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

Pretty much through online and TV. I first heard about the gastric bypass, but my parents and my husband and friends were against that. Then I started a new career and found that my supervisor had the Lap Band surgery done, and had lost over 145lbs, so here we are =)

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

Get all of your ducks in a row before you do anything! It was so easy for me. I went to my orientation and found out everything that I would need. Called my Insurance company and spoke to a very nice lady and she helped answer all of my questions. I got together all that I needed, from my history of dieting and clinical notes and even a letter of med nec. from my family doctor. Took it all to my consultation and 2 weeks later, scheduled my surgery for the next week. Just stay on top of things and have everything together. Everyday I called my insurance company!!!

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

It was good, informative! Write down all kinds of questions that you could possibly have so you wont forget them! And actually ASK them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My children

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the lap band surgery Oct 08, 2007 by Dr Rex Luttrell

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 had fears of going under anesthesia. But, thats only because I have children now and stuff like that bothers me. I love my family and I don't want to be taken from them any time soon. But, at the same time, I thought to myself, If I don't do something about my weight, I still maybe taken from my family. One way or another. At least by having surgery, I will be fighting!

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 so proud that I made this decision. We all sat down and talked about it and weighted my options. This was the best thing for me. Everyone in my family was so supportive.

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

I took a medical leave of absence! I was paid throughout the time that I was off for surgery. Everything was great.

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

I didn't stay in the hospital. It was an outpatient procedure. I was there from about 8am until about 2pm. Just be sure to bring BIG COMFY CLOTHES

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 did have a little anxiety and I still do...but it's nothing like before when I would run to the fridge or cabinets or binge from fast food places. I'm doing so well with it now.

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

I was sore! I won't lie, But it got better with time.

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

It wasn't far for me, just in town.

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.

Meats and breads. Those are the hardest to eat. I can hardly eat a bite of bread and I love bread. But, it's all a lifestyle change. You have to be willing to change your lifestyle of eating and what not. I can take a bit from certain things that I haven't been able to before, but it's still a change!

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

Moderation. I did everything in Moderation. You do need to walk, though, throughout your home...Thats so your muscles won't stiffen up.

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

I take daily vitamins.

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 as of yet!

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

Making the decision to have it.

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

I have my family to help me with anything and everything that I need.

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

My scar is minimal. It isn't what I was expecting because I was expecting something bigger.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Everything is going well.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, Very different!!!