 friends and family were skeptical but curious and later supportive. My spouse and daughter attended informational meetings with me.

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

I was off work for one week. They were curious and continue to be curious and watchful.

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

The hospital staff was very good one of my nurses had bariatic surgery the year before. I was in the hospital overnight. Someone to help me when the staff was busy and my chap stick.

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

No

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

It was an emotional roller coaster; I kept my eye on the big picture and how much better I was going to feel after it was all over.

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

The first couple of days I slept a lot and the nausea bothered me. I stopped taking pain meds two days after surgery. And when I went to my one week check up with the surgeon I was feeling great. He released me to return to work and I could drive again. :)

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

20 miles

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 can't eat bread, I have to be careful with fresh veggies only eating small amounts at a time. The skin on fruit and veggies give me problems also. I do not eat more than a couple of bites of pasta. And I can not drink soda pop. I stay away from brisket and foods that are dry. Other than that I have not had a problem.

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

2 1/2 weeks after surgery I was walking 45 minutes every day.

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

calcium chews and multi-vitamins. I have also used protein shakes to supplement my protein.

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?

nausea was the worse and it lasted about 4 days the doctor perscribed anti-nausea suppositories which worked great.

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

The waiting for a surgery date after being approved by my insurance.

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

Solutions for Life in Wichita Kansas; they are very helpful and informative

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

About like other surgery scars; they improve with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did hit a plateau about 8 weeks after surgery but have started to loose again. I have increased my exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No