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

I am a nurse and I have taken care of patients who have had complications from gastric bypass surgery, such as severe electrolyte imbalances and wound healing issues. I had not known much about lap band until my doctor spoke to me about it, and how low the complication rates are. I started doing my researcha dn went to orientation meetings at my local bariatric center.

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

I am very lucky to have an insurance company that pays for bariatric surgery. I had no issues and was approved in 5 days.

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

I met with the nutritionist first, she anwered my food questions, I met with the NP next and she answered many of my questions and then I met with the surgeon. I was able to ask every question and I did not feel rushed at all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The surgeon and NP both told me I would be a great candidate for lap band and would be successful. I just needed a professional person to tell met that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decised on lap band based on the low risk of the procedure, adjustibility and reversibility of the band.

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 have full confidence in the medical team taking care of me and the risk of this surgery was extremely low.

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 was vey fortunate to have a very supportive husband, family and friends both in the decision making process and post-op

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

My boss is very supportive of me. I was out of work for a week and then back full time.

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

My lap band surgery was done outpatient. I went in at 7am and was home at 4:30pm. I wore sweatpants, comfortable clothes and slip on shoes.

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

Absolutely zero complications. I was back at work in a week. I have issues with anesthesia after I delt with that I was fine.

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 I couldn't wait for the date. The whole prcess took 9 months so I was ready.

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

The first 2 days I had anesthesia related nausea. I was tired for a good week post-op. My husband would wake me up to make sure I got my protein drinks in every couple hours during the day. I felt fine in a couple days and was 100% in a week.

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

1 mile. I am lucky to have the experts and support very close to home.

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 was not happy to be on CIB at all. I don't like it at all. I was off that in a couple weeks and progressed to real food in about 6 weeks. The only food issue I have is bread that is not toasted.

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

I really rested the first week and with in 3 weeks I was back to doing my pre-op workouts. I am now walking 4 days/wk, dancing 11/2 hrs/wk and trying top do weights 1-2x/wk

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

multivit each day (when I remember!)

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 at all

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

I really don't have any complaints. My process lasted 9 months and I did get a bit impatient after about 6 months.

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

I have access to a monthly spport group. I currently do not attend. It is attended mostly by bypass patients and I get most of my support from the lap band forum on the OH website. I do read posts everyday to keep focused.

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

I have a 1 1/2 inch scar on my upper abd, and 4 small scars where they did the lap part.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in a plateau right now. I have lost about 55 lbs and I have been at eh same wieght for about 3 weeks. I am really watching my caloric intake and trying to increase exercise to break the plateau. I am loosing inches!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are approaching me and telling me I look fantastic. The attension is very nice and motivating.