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

My friend had lap band surgery

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

It was horrible. I was denied 3 times. Finally recieved my disability and Medicare approved

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

It was great. Just listen to all your options and decide what is right for you

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My friends success

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My friend had same procedure

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?

The only fear I have is that the band will slip

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 all very supportive

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

I do not work, I am a house wife and mother. But I can tell you that my husband likes the results so far

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

It was over all a good experience. I had to drive 400 miles to the hospital and it was a overnite outpatient procedure. I think I probably should have stay longer.

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?

Excited I had waited three years

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

Diet change is the biggest thing. You have to learn to eat all over again

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

400 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.

Foods out limit bread, pasta, and rice. Stick to your liquid diet and follow your doctors instructions I did and I had no problems

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

Pretty sore first few days, walking slowly after 2 weeks at gym pretty much normal except for lifting heavy things for about six weeks

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

I take 2 opti-source post bariatric vitiams a day. THey are chewable and available at walgreens

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?

Had none

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

learning how to eat right and not being able to drink with my meals

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

I haven't been to support groups because I have several friends that have had procedures and we all help each other. also I read OH everyday.

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

Nothing to it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced several. Then when you least expect it 5 pounds will be gone it's weird but don't freak out it happens to everyone.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and it sometimes makes me angry. Nice now that I'm thinner? I am still the same person.