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

I researched the Lap-Band in Hillsdale, MI. But my Ins. would not cover any bariatric tx., so I went to Mexico and pd. cash.

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

Do not let $ stop you from reaching your destiny. Ins. Co. do not care about you. They just find every way not to pay for this. Do your research and find a cash pay surgeon that you feel comfortable with, even if its out of the country.

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

My stay was short, but sweet. one night in the hospital and then another in a nearby hotel where the Dr. came to visit. Learn some spanish if your going to mexico.

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

no complications so far. I', 2 wks post op.

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 couldnt wait for the day to come. The night before my husband and I were emotional about how this would change our life forever. I did lots of research on my Drs. the closer I got to my date.

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

Lots of liquids. Hungry every 2 hrs. Feeling a little deprived of what everyone else is eating. Watching the scale move is your motivation though.

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

accross the country and into Mexico. It will affect my aftercare some, but its worth it for the price.

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.

clear liquids fo 4 days, then full liquids for 14 days, then soft foods for a month. then regular foods. Small amounts at a time like 4 oz. I have not had my band filled yet so I feel hungry often. I am tolerating it well since I just focus on the ultimate goal. Think of food as a necessity for life, but not what you live for.

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

I started a fit for life class within 1 wk. of being home. lifting small wts. and doing aerobic activity 3 x Wk.

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

vitaband 2xd. Without it you will be deficient in some things, esp. Vit. D

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?

No side effects yet.

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

faer of the unknown. I was told too many horror stories about Tijuana, Mexico.

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

just obesityhelp.com so far. I also journal with fitday.com

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

5 small incisions. similar to lap. gallbladder removal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

lost 22 lbs. fast, then stayed the same for 4 days. now have lost 2 more almost overnight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet, just always asking how its going.