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

after hearing a co-worker consider it,I researched online and found obesity help.com

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

The insurance at my place of work didn't cover WLS until 2010. When they announced that they were covering it for a surgeon within our network, I signed up right away for the 6 month weight loss program required. Dr. Gorjala's office guided me through the whole process and then I was approved on the first try.

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

The first thing I went to was a public informational seminar where I learned all the basics. So, when I made my first Dr apppointment, I pretty much knew what to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had wanted surgery for years, but didn't have the financial ability until my insurance started covering it, so that's when I decided to have it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Lap Band was the only procedure carried by my insurance.

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 didn't really fear dying because the lap band doesn't have that high a risk of dying. My biggest fear was that I would emotionally miss food so much that I would regret my decision. That didn't happen. I have no regrets.

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 and friends have been very supportive. I was always open and honest about my procedure. and I dont regret that.

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

My boss was the one who told me that insurance was going to start covering the procedure, I said "sign me up!" I was out of work for 1 week.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It answered all the questions that I had so I was prepared when I went to the surgeons office.

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

I had to be at the hospital at 6am. I saw the anesthesiologist and got my IV and pre op medication and was sent to the OR at 8am. As soon as I got back to my room, I was given something to drink. I was able to drink it, so then they got me dressed and I was on my way home by 12noon.

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

No 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 and a little nervous. In the last few days before surgery for some reason I was depressed. Just a case of nerves I guess, or maybe I was just sick of the liquid pre-op diet.

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

I had some pain, mostly gas like pain. Not unbearable. I was very tired. Around day 10, I felt like a new woman.

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

about 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.

The main thing I couldn't tolerate was dry meat like pork chops. No alcohol or carbonated beverages allowed. Otherwise I pretty much ate what I wanted. I had to learn how to chew slowly and take small bites.

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

I was walking around my house the first 2 days, and I was walking around the neighborhood on day 3. I went to my nephew's birthday party on day 5. and I went back to work doing desk work after 1 week. By one month out I was totally back to normal activity.

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

Gummyvites and calcium chews every 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?

The only real side effects I had were gas pains. and still 6 months out I still get more gas than before but not too bad. If I eat too fast, food can get stuck in my band which causes chest pain and vomiting, so I am very careful.

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

Expecting weight loss to happen faster than it did and then being dissapointed. Now I realize that it will happen, just at a slower pace, and in the long run, I think that is better.

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

I go to monthly support group meetings. and I am active on Obesity help.com

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

About one inch long just above my navel.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Around the holidays. I wasn't making good food choices and Didn't have good restriction yet. I still didn't gain weight which was good.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I just get lots of compliments on my weight loss. Lots of people also asking me how to go about having WLS.