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

I had been doing quite a bit of research on this procedure. My first impression was very sceptical, however; as the years progressed, I saw the techniques being developed and laproscopic surgery perfected and went to an introductory class and to see a Bariatric Dr. I was really impressed with both the Dr. and the results that were obtained with the 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?

Insurance was a long process. All I can say to others is keep on the process. Follow directions to a "T" , make copies of everything you send off, and get a copy of all your medical records from other Docs for yourself as I found my records disappearing in the system twice. The entire process took @ 1 1/2-2 years...I really don't remember as I am now 3 years PO.

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

Dr. Rodriguez was very to the point and personable. He sat down and explained the process to me and what what will be asked of me prior to surgery. He mentioned that surgery will be dependant upon meeting the criteria set forth and being approved for the surgery by the insurance, but from his assessment I was a good candidate HE asked me to ask questions. I had gone in there with a list of questions. I suggest anyone considering this type of surgery, have prepared,researched, and prethought questions ready to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My first meeting with the Surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research. The Lap Band was less invasive with more adjustability.

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?

None. I have a strong Faith in God and fully trusted my Surgeon.

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

This has previously been completed. See Nortons Hospital under my Profile. I did have an overbearing nurse. Otherwise the Hospital is good.

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

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?

No anxiety from the eating less. Was establishing a new lifestyle and eating habits.

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

Follow every word your surgeon tells you. Double check all instructions sent from the hospital with what your surgeon has previously instructed. In my case I was told a totally different diet than what my surgeon recommended. If you have any difficulties with keeping the fluid down after the surgery, contact your doctor.

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

Traveled to the next town @ 10 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.

Eating is strictly the surgeons preferences. I was not able to have other than clear liquids right after surgery until my first PO visit. After that, I went to an all liquid diet for a while, and then to pureed food, to slowly introducing regular foods. Im NOT getting into a month by month detail for 3 years. No soda, no or little dairy products, no bread, no red meat, and little or no sugar.

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

Initially havily monitored and that was increased to include daily exercise as tolerated.

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

Centrum liquid.

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 initially lost a bit of hair...not bad though. My band is touchy and does reject food on occasion.

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

The overbearing nurse right after surgery. That is an experience I will never forget.

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

I found more support from the obesity help Christianity Forum than anywhere else. I have hearing loss and although I attended a few support groups, I could not hear what was being discussed.

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

After 3 years scars have almost disappearred except for the larger one where the port went in and that is fading now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 2 years my weight loss came to a halt. For the last year my weight loss has been all too slow... a pound here or there. No significant weight gains, but becoming rather impatient at the 3 year point with my much slower weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes