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

From A lady that works in the medical field,I saw that she had lost alot of weight so ,I decided to ask her how she lost hers and it went from there and I started doing my own research.

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

I went through Voc.Rehab.,I had to sign alot of papers but the process at that time was fairly easy.And my Dr. had just started taken Voc. Rehab.patients.My advice,would be is to do your "RESEARCH".

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

I was nervous at first(which is normal),but after I got over being nervous,my Dr. made me feel very comfortable.I had a whole list of question to ask and he took his and sat right there and answered everyone of them.Come prepared with your list of question and make sure you are totally satisfied before you leave.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Prayer! And Much Prayer.Then I had done all my research on Lap-band and on my Dr.and I got my approval Letter from Voc.Rehab.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

From doing lots and lots and lots..................... of research and asking lots and lots and lots of question and more and prayer...........

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 really didn't have any fears because I know the "GOD"that I served and I had full trust in my Dr.

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 was very supportive the ones that I did tell.And I didn't tell any of my friends.They were there from the start to the end.

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

I was and am Disabled.

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

My hospital stay was not so good ,I had a high fever and had to stay for a week.Bring all your presonal items,enough for at least for aweek,(never know what may happen)Bring some sugar-free hard candy to suck on your mouth will be very dry and please don't forget your chap stick.

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

No Complications,other than the fever.

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 had mixed feeling,all kind of thoughts was racing through my head.I was on anti-anxiety meds.

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

You have to eat just like the dr. tell you ,make sure you measure everything get all your proteins in.It will be hard cause you will get tried of eating puree and mush.And you will be "HUNGRY"

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

I traveled 4 1/2 hrs. to have my surgery.It was not bad because I had family to drive me.

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

None at first, then after I got a little stronger I started with slow walks around my room,then I started to walk to other parts of the house then eventually outside.

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

The Flintstones Chewables/iron at first then, I started taking the chewable Centrums.

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 some nausea,and pain. It took a couples of weeks before I could even sleep comfortable.The dumping came later later and it was pretty bad.I had know hair loss.Plenty of rest.

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

Was eating that nasty jello!!!!!!!(YEW!YEW!)

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

NONE!!!!!!!!!!!! It is vvery important to me and I wish that I could find a support group in my area just for "LAP-BANDDERS ONLY".

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

I have 5 medium scars,and they are fine.Just what I expected from all the reading that I had done.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

PLENTY

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes,sometimes.