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

I found out about bariatric surgery when Carney Wilson talked about her Gastric Bypass. I became interested in it immediately and I read the book that she wrote about her experience.

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

My experience with insurance approval was good. I didn't have to wait long at all. About 2 weeks.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A friend that had success on her lap-band surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At first I was going to go for Gastric Bypass. I was approved within 5 weeks from the insurance company. I was convinced that this was the way to go and I was excited over it, but after an endoscopy procedure, everything changed because they found polyps in my stomach and the doctor had said that I wouldn't qualify for the procedure. He gave me other options,the Gastric Sleeve and the Lap-Band, but decided to give up and not to have surgery at all. My husband convinced me to look into the band. I researched it and decided to go through with it and I'm very happy with my decision.

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 had fears about dying during the surgery. Anyone would during any type of surgery. Especially with Gastric Bypass surgery. That is so much more invasive than the Lap-Band. The fears are natural, but if you have faith in God and faith in your surgeon than all will go well.

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?

The family reacted like I expected...excited for me. Close friends were also excited for me, but were very concerned for my well being. Work mates weren't as receptive to it. I didn't like discussing it with them. I had planned to keep it quiet from them until the my supervisor let the cat out of the bag and then I had to explain myself to everyone. I got alot of negativity from co-workers.

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 supportive, but she accidently let it out to the co-workers and they were all negative over it.

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

I had to stay overnight because of my insurance. Everyone that was on the Bariatric surgical floor had Gastric Bypass surgery, I had the Lap-Band. I was up walking around alot faster than they were. The hospital stay was fine. I was bored though. Toothpaste and a toothbrush along with my clothes were important to bring.

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

Thank God I didn't have any complications from the surgery.

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 couldn't wait for it. I giggled on surgery day. It was my 55th birthday that day. Nothing could make me unhappy!

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

I was alittle sore, but I stayed out a week.

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

I didn't travel far, It was local.

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.

After surgery I ate a liquid diet for 3 days; clear broth and jello, then full liquids for 2 weeks that consisted of Jello, Creamed soups, cottage cheese. After that I went on mushies; pureed chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salads and protein shakes. I am now on my lifetime plan of solid foods. My tolerance hasn't changed much, but then again I'm only 5 weeks out and I have not had a fill as yet and that can change my tolerance levels.

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

I exercise 30 to 40 minutes per day, on the treadmill and stair climber. I also exercise with free weghts.

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

Flintstones chewables.

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.

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

I had a wonderful experience all the way.

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

I'm a big fan of obesityhelp.com and I attend my support group once a month. This is extemely important. You must stay informed and motivated.

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

My scars are still pretty evident at 5 weeks, but I've had lapascopic surgery before and those wounds have healed quite well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 5 weeks and no fill, I am slightly hungrier than usual.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My co-workers don't talk about it at all. My family and friends always ask me how much weight have I lost. My co-workers treat me like I did something very wrong. I was told that I took the cheaters way out.