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

I first found out about it about ten years ago and I went to a seminar, but I wasn't willing to follow through and quit drinking alchohol. I was young and newly married and drinking was a HUGE part of our lives. I was also scared of what my husband would think. We both had to grow up and when we went to the lap band seminar he was encouraging. I don't care what anybody says if you don't have support this process won't work, or your marriage won't.

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

I remember looking for employment with companies that carried insurance that would cover the procedure. I was fortunate that my husband's company covered the surgery. I would also advise people to communicate with their primary care physician. If they do not appove it can take time to find a new PCP. This was an easy process for me, but I am extremely lucky. My other advise is to follow directions. They are provided to help people get approval. You are not smarter than your advocate.

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

My stay was great. I was only there for outpatient surgery and everyone was so great. I was never so excited about ice chips. I was so thirsty afterward. I was given enough medication to make my journey home and never really felt extreme pain. The most important thing to bring is a pillow for the ride home. I held it over my stomach and it really helped with any bumps.

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

I didn't have any complications, and all of my questions were answered before the procedure so I felt very under control. The class that I had to take was so helpful to myself and my husband.

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 received my approval and was so excited. I felt like it was the first day to the rest of my new life. I was approved for the bypass and my parents and husband were completely freaking out. I don't think anyone really thought I was going to do it. They all thought I was going to die. After two weeks of deep thought I decided to get the lap band instead. I made the decision myself and I am glad that I made this choice, but at the time I felt like they didn't want the best for me.

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

My first few weeks after surgery I worked out on my treadmill. I didn't run or anything but I walked a lot. I would increase the time slowly. The more I walked the more I felt like I was healing. I have a desk job so sitting wasn't exactly comfortable, but I didn't want to lay down either so I walked and watched tv. Just take things a day at a time. The weight will come off and you will feel better, just hang in there.

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

I use a site that is from my surgion's office. It is extremely important. At first the weight just melted off so you feel like you can do all of this alone and you don't really understand how people can not be sucessful at this. Then all of a sudden you are not loosing anymore and old feeling start to surface. You get to have a real come to Jesus meeting with yourself and know that you can fail too. The websites keep you focused and you get to meet people that feel the same way you do. I think the support programs are essential for sucess.

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

The scar is minimal. I will never wear a bikini so I don't care. It is only about 1.5 inches long and you can barely see it. The other scars just look like dots.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in a huge plateau. I run 4 days a week and am eating right. I just saw the doctor yesterday and got a fill. I need to eat more protein and drink more water. I know I can bust through this. I have only lost 1 lb in 4 months. I knew the weight loss would slow down, but this is crazy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am treated a lot better now. I am included in things more and I have even noticed men looking at me. Which is really weird because you look around for your skinny friend but you are the skinny friend.