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

I was very interested. I saw the lapband advertised on TV.

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

My WLC was excellent. They had things in order in no time.

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

Everyone was so nice and shared so much information. Remember to take your list of questiions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I went over 200 pounds.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I thought the la band was less invasive. I think I made the right decision for me.

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 wasn't afraid of complications. I was afraid that I would not lose weight, since nothing every worked for me. Advice: Go for it, it's a wonderful ride.

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 sisters didn't want me to do it, but they are thin, and don't GET it. Now they are happy for me.

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

Am retired.

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

24 hour obversation. The staff from the front door to the exit were WONDERFUL.

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

The first surgery turned out to be to remove adhesions. The lapband was rescheduled for 6 week later. A disappointment, but a life saver!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

A few days of feeling lethargic and needing naps. Gradually decreasing and feeling more normal.

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

I did less house work (like that bothered me LOL) and gradually got back into the swing of things when I was on a regular diet.

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

16 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.

I have been very fortunate. Two days of clear liquids, two weeks of all liquids, and two weeks of soft foods. then the regualar diet. So far, nothing hasn't agreed with me. I'm very lucky.

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

I was a bit slow - two surgeris in 6 weeks. But I'm bouncing back and even did some cleaning today.

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

I ake a very good chewable multi-purpose vitamin every 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 had a few restless nights, and about a week of feeling like there was a lump in my throat. Both gone. I still hiccup without warning, but it's diminishing.

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

Honestly - inserting the IV. And, the healing itchies.

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

My husband is here for me for everything.

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

Tiny and healing rapidly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateua about every 10 pounds. I just add a little more water, exercise a little more and wait it out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just complimenting me.