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

I had watched Entertainment Tonight with the segment about Carney Wilson. I went to the website that was referred on the program. I researched the Internet and read some articles, but I was SCARED! I have been through so many failures in my life - would this fail me as well? I would have to take vitamins every day, eat protein, no carbonated beverages - to live without soda - How could I possibly do that. Well about a year later, it was still on my mind and Carney Wilson looked fantastic - I had come to terms that I needed to do something and this was my last resort.

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

I am a hospital employee and I thought the nursing staff was so wonderful! I had a few problems - the surgeon sends his patient's for a swallow test which is done in Radiology - 1 day postop. The substance that you must drink is gastrogaffin and they watch it as it goes through your digestive system. Besides this substance, being the worst stuff on earth - I failed the test. It wouldn't progress past my stomach. They tilted the table sat me up - nothing would work. Then sent me upstairs to wait it out. Only problem is I threw up everybit of the gastrogaffin. Another thing was my IV blew - I was a pin cushion and after three nurses trying, heating packs on both of my arms - a resident decised to put in a femoral line at 2:00 a.m. Day number 3 - it was a repeat of the day before. I was sent down for the test - which I failed again and more vomiting. I was given ice chips - which were the best tasting ice chips I have ever had! Day number 4 I was on call for the OR. I was so happy that this problem might be fixed. It was mucous blocking the exit from the new pouch. Day number 5 - more ice chips and this wonderful substance called JELLO! Who could have thought jello could be so good? I was discharged home that afternoon and we went right to bed, my husband and I and the 3 cats. Life is good!

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

None other than pulling an abdominal muscle. I probably did that trying to get in and out of bed. I bought an abdominal binder which helped quite a bit.

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 exhausted. I would go to vacuum the living room and then go take a nap. I really didn't have any anxiety. I had an online support group and what I was experiecing seemed to be normal.

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

The Obesity Center has a support group. They all seem like wonderful people and have some helpful hints. I think support groups are greatly needed because it is helpful to talk to others who have gone through this journey.

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

I had my procedure done LAP. I have 6 short scars which are still red, but they are faiding. It is just want I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far, but I still have a long way to go.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are noticing the weight loss, but I still think there are others out there who can be mean to people who are obese.