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

I was quite intrigued about it. I don't remember exactly how I found out, but I did a lot of research. Then I went to meet with Dr. Brolin who referred me to Dr. Andrei.

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

I had Aetna at the time. I had no problem getting a referral and approval.

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

Well, you have to be patient. Dr. Andrei has a LOT of people to see! The wait is a bit long, but well worth it! Bring a book!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that surgery was the only way to help me stop overeating - to make it so I COULDN'T overeat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I opted for the Lap-Band because it didn't have to be permanent and it is the least invasive.

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 didn't have any fears about complications.

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 very against it. But I did it anyway. My Mother came with me to some appointments post-op and when she saw how many other people are getting these surgeries, she felt much better. Also, when she saw the weight drop off, she would actually cry when I was on the scale!

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

My employer was very supportive! I was out of work for three weeks. I worked for a company that was laying off at the time, so I knew I'd get "the ax" as well. I had my surgery, took my temporary disability, went back to work for 2 days, packed my bags, then got laid off!

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 for one night. It was okay.

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

I really didn't have any complications. The worst part was the anesthesia wearing off - I felt woozy for a few days.

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

My abdomen just feltlike a couple of pulled muscles.

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

The first few weeks are slow moving. Invest in a shower chair, some Vitamin E, and some good books.

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

I traveled a very short distance for the surgery. Not a problem there.

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.

Hmmm..... I ate lots of baby food! Then I added things. Anything except bread, rice, and soda. Some things hurt some people, and some don't. You have to try some little by little and find out.

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

I didn't do much except walk.

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

I took Centrum liquid and if I needed Tylenol, it comes in an adult liquid too.

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?

Nausea from the anesthesia. That's about it.

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

I don't recover from surgery well. As soon as the anesthesia wore off, I felt a lot better.

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

My scars are very small. There are a few items you can purchase now to help with that too - Mederma, Curad Scar Therapy, and Vitamin E cream.