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

I started researching it because my mom was going to have the Gastric Bypass. THis surgery was to complicated for me to do. But when I found the information on the LAP band. I new this was something that could help me over come my eating problems. And it seemed to be less than having the gallbladder removed

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

My insurance covered 100% and approved once the letter was sent to the main company. I would say keep on the doctors office. Get them a Fax number for the person who makes approvals at your insurance. Tell them you want the letter sent by mail and fax. Then bug the insurance to see if they got it. Call every day.

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

Well the first time I met him was at his manditory seminar. In which he goes over everything about obesity surgery since he has done most of them. They also had patients of his there to answer any questions we had. I then researched researched and researched before my first office meeting. I then wrote down any questions I couldn't find to answers to.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well seeing that I could be back on my feet within a few days. And then when my insurance okayed it

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on Lap banding because there are no staples on the stomach. You lose a little slower(think this could be better for the sink to shrink). And if I need to get a little more restriction I just make an appointment. All the others are not adjustable. Since not everyone's stomach is the same size I thought this would be best. If you need you and add or take away restriction.

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?

Well I had my gallbladder out in feb02. So I wasn't really worried about dying. The gallbladder surgery was more painful than the lap band. And he used my old scars.

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?

Everyone was supportive. No. People tell me al the time how much happier I look and they ask how much I've lost. This really makes me feel good

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

I told my Manager and few other Realtors. They were a little worried. Our office is like an extended family. I had someone cover my clients for 3 days. I then got back into business. I new the faster I got back to normal the faster my body would heal.

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

It was wonderful. All the people there were nice. I stayed overnight. Insurance card,tooth brush.

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

One of my incisions got a little infected other than that no problems. Called the doctor went in he looked at it said it would heel on it's own. And it did

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 ate a last meal every meal. Actually gained a pound between my visit and my surgery date.

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

If you get up and move as much as possible it actually hurts less. The gas pains are the worst problem. But if you walk it moves the gas out of your shoulder area.

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

45 minutes

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.

First week I ate only mushy stuff pudding, yogurt etc. The second week just couldn't hold out any longer I ate meats . I chewed very well. Week three I tried just about everything. Bread is something I can't eat a lot of.

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

Three days after surgery I was out painting my house. I felt very tired but did my best to stay active.

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

I take a water pill and One a day weight control broken in half

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?

My biggest thing was the head hunger, and the lower stomach growling even after I ate. This really felt weird.

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

The barum swallow the day after surgery.

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

the yahoo groups houston area bandsters. These people are awesome. They will answer any questions I have.

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

I have five small scars. Nothing compared to the stretch marks from weight gain

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I was stuck. And I found out that drinking while eating causes the food to flow threw faster. Allowing me to eat more. I have now learned to drink a glass of water just before eating and then not drink anything till 30 minutes after.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!!! It makes me feel good. But then I think about people who are in my shoes before, and I feel bad for them. No one should be treated different due to weight.