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

My PCP recommended it. I had no problem with it.

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

No problem whatsoever. My advice to others would be to have Medicare and CHP Bluecross for a secondary.

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

I stayed in a private room, about 14'X20' with a view of the LA skyline and the ocean behind it. Overnight stay. This was at Cedars-Sinai and the very best hospital stay of my life. This is a ACS Center of Excellence and knowing what I know now, I wouldn't settle for anything less.

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

Absolutely none.

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 felt great. My wife and I took a two mile walk the day after we got home, no problems at all (God's honest truth). No anxiety, just hunger.

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

There is a major adjustment in eating habits, and it takes a major application of will power, but the Lapband makes it much easier.

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

We traveled 150 miles through Los Angeles traffic, and as much as I hated it, I'd do it again to go to Cedars- Sinai. The drive had no affect on my aftercare, except I seemed to hate the trip more each time we made it.

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've only been banded three weeks so it would be easier to describe what I can eat.

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

We walk two miles each morning, then light yard work and similar activities.

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

Centrum w/iron chewable,calciun w/vitamin c, D3, B12 sublingal

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

Several forums, family support. Extremlly important.

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

Four tiny and one 11/2" scars. Less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've never noticed any.