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?

My fears about the surgery were not so much of dying, I did think about that, but I understood the statics and I figured a .5% chance of death was better than what I had being morbidly obese for the next 30 years. I was more afraid of being in a lot of pain and going back in the hospital and being an inconvience to my family. I was concerned about complications but I had a lot of faith in my surgeon and I talked to many many people before surgery. I also prayed a lot and had others pray for me, that helped tremendosly.

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?

My husband was very supportive. He wanted me to do whatever would make me happy. He knew that I was very unhappy living in a fat body and I was not healthy. My mom was supportive but I could tell she was really worried. She isn't a worrier and she says now she wishes she had spent more time researching the surgery for herself and less time worring about it. That is the best adivice I can give, have your loved ones read everything they can get their hands on, go to meetings with you, look stuff up on line. Don't just sit there and worry, be pro active, find out the answeres to your worries. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Mat 5:27) The rest of my family, sister, aunts and close friends had concerns but they were all very happy for me. After surgery everyone was great. People at church brought over meals that my family really apprieciated, I just salivated over them. My parents and in laws were great about helping with my kids and everyone has been wonderfull. It's nice to hear "Wow, you look great" or "Everytime I see you you've lost more weight". You never get tired of that.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. I had surgery on June 10th and was home by June 12th. The only thing I can think of to be sure and bring is lip balm. You are NBM (Nothing By Mouth) until the leak test. You have the leak test whenever they get around to getting you down to X-Ray. So your mouth is pretty dry and parched even though you have little sponges to wet your lips and mouth with.

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

No complications at all!!

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 elated to have a surgery date, I wanted them to take me sooner. I deal pretty well with things, I just didn't think about the pain or what I was getting ready to do. I didn't have anxiety because I was to excited. I never for one minute had second thoughts, I knew this was right for me and there was no turning back. I did however eat everything in sight, I was afraid when I went formy pre-op I would weigh 50 pounds more. :-)

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

2 1/2 hours. I haven't been as good with my yearly visits. But my intial aftercare was fine, no problems.

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

For probably a year after surgery I attended a support group and I really did find it helpfull. It helped me remeber where I started and how far I've come. It also helped me to chat with others who are just starting the journery and some who have been down the road a lot longer than me. I think I would benefit me to continue to attend meetings because I've slipped some and I think it would be helpfull to get back on track.

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

My scars were tiny, I had 4 or 5 (they are gone now due to a tummy tuck). They weren't anything to get upset about, it's not like I was going to wear a bikini anyway. LOL.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am probably on one now, it's been 4 years (I think), and I am on a plateau. I would like to loose 25 pounds or so and I can't seem to get it off. I'm really not very motivated. I used to see those diet commercials, the ones were the skinny little woman smiles from ear to ear and says "I lost 20 pounds". I would just grit my teeth and say 20 pounds WOW! BIG DEAL! Now I'm the one wishing I could loose 20 and realizing how difficult that really is. When you are 300+ pounds loosing 10-20 pounds isn't that hard but when you are 190 it's a bit harder. (I'm 5'11 so 190 isn't horrible for me but 170 would be better).