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

My hospital was going to add lap band surgery. but not cover it with insurance. I talked to the surgeon about it when he rounded. I was shocked he considered me so obese. Saw an ad for the Jacksonville Surgery Center, which was an hour away. Attended the seminar, fell in love with DR Cywes as soon as I met him, and knew this was the right step for me, and the right surgeon.

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

I was a self pay. I took out a second morgage. My employer would not cover the surgery in 2005.

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

As a nurse, I am an awful patient. We are control freaks. I can't say enough wonderful things about Memorial Hosp in Jax FL. Everyone made me feel comfortable. No one seemed too busy to help me. The nurse honored my wish to not have the IV in my hand. My call bell was answered immediately, even in the middle of the night, and the nurse showed up immediately. I was there overnight. Bring as little as possible, and comfortable clothes to go home in.

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

No complications in 6 years.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

My date was right away as a self pay. I felt relief to move on.

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

I had lots of nausea, but that is me, for a couple of days. Surprised how little I could eat. Took a week off from work.

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

I traveled an hour. It was a hassle, but Dr Cywes is so awesome. I had to beg for less aftercare. Weekly visits for a month, then every 2 weeks for months. Then I bought a reduced rate program for the second year.

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.

Chicken and meat in general was hard to eat for almost a year. Bread was hard. In the beginning after completing the liquid phases, I still ate pureed soups from vegetables, and low calorie smoothies. I ate a lot of egg salad. I could eat salad, but to this day, still have trouble with fruits.

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

I walked after about 2 weeks, and worked out at the gym on and off after losing about 20 lbs.

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

I took chewable vitamins and cheable calcium for about a year after surgery.

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

6 years later, I meet more and more banded people. I like the lap band forum on OH.

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

The puncture sites are little puckers, and I can feel the port but can't see it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateau from 50 lbs lost to now. 5 years. Hired a personal trainer. Still want to reach goal. Never maintained a weight loss more than a few months pre-band.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, sometimes, but I am different. I can move. I am not exhausted and miserable. I feel in control of my life. I do more things, so I have more things to talk about.