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

First time I heard about bariatric surgery I was 15 and a neighbor had her "stomach stappled". At this time it was very taboo but I remember she lost well over 100lbs. At 15 I weight 225 lbs and really wanted the surgery because I too wanted to be 'thin'.

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

I had a lengthy battle with my insurance company and sadly I lost. My best advise is to not give up. I was not successful but I learned so much on the way and found the strength to keep on going and still had the surgery just with different means.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was also my surgery day. It was a whirlwind of emotions. I was scared and almost in disbelieve that I was actually moving forward and getting what I had fought so hard to do. Ask lots of questions, there is not one question you have that is dumb or they wont have an answer to.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am at high risk for heart disease and stroke. When I made the final decision to have the surgery I was 261lbs and miserable. I was fearful my life would end before my time and I have a strong will to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched RNY and Lapband. I decided on lapband because the weight loss was slower, the downtime was just a few days and lasting side effects were considerably lower.

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?

My biggest fear is slipping my band. I try to be very cautious and eat very carefully. I was never afraid of dying.

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 told very few people about my surgery. Only one person at work and a select few of my family and friends. Those I did tell are very supportive both before and after surgery. I could never have done this without my boyfriend.

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

I didn't tell them. I took vacation time rather than sick time. I was off for 1 week.

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

My stay at the hospital was very pleasant. They made it very comfortable. I was in overnight, probably a total of 24 hours. Bring a toothbrush and loose fitting clothes to go home in, otherwise they provide it all.

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

I didn't have any 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 felt wonderful, day after surgery I was out shopping in Tijuana. Initially I found I grew tired quickly but after a week I was back to my normal self.

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

My first few weeks home were an adjustment. Learning how to eat differently but still with my family was hard. They also had to learn how to by sympathetic to my dietary needs.

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

I travelled about 2000 miles. I have sought aftercare from a local surgeon.

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 cannot eat any kind of breads, they make me sick. I have a problem eating pork and beef and have been limited to fish and chicken. I can eat broccoli if it is steamed to mush and beans. My diet is very limited. I could eat cottage cheese until I received a fill and now can no longer eat it, my stomach freaks out.

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

I started walking right away and walked daily if even just around the block. at 3 weeks I started back at the gym and now 6 weeks out I am going to the gym 4 days a week.

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

I take a chewable vitamin

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?

I really haven't had any real side effects except if I eat to fast I will get sick.

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

The anticipation of everything that can go wrong before surgery.

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

I use lapbandtalk.com as my main support group. I also talk to a friend openly who had RNY and understands a lot of what I am going through. It is very important to have people to turn to that know what you are going through.

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

my scars are very small. 4 look like chicken pox now and the port incision is very small, about 1/2 inch. They are so much better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Week 4 and 5 I did not lose any weight and I was scared that I had failed already. I got a fill and the weight is coming off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have heard this happens but I have not experienced this yet. I am down 37lbs and although I feel wonderful I am still a plus sized gal.