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

I knew people who had WLS, my impression was not favorable, as all I knew about was bypass surgery which seemed much too risky short and long term. I did not like the fact that it would permanently alter my digestion.

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

This experience was highly frustrating. The surgeons office had the responses down to a science, however the insurance company would not have answers until within 48 hours of deadlines for them. My advice is be patient, and do not take 'No' for an answer or give up.

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

My first visit with the surgeon did not bring me much new information as I had done a lot of prior research. OH was crucial in gettting information. Read some message boards, and go with a list of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I made the decision to have surgery when i learned about the gastric banding proceduer, and the only surgeons doing it in the state at the time were within 15 miles of me. I attended an informational meeting that is required by the surgeons office.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, i knew this was the right procedure for me when I understood it is reversible, and did not permanently alter my digestion.

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 ahd the fear of the unknown, never having had anesthesia or surgery of any kind. I did have a complication when my stomach swelled shut and i could not even drink. This left me in the hospital for 11 days on IV fluids, meds. and nutrition. I never felt as if I was in any grave danger.

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?

There was concern on the part of family, that I had thought it through well enough. I educated family and friends of the procedure and had their support and well wishes for success.

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

My supervisor was delighted for me, she was aware of all the attempts I had made to lose weight. I was out of work much longer than most people due to my extended hospital stay. I was taking major doses of antinflammatories and it took time to clear from my system so my thought processes returned to normal. I was out of work for one month in all.

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

I was hospitalized for 11 days. The hospital i was in employs nursing assistants and they made a huge difference in the quality of care. My only frustration was with getting large gowns with ties on them, I was instructed to walk often and staff did not seem to understand that without a proper fitting gown it was difficult to keep my dignity.

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

My stomach swelled shut after the surgery and I was forced to hang out in the hospital for 11 days before the swelling subsided enough to drink fluids.

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 both excited and frightened, ecstatic to have the opportunity to change my life and frightened of the unknown. I tlaked to friends whom I knew would be supportive.

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

Patience as you learn how to eat with the band. I experienced no hunger. I had difficulty getting enough fluids in.

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

15 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 went frome clear liquids, to thicker liguids. I added things in very small amounts and steered clear of some of the things most everyone syays they have difficulty with. I am not able to eat breads for the most part. i can eat mufins and crackers. Many raw vegetables are difficult, but if sauteed or steamed I can eat them. I can now eat some pasta and rice if cooked very well. Many time reheated proteins lose too much moisture and I cannot tolerate them after reheating.

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

I started walking immediately and 18 months out I ma hiking and biking, and loving moving my body.

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

Multivitamin

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 side effect I have had is pain when I got food stuck due to not enough chewing, or a food that I could not chew enough.

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

Sitting in the hospital, in no real danger, waiting for the swelling to go down.

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

I attend a support group for people with gastric bands. I have an exercise buddy, and am seeing a counselor to change my thought processes around food. The counseling seems to be a very important piece for me. I no longer wish to battle with food, and view it as an enemy.

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

I saw others scars, so knew what mine would look like. The only clearly visible scar I have is where the port was placed.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau after arriveing home for about 2 weeks, then started dropping weight rapidly for a while. If I want to speed up weight loss I exercise more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I treat me differently now!