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

I found out about surgery watching tv and on the internet. At first I thought I don't know if I could do that, then it became I need to do that.

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

I have the worst insurance in the world. BC/BS of TN. Fight if you can, i fought over 2 years and to no avail. I paid for surgery myself.

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

Dr Ponce was very nice, I was very impressed with him. He is extremely knowledgeable. One of the best in the country. Make sure you do your research and make a list of anything you want to know to take with you so all of your questions are anwsered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had been dieting for 25 years and I am only 34. I have tried everything that I knew to do, and given it a true effort.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

For me I chose Lap Band. It was less invasive, but still had the kind of food restriction I needed. I did not want to have any of my internal organs rearranged or cut.

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?

You have to make sure this is right for you. It is not a magical cure. With the surgery I had the complication rate is much lower than any other surgery.

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 only told my family and a few friends. I waited to tell my best friend because of her reaction. She is overweight also, but not unhappy with herself like I am. It affects all aspect of my life, but doesn't seem to bother hers. My family was very supportive. They made sure I was ok.

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

I am a stay at home mom.

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

I had surgery at an ambulatory center. I was there from 6am until around 2pm. The gbest thing I could tell you to bring is comfortable clothing. I wore loose sweatpants and a big oversized sweatshirt.

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

None

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 felt better with each passing day. The only thing that bothered me was my returning appetite. I called my doctor and discussed this. I was assured this is normal and after my first adjustment or two that this would subside.

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

Know your limitations. Do not lift heavy objects. Take it easy and each day will get better.

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

I went a little over 200 miles away for mu surgery. It really did not affect my aftercare. I talked regularly to my doctor's office.

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 had to be on clear liquids for the first week. The second and third weeks I could have creamy liquids. Starting the fourth week I could begin to have soft foods. The next phase is solid foods.

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

Each day got better. I was restricted to light things for the first 4 weeks.

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

none

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?

I only had a little pain after surgery.

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

Missing food

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

I still go to weight watchers. I like the support and the friendship of the members.

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

I have five scars. Yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Now that I can start soft foods I have not lost any weight in the last week. I know this will get better when I get an adjustment.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet