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

The first time I heard of WLS was when my husband suggested it a few years ago to me. I thought he was so hurtful for suggesting for me to have this kind of surgery knowing the risks of it, etc. I thought he was so mean. Well, after trying and trying on my own and getting larger and larger, I decided to check into it. He was so shocked when I asked the doctor about it. His chin almost hit the floor. But, it was my choice then and not his. Best decision I ever made.

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

My stay at the hospital was great. Everyone treated me so well. I had surgery on a Tuesday and went home on a Saturday. I would recommend bringing chapstick, a few of your own pajamas, personal things such as brush, comb, robe, slippers, etc. Just things that you think might make you feel more comfortable.

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

I didn't have any complications from the surgery. When I got home, I had a few places on my incision get infected. The doctor called in some antibiotics for that and I cleaned my incision with soap and water and put a clean dry bandage on. It took a while to heal from the inside out, but, I did heal.

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 nervous, anxious, scared, happy, and thankful. I went to the chat room at obesityhelp.com and talked with others and it helped with my anxiety. Everyone there was great. I was so ready to have my surgery, that I didn't even cry before hand. I was so ready to start my new life.

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

My first few weeks home from the hospital were rough. I couldn't sleep in my bed for a while. It hurt too much. But, slowly but surely things got easier.

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

I traveled three and a half or so hours away from home. It makes it kind of hard being so far away, but, it is all worth it.

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.

I had pureed food in the hospital and after coming home. I ate mashed potatoes, soup, shaved deli meats, scrambled egg, beans, instant carnation sugar free breakfast drink with a half cup of dry milk and two cups of skim milk for more protein. Foods with sugar in them were off limits, also high fat foods made me sick. I am able to tolerate alot of things now that I am almost nine months out. I can eat extra lean ground chuck now. Unfortunately, I can even tolerate some sugar.

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

After surgery, when I started healing and feeling better, I felt great. I was able to walk and even felt like doing things that I shouldn't do because I had so much energy. I had to be careful and remember that I was still healing. I would tire easily after doing things, but would take a short nap and be ready to go again.

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

I take a one a day cvs multi vitamin, a trinsicon and try to drink milk for my calcium. I also drink instant carnation sugar free breakfast drink for extra protein.

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 didn't really have much of a problem with nausia. I did vomit from time to time when I would eat something that didn't agree with me, but not that often. I haven't had any sleeping problems. I would dump from time to time, but that would pass within 45 minutes or so. If I was able to lay down, I would until it passed. I have had some hair loss from about three months out to about seven months out. I think I am having some new hair growth now.

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

The worst part of the surgery was the pain when I woke up. I have had many surgeries, but this one was the roughest.

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

I can't travel to my support group because it is so far away and I work full time. The only support I have is obesityhelp.com. They have been great!

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

My scar is nine inches long. It is what I expected it to be. With all of my other scars, one more doesn't matter.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have many plateau's. I just keep telling myself that they will pass. They always do and usually when I am not losing weight I am losing inches. The plateau's last for two to three weeks sometimes and it varies when I have them. It may be after thirty pounds lost or even ten pounds lost. It varies.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people at work watch me to see what I am eatting and what I am doing. People do treat me differently now then when I was larger. I get alot of comments now.