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

Friend was having it, and I was wary at first.

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

Got approved for Band, but they would only approve RNY for revision. Am doing self pay for VSG.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Write down all of your questions before going in. You will leave and think, I forgot to ask him this! My first visit was very informative. Everything was very well explained. I have a great surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of fighting it and realized that I will never be able to accomplish a thin lifestyle on my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Band seemed least invasive and that it would work. It did, until I started having problems. But I never lost all of my weight. Chose the VSG for the revision because it does not have the malapsorption problems and it still leaves your body to process food normally, as well as medications.

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 put it all in God's hands....and confidence in Dr. Barker as my surgeon.

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?

They were thrilled and supportive. Boyfriend at the time did not like it. We broke up. Husband is very supportive and wants the best for me.

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

I was out three days with band. Planning on five with VSG. I don't think my boss understands why I can't do it on my own, but he is happy for me now that I am thinner.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

The one I attended was not with Dr. Barker. It was horrible. They only pushed RNY and would not even discuss other options.

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

I traveled two hours. It is difficult driving that far. For the VSG this month I am staying an extra two nights in a hotel across from the hospital just to make the drive home easier.

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.

A lot of foods are problems with the Band. I really missed vegetables and salads and fruit. Am looking forward to it with the VSG.

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

Slow for a couple of weeks. Then energy started coming back. Protein is very, very important. And water.

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

Multi and B12. Calcium.

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

The air in your abdomen from surgery. Back rubs help a lot. That pain was worse than the surgery itself. And the liquid pre-op diet. Life goes on. If it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger!