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

I saw the commericial and I thought it was too good to be true.

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

I was not approved for surgery. I had to pay cash.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to lose weight and keep it off.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap band was the only procedure I wanted.

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 was afraid that I wouldn't make it out of the surgery. I suggest do your research and find someone that you are comfortable with.

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?

I have only told my DH and mom. My DH wasn't to excited about me having the procedure, but once he did some research he changed his mind. My mom was excited for me up until she learned I was going to Mexico for the surgery.

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

I haven't told anyone at work. I had my surgery Friday and returned to work on Tuesday. I could have returned on Monday.

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

The clinic was very clean. I had my own private room with a flat screen tv, a small sofa and a phone with free calls. The room was very relaxing.

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

I had no complications.

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 feel good. I had some gas pains, but other than that I felt good.

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

Expect gas pains and some pains were your port is. I was back to normal after the first week.

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

I went from Az to Mexico. I will have to travel back to Mexico for fills or aftercare.

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.

I am just over 2 weeks out and I am on a liquid only diet. I will be able to eat solid foods on the third week.

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

I walk, but I am not allowed to exercise until week 3.

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

I have been bad and I am not taking anything

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?

So far nothing.

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

The liquid diet.

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

I haven't needed any yet.

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

I have 5 incisions. The only one that looks bad is the port and that is because it is the biggest. I am putting on Vit E oil and hopefully the scars will go away soon.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only lost 10 lbs since surgery

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

So of my friends have noticed that I am losing weight, but they don't know about the surgery.