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

I knew some people who had the RNY - but while researching I discovered the Gastric band and knew immediately it was perfect for me.

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

No problems at all. Medicare paid for the hospital and I paid the surgeon's fee myself.

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

I attended 2 information seminars - the doctor I chose conducted the second one. I liked and trusted him immediately. If done correctly the information seminars that many doctors provide are extremely helpful - there are other people there who are like yourself and you do not feel ashamed or judged.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My PCP was on my case to lose weight because of blood pressure, cholesterol and arthritis. When I mentioned WLS she was 100% supportive.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had originally thought I would have the RNY but then when I learned about the Gastric Band - I knew it was made 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 had had surgery in the past for other things so I wasn't worried. I was so positive and upbeat about the WLS that I knew nothing would go wrong - and nothing did.

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?

I was very surprised that everyone was so positive. I think they all knew how miserable I was and were pleased I was taking a positive step.

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

I had the surgery on a Friday and returned to work on Tuesday - so I was out 2 days. My boss was so jealous - she wants the surgery too but her insurance won't pay.

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

My hospital stay was great. I stayed one night - I opted for a private room and it was worth the extra $150. Bring comfortable slip on shoes so you can walk the hospital corridors.

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

None whatsoever.

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 elated!! I knew the awful weight issues I had would be resolved once and for all. I felt no anxiety - just happiness.

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

The only thing that bothered me was that I was so tired - sort of fatigued all the time. I told the nurse-practioner at my doctor's office about it and she reassured me that it was perfectly normal - and she was right. After about 3 weeks I had my energy back.

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

20 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.

My first problem was with raisins. I have also had problems with bread and asparagus. I am at a very good place right now - if I eat slowly, chew the food thoroughly and stop eating at the first feeling of fullness - I am fine. It has taken me almost 6 months to come to that simple conclusion. It is what is recommended for Lap-Band surgery, but I had to learn the hard way.

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

Not too good. I was really tired and had to force myself to exercise.

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

I used the protein powder until I could eat "real food" I take a multivitamin and extra calcium 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 none of these.

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

Waiting for the surgery - other than that nothing was negative.

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

I have attended some of the WLS support group sessions that my doctor has - but I find them too centered on RNY. I get my main support from the Obesity Help Lap band Message Board which I read several times a day. There are always answers to any question I have.

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

Really insignificant - and fading fast.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't lose any weight at all between Thanksgiving and Christmas - but unlike other years I didn't gain any either. Once I got back on track the weight loss continued.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Normal size people are not treating me differently but I do notice some heavy people are acting a little envious as they notice I have lost weight.