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

My friend Carol had the old Gastric Bypass 30 years ago. Although she later had to have the surgery reversed, she said the results changed her life dramatically. Initially I was worried about the safety of the procedure. When both my mother and father had strokes within 18 months of each other I decided that I needed to do something. I knew that I was following in my mother's footsteps healthwise (only I had more of a weight problem at a younger age.)

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

I had already done a huge amount of research and had originally decided on the traditional gastric bypass. My surgeon was just about to begin doing the Lap-Band (adjustable gastic band.) He helped me to decide that the Lap-Band was for me and I was his very first!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had really exhausted all of the other alternatives. Additionally, I had been walking two hours per day (20 to 30 miles per week)for five months, and had only lost ten pounds.

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

I take two children's chewable multivitamin plus iron and two antacid calciums each day

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 started to really lose my hair at about 3 months. I realized I was eating so little that I wasn't getting enough oil. I started to eat more and make sure I got at least a tablespoon of olive oil each day. Now my hair is fine again. I only have problems with vomiting when I eat too large of portions. If I have this happen more than 2 or 3 times in a week I go back to measuring my portions (eating only one tablespoon at a time) and I use my special 3 oz bowl to help me remember.

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

I was (and still am a little bit)afraid that it would only be temporary like every other weight loss thing I've ever tried. I never, never want to go back to being controled by food and obesity again.

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

I have become friends with my roomate from the hospital and she has been wonderful. Our hospital just started an aftercare group and I went to the first one. Too soon to tell how helpful that will be.

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

Five 1/2 inch lines that are fading fast. No problem.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've only hit short plateaus (two to three weeks.) Although they are scary I first just increase my water, protien, and exercise and give it a few weeks. Because I have the lap-band, I know I can always get a fill and start losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and most of it is great. People look me in the eye more and are more friendly. I am a little uncomfortable with the looks from men I don't know. That is one of the resons I have put my goal weight a little higher than my doctor has it. I need time to adjust to the new attention.