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

I got a calander from Kane Community Hospital last year and it was in the January section. There was a big write up being new to the community. I called the office for more info.

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

The people at Kane hospital were wonderful. I spent most of my time in the ICU unit. I was there for four days. I think the most important thing to bring is your own night clothes and white socks. I am never comfortable in hospital gowns... Those girls every day would help me get into my own nightshirt.

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

My surgery was in June and August I developed a stricture. I could not keep anyting down at all. I went and had a esopigeal dilitation, I went home the same day. The following day I was eating crab legs.

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 was still scared after the surgery date. It was really wierd. There I was teaching myself to eat again. And of course I had my family and friends trying to guide me. I think that the most anxiety came from people like at work, the acceptance that what I had done. I heard anything from "you are going to kill yourself, how could you do that" to" way to go Jul." I finally figured it out, I WAS HAPPY FOR ME AND I DID THE RIGHT THING : )

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

I do not know what I would have done without my husband, George..my family.. and Cindy Johson ( a staff member at Liv lite in Kane and my "sister") It is soo important to have a cheering section especially the first couple of months.

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

It is kinda big, 10 inches. I expected something big. Dr Labrie made it very clear that it would be a long incision. If that was what it took to make me a healther person it was worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I would now and then hit a plateau during my first 100. When I went to surgery I measured my hips, thighs, arms, waist etc.. When you are in a plateau you may still loose some inches. Besides I was told that it was ok to plateau, this is when your body need to regroup before anymore weight should come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some do, there are going to be people in this world that are into superfical apperances. I know who is my true friends and have been with me through thick and thin.