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

I knew about the gastric bypass, but did not want that procedure so when I heard about the Lap Band I talked to my PCP about it. He recommended a surgerical group. The surgical group conducted seminars and I attended one.

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

I started the journey to qualify through my insurance in January of 2007. I got approval in February of 2008.

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

The appointment went well. I was concerned about sagging skin, he said do not worry about that at this time. I talked to him about my medical history and the fact that my siblings and parents were already deceased.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this was something I needed to do for myself to become healthier so that I could see my grandchildren grow up. My brother passed away at 50 )he was two years older) from the same medical conditions.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I picked the Lap Band because I did not like the idea of my stomach being cut off and my intestine being rerouted.

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 scared of not waking up from the surgery, and my son was afraid as well. I would tell people to think about what type of life they have now and what they could expect in the future. If you have medical conditions they could claim your life if you do not try to improve your situation.

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?

My family and most of my friends were very supportive of the procedure. I do have one friend that constantly brings up the fact that I have a Lap Band and has said some cruel things to me. I have decided to limit the amount of time I spend with her. In addition she finds it necessary to tell everyone that I have the band. If I want everyone to know I will tell them and I do not feel it is her place to tell others about my surgery.

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

I only told one person at work that I was having the surgery. I took vacation time and was out of work a 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 okay. I found my ringing for the nurse and it seemed as though it took them forever to get to my room. I stayed overnight at the hospital. I brought my toothpaste and clean underwear to leave the hospital.

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

No

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 happy and was waiting. As the date got closer I started to worry about being put to sleep, but I knew my medical conditions could be much improved.

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

That you will not be lifting anything up and you are eating a lot of soft liquid type foods.

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

about 3-40 miles.

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.

So far I have had no problem eating anything. It is just the amount you can eat. I like hot dogs so I can either have half a dog with the bun or just eat the hot dog and leave the bun. The first week after surgery I only had liquids, the second week I had liquid plus yogurt, eggs, etc., the third week soft foods such as tuna, chicken, pureed or extremely moist., and the fourth week you start introducing foods back into your diet. My one constant love is sugar free popsiciles.

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

basic walking but not a lot.

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

Chewable vitamin (Centrum)

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?

No side effects so far.

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

Drinking the citrus of magnesium the day before surgery.

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

There are various support groups you can attend. I find them a nice place to go with others who have the surgery.

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

I have one that is about two inches long and the others are just dots. Right now they are a little dark but not raised like a keloid.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to be stuck at my current weight right now. I have stepped up my exercise regimen at the health club. My doctor's appointment is Monday, July 28 and I expect to get a fill then.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I do notice men looking a lot though and some of my friends tell me how good I look.