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

Friends of mine @ work had a Lap-Band a few years ago & I got interested enough to do some research. Three years later, I am now a LOSER! I just had my 6 week checkup & I'm already down 29.5 pounds....better that Weight Watchers ever was (& I did that several times before going this route).

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

My insurance is Humana. I did not experience any set backs due to my co-morbities.

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

Knowing about the procedures is a must before searching for your surgeon. When meeting your surgeon for the first time, you want to see not only is he qualified to do the prodecure, but how is his 'bedside manner', staff, etc... I couldn't have been blessed with a better place....that's for sure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Me. The family was against it...the husband was against it. I even heard one person say '...don't you know that can cause CANCER!'. UNBELIEVABLE. I've turned into a walking encyclopedia of the Band & will offer the information to anyone who needs it. Eventually, the husband & family came around & fully support my decision & aftercare.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After keeping a 'food diary' for about a month, I realized that I'm more of a volume eater. I have a really well balanced diet...I just eat too much. Based on my research, volume eaters do much better with the band. Dr O. stated Friday @ my appt that I'm ahead of the game & have lost considerably more than most banders @ a 6 week check.

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 prepared....not only with knowledge but support. My biggest fear was that I've smoked for 15 years. Giving up the habit before surgery was a must. That was one of the hardest things I think I've ever done. Well...until now. I'm not suppose to drink liquids when eating.....that is hard as HECK!!! I can't tell you how many times I reach for a glass of water that isn't sitting there.

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?

Please see the notes above.

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

My employer is very supportive. I was only out of work for 9 days!! He was astonished when I walked back in for work. It did tire me the first few days but I pressed on.

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

My hospital say was great. The staff was able to help take the edge off that morning with meds & I must say, I didn't care or think about 'consequences' after that. I was only in the hospital less than 23 hours. My band was done laproscopically....like a gall bladder surgery.

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

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 was excited but a little scared. I spent a lot of time on the center's message board & chatroom. The support that group has is UNBELIEVABLE!!!

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

I was sore mostly from how they had to move a few of my internal organs around (liver) but after about 5 days, I didn't need my pain meds to relax in BED. Speaking of which, it was easier for me to sleep in the recliner during this timeframe as well.

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

I traveled about an hour & a half. Yes, there are 2 other surgeons here in Louisville but the waiting list was long & I'd grown to LOVE Georgetown. I send anyone who asks me to GTOWN because I've heard from some patients here that they don't get the aftercare that I get.

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.

Right after surgery, I mainly sustained on SlimFast, clear broths & water. After about 3 days, I began to add thin cream soups, watered down instant mashed potatoes, jello. After 1 week, I added soft scrambled eggs, veggie soup (carefully chewing to a mush). Each week, I try something new. Seven weeks out, I'm tolerating most anything except bread. Bread tends to swell in your little pouch & makes it uncomfortable.....wishing for a drink...which only makes it worse.

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

Slowly walking @ first to help get rid of the gas they use to blow your abdomon up (in order to work on you) as well as the anesthesia. I'm now power walking & plan on joining the gym next to work on Monday.

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

Flintstones (because they're chewable). Also, the doc has me on Actigall to help my glall bladder from acting up with the consideration that I'll be losing fairly quickly.

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 have no 'effects'.

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

The day after. I'd never had surgery or even childbirth (the daugter I mentioned earlier is actually my step-daughter) so I really didn't expect that much discomfort (not really pain). Thank God for pain meds to take the edge off!!!

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

In office suport groups are held every week in Gtown but because of my workload, I'm only able to phyically attend on my appt dates. I am on line every day at least once.

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

Scars are very minimal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just before my first adjustment I think I plateau'd.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People come up to me & say 'you can really tell....not only physically but emotionally!'