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

My nephew had lap band and his mom had biatric. I went to seminars on both chose lap band because it is removeable if need to.

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

Blue cross said NO at first because I hadn't been on a weight loss program for a year but I had just gotten finished with treatments and surgeries for breast cancer so my oncologist and family Doctors wrote letters to Blue Cross and 6 months later I got OK. Don't give up find a way to get the help you need ask your doctors to help by writing letters,emotional support. Family can be a BIG help to mine got on eating healthy to support me but now they have lost weight also

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

ask questions I made a list so I wouldn't forget. we first had a seminar the I had appointment with the Doctor at the seminar he had patients that already had surgery ask them questions the can let you know their story

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my oncologist told me I had a 28% chance of reoccurence of cancer because of my weight that scared the heck out of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Because gastric permanant and lap band isn't also the lifetime of taking vitamins on gastric.

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 very little fears because my nephew already had it done with same Doctor and I check him out has NO deaths. The best thing to feel at ease is to really check out your Doctor talk to patients he has already done surgery on go to pre surgery meetings

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 husband and children were very supportive but my sister and mom were against it they were concerned because I had already had many surgeries because of the breast cancer and reconstuction they felt it would be risky. Now they are very happy I'm healthy and happy

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

It was great very informative. I felt so at ease I would of had the surgery that day especially with his patients there that already had surgery.

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

It was fine don't like being in hospital.Had to spend the night. What ever helps past time.

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

Had trouble keeping anything down. Had to go to hospital were Dr. gave me IV then had protien shakes that helped

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 had surgery about aweek after notified so not much anxiety until that day I was very excited to get it. I all ready had my mind made up I would be sucessful so I was ready to go.

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

Very important to follow the diet plan if you have problems with vomiting don't wait call doctor I waited and that was a mistake it was an easy fix of IV

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

2 hours one way. I don't go to the support group which I wish I could get there but they are in the evening so i wouldn't get home till midnight or after. I do have my sister in law and nephew who have had surgery

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 of any kind, roast beef, steak, rice , pasta any meat that is over cooked. I still CAN'T get bread products down of anykind,sometimes pasta can't eat roast beef still and I don't ever have anthing carbonated. I don't miss the foods I can't eat because I have told myself for over 2 years IT'S GREAT TO BE HEALTHY

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

I got very weak in the beginning because of the dehydration but after that the more weight I lost the better I felt.

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

Protein drink, calcium +D

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?

Vomiting and nausea! 2 weeks of that was awful! Had the IV'S I should of called Doctor after a day or two but waited for about a week, it was simple to fix.

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

I would have to say the vomiting but it was worth it to feel this good now

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

My family and friends

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

Three small cuts. Better then iI expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm in it now what to lose just 27lbs. more but been stuck here for 1 year

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes, Men hold doors open, in stores I get asked immediatly "Can I Help You" ect. People that haven't seen me in awhile don't know who I am, a lot of people think my husband is remarried. When my son returned from Iraq he was so happy that he could put his arms all the way around me to hug me!