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

My grandmother had told me about it. She kept seeing things on tv and reading about it. I was sold on the idea from day 1 but didn't know how I swing it. Then, Dr. Sanchez came into my life and opened up that door for me.

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

I didn't get insurance approval. I had Anthem BC/BS PPO, they didn't want to pay plus even if they would they're were soooo many hoops to jump through. I wanted surgery and I wanted it yesterday.

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

I got there at noon, had surgery at 2:00 pm and then went to Dr. Sanchez's guesthouse the next day. The hospital was spotless. It was a large hospital where I had a private room with a balcony overlooking the mountains. It was breathtaking. It was a wonderful experience. The nurses were very helpful.

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

I haven't had any so far.

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 only had to wait about a month so it wasn't bad. I kept busy reading for hours each day about the band and what to expect. I kept myself busy preparing.

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

I felt great. I never had any pain, just soreness. I flew home from Mexico on day 3 and then had a 2 hour drive home. We also had to switch planes in Houston Texas. On day 4 I was cleaning house and doing laundry like usual and on day 10 rode 4 wheelers all day long.

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

I don't have one. I rely on this website and others like lapbandtalk.

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

Scars are very minimal. I am very pleased. I didn't have stitches, they used the glue.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm just now going through my first. I hadn't lost a pound in 2 months but come to find out my fill was too much and I wasn't getting in enough calories, only 400 per day. I had a slight unfill yesterday so hopefully things will pick up now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People are nicer when your smaller. You get more looks from people. People are more helpful especially in clothing stores when you need help.