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

I found out on the internet. Then I started listening to people who had surgery. The results were very interesting. I knew that Roux EnY was not an option for me, thanks to the Lapband I was able to continue with my plans.

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

Be diligent. Give them what they want. It may take longer than you think it should but don't give up.

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

I was comfortable since I did internet research. Go prepared and your confidence will guide you to asking the right questions. Bring notes and take notes. This is an important step, even if you just look over the notes once or twice it helps down the road.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The successful people that I met. I was astonished that these normal looking people were once fat like me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that a total gastric bypass was more than I could handle psychologically. The decision for the Lapband was simple since no gastric cutting and rerouting were involved.

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?

Educate yourself about the procedure. Prepare yourself as instructed by the doctor before surgery. Don't fool yourself by thinking you can alter the plan. Learn the plan, ask questions as often as you need to- don't be afraid to ask too much. You will be well prepared with knowing what to expect. Take control of your destiny. This is something that is about to change your life.

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 family and friends were wonderful. They knew I had researched the facts and that I was committed to doing this for my health and for myself. I have a great network of support. I project confidence that I understand the changes and I am realistic in my expectations.

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

My employers were a little puzzled. They did not understand weigh loss surgery, but they were supportive. I was out of work for two weeks.

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

I was in the hospital one over-night. Bring as little as you can. You are there to be observed and rest. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes or slippers. Bring something to freshen up with whether it be your lipstick, shaver, cologne or whatever it is that helps you freshen up at home-without taking a shower.

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

I did not have any complications.

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

After surgery I continued to educate myself. The internet is a wonderful place to find answers. I knew right away something was different. I was not going to be a fat person much longer. My appetite assured me of that. I was amazed what it felt like to feel full and stop eating. This is something that was new to me

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

The first few weeks home should be for resting and repair. You need your protein and water and vitamins. Make them all part of your new daily routine.

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

My surgeon was in Staten Island. The hospital was in Brooklyn. I live in Central NJ. It was all foreign to me. I need to be driven to my first post op appointment and for my first adjustment. I had no problem with family wanting to help. I had no complications or extraordinary after care. Things went really well for me.

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.

Initially my diet was liquids, adding soft foods soon after, measured in spoonsful. You eat very little in the first weeks. As you feel better your appetite increases. I never knew what a normal portions size was before surgery. After surgery I generally ate what was considered a normal Half-portion. After the first month I was eating soft foods and chewing more on a half portion than I was chewing on the mega portions I had previously eaten. I ate much slower and chewed thoroughly. If I didn't, I would feel like I was going to choke on my food or have to bring it up. I do not drink carbonated beverages, they cause gas. I make sure my foods are not dry and hard. I eat like a baby, but not baby food. Chew thoroughly, slow down and enjoy whatever you like!

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

I returned to normal within 3-4 weeks. I will admit my activity level was not high to begin with, but I was very happy to return to my normal.

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

Take you vitamins, brink your water and make sure you eat your protein.

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 had no side effects from Lapband surgey. If I overeat I may bring something back up. Your learn your limits.

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

The worst part about surgery was incisional pain,like a burning where the scalpel cut. That was the worst of it for me. Once you get yourself in a comfortable sleeping position you have no problem with sleeping. Taking your first shower is wonderful. Subsequent showers are soothing. Bending and lifting take a little more time, so take it easy.

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

My aftercare support was my family, friends and most of all, the nutritionist. She was more like a psychiatrist! I was very comfortable speaking with her and she taught me a lot.

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

I am prone to keloid scars, and that's exactly what I got. There was no surprises, no infections or anything weird. I like my scars to be a reminder of where I've been and how long I have come.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Most of my plateaus were connected to increased carb consumption. When I returned to less carbs, or had an adjustment, I was able to overcome the plateau and returned to my normal weight loss experiences. I still crave carbs, but now that there is less space to fill my stomach, I continue to lose anywhere from 2 to 5 lbs a month, and I am happy with that. If I eat my protein as needed there isn't much room to overindulge in carbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do think people are treating me differently now. Some of that feeling may be that I now feel differently about myself. When I project a positive attitude I am usually rewarded with positive feedback. Most of my success comes from that fact that I believe in myself and know that this surgery was the best decision I have ever made for my health, both physically and mentally.