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

Internet - I thought it looked interesting and I was excited to learn more.

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

My experience was a little frustrating. I made all the required appointments and went to them, but the psychiatrist took her time in sending her approval letter to the surgeon. They couldn't even put in for the request to my insurer until they had that. My insurer approved the request very quickly.

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

The wait was really long, but it was a good time to talk to others in the waiting room. The meeting with the surgeon was short and rushed. Have your questions prepared ahead of time and do your "homework" so you are as educated as possible.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The desire to live a long, healthier life with my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Never interested in the Bypass . . . wanted something less invasive and with longer success. With the Lap Band after you reach your goal if over time you start to gain again, you can get a fill. With the Bypass once your stomach stretches it's stretched. I'm also hoping by losing the wait slower, over a longer period of time, I can exercise and not have all the extra skin you get when losing the weight so fast.

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?

There's always fear around surgery and dying . . . I just prayed and had faith I was doing the right thing. I was afraid of getting a wound infection (I did have one after my 1st C Section) and of course, I ended up with a small one . . . sometimes no matter how much you prepare, it can happen and you just focus on the positive! NO REGRETS!!!

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?

Everyone was very supportive and excited. I told everyone and anyone. I was not embarrassed at all. Everyone was unbelieavable supportive after the surgery. It helps to keep you on track knowing people are looking to see what you've lost and always asking how much you've lost.

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

Very supportive. I told them I was having the Lap Band surgery. A Manager in my Department decided to have it after I did. She's scheduled for later this month. I was out 2 full weeks and 1/2 days the 3rd week . . . I ended up having a 4 inch incision so the surgeon could go in and lift my liver with his hand - couldn't get around it laproscopically.

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

It was fine. Everyone was nice and supportive. I stayed 1 night. The surgeon wanted me to stay a 2nd night because of the extra incision but I convinced him I was ready to go home. I didn't get a lot of sleep in the hospital. Don't bring anything - a toothbrush and mouthwash are provided.

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

Yes, extra incision (4 inches) to lift my liver. I had to recover slower and longer.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Excited!!!! I just kept reassuring myself that I was doing the right thing and everything would be fine.

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

You need to get a lot of rest and have others take care of the things you normally take care of. Don't go back to regular activites too quickly - it will only make your full recovery last longer.

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

30 minutes.

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.

Anything greasy or fried makes me feel a little nauseaus. Even trying 1 or 2 french fries or potato chips - I knew immediately I couldn't eat them. I've tried to stay away from carbs but the few times I have had bread or pasta, I haven't had any problems.

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

Going to work and sporting events to watch my kids. Not too much extra walking.

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

Calcium

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?

Sleep disturbance for about 6 weeks from not being able to sleep on my left side/stomach. No dumping, hair loss, vomiting or nausea.

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

The liquid diet is HARD but doable.

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

1x/month Support group meeting at the Hospital I had surgery. It is helpful. I've also bonded with my "roommate" who had the surgery the same day as me. We book our fills together so we can see each other. We also email each other. I have another close friend who had the surgery a few weeks before me and it's good to talk to her to know what to expect, etc.

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

Bigger than expected. My stomach has a lot of marks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

During my period I plateaued for a week or so.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, more supportive and helpful.