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

I have a friend who had the gastric bypass and did extremely well, weight loss wise. She did have a few episodes of "problems" that made me decide to do the Lap band.

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

I haven't had any problems so far. I advise people to research their surgeon and see if he is a provider for the insurance they carry. That was how I chose my Surgeon. They usually won't be listed under bariatric surgery, look under general surery.

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

My first visit with Dr. Teng was great.He really made me feel like I had his time for as long as I needed. He really stressed the fact that the Band was not a magic bullet, but a tool to assist in the weight loss journey. Make sure you write down all your questions. If the Dr. makes you feel that your questions aren't important or that he is in a big hurry, go find another Dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My inability to lose weight and keep it off. I always feel hungry and I feel the restriction to my stomach will be the way I can reduce my intake.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I don't want the majority of my stomach detached. And the band can be removed if a health emergency arises.

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 guess I should be worried but really I'm not. My dad died when he was 52 due to HTN and cholesterol related health issues. I have both of these co morbidities as well. I am 46 and have a 1 yr old granddaughter that I would like to see grow up.

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 is worried. He is afraid I won't be me anymore. I took him to my last visit with Dr. Teng and Dr. Teng set him at ease. He explained the benefits of weight loss and the health risks of obesity. I have not had surgery at this time. 7/22/09 I have had my surgery and everything is going very well. My family and friends are so supportive, it's such a big help.

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

My superviser doesn't know and I will not tell him. I expect to have my surgery on a Friday and come back to work on a Tues. or Wed. I plan on requesting time off for a long weekend. 07/22/09 When I finally told my supervisor, he seemed really pleased. I don't call off as much as I used to and everyone at work is so funny, they tell me how great I look and what a great job I am doing (I work at a medical facility) so it's a real ego booster!!

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

My hospital stay was wonderful, the nurses were very compassionate and helpful. I stayed overnight. Lip balm was probably the most important item, but walking around the halls was the best thing I did for myself after surgery.

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 was so excited. I really didn't have any anxiety.

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

The clear liquid diet was the hardest, but I was still able to cook for my family, it really didn't bother me. My stomach grumbled and bubbled for the first 2 weeks. Follow the nutrition plan from your Dr./Nut. and you will be suprised at the weight you lose.

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

2 exits off the free way, about 3 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.

In the first weeks, I followed the clear liquid and then full liquid diet, 3rd and 4th week were purees. My nutritionist gave me a very detailed list of foods to eat so it was easy, then when I went to soft solids, I ate white meat chicken, scallops and fish. I tried a piece of steak when I was allowed to have regular foods and it was a problem. I also had tried beef jerky but it got sort of stuck so never again!! Other then that I haven't had any problems, I've never had a productive burp or excess saliva nor have I ever vomited. I pay close attention to my serving sizes and what other people on this site say gives them problems and stay away from that.

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

I seem to have more energy and am able to play and run around with my granddaughter more. I am more mobile at work and walk around more.

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

I take a multi vite (gummy) and Vit. D (gummy), Sugar free calcium w/D chews and chewable Vit. C. I also take a sublingual (under tongue) B-12

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 never had any of these problems.

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

The clear liquid diet, hands down!

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

Dr. Tengs office has a monthly support group that is wonderful, he has guest speakers and our nutritionist come to provide information.

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

I have 1 incision in my navel and 2 small scars from the retractors, 1 just a few cm's down and to the left of my sternum and 1 just a few cm's below my r ribs. They were much smaller and fewer than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now it seems that when I consume too much sodium, my weight will be at a stand still.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People see me now. It's funny but the larger I was, the more invisable I seemed.