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

I found out from an article in the NY Times. I was skeptical but very curious. I went from there. Learned whatever I could and found the best surgeon in the world.

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

I had a 3 day hospital stay (even though my insurance approved me for 5 days). I had a private room (luckily). The nurses were great and attentive. I was at Mt. Sanai in New York City. They showed me the proper way to get out of bed, they made me walk (very important), they checked on me constantly. I think the most important things to bring are things that will make you comfortable. Bring very loose pajamas if you don't want to wear the gown. Bring your toothbrush! But don't go overboard by bringing stuff to read, and different articles of clothing. Bring only the bare nesecities like pj's and slippers. Leave jewelry at home!

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

I did not have any complications from the surgery. I came through fine. Sometimes I experience dizziness and my doctor said to drink more water and not change positions so fast! I am 6 months post op and feel really good.

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 didn't have too much anxiety. I wanted this so bad that I would not allow myself to feel anxiety. I was excited. It was something I worked hard for and waited a long time for. The only time I felt scared was the night before the surgery. But I kept telling myself that it would not be normal if I were'nt scared. Scared is NORMAL!

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

The physical pain from the surgery lasted about a week and half. After that, it got better every day. It was never so bad that I had to take pain killers. I think I took the pain meds only twice when I got home from the hospital. Someone with a low threshold for pain may find it excrutiating. It totally depends on the person and the type of surgery. But it was not lasting. It was very temporary. I did have trouble sleeping because I was forced to sleep on my back and I simply could not do it, because my leg would fall asleep and it would wake me up four and five times a night. So I never slept a whole night through for almost three weeks. That was rough. I experienced severe weakness three weeks post op. I could barely get up! I just had to force myself to go for short walks and drink a lot of fluids. It passed but that was the worst feeling of all.

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.

first two weeks I could only eat pureed foods like mased potatoes, very mushy tuna fish, baby food and jello. Now, I can eat almost whatever I want. My stomach cannot handle sugar, alcohol or greasy food (yay!). I sometimes have a lot of trouble with white meat chicken. I have only just begun to eat steak, which is yummier than ever!

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

Activity level was low. I would walk around the house just to keep the blood flowing, but I had a lot of weakness. It was a major adjustment for me, not having food! I felt like my body had no fuel and it was empty. It just wouldn't go!

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

Multivitamin, iron supplements, calcium, sometimes a B12, and I try to have protien supplements, but they are soooo gross!

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?

Sleep disturbance in the beginning was the worst! Then I had the trouble with constant weakness and fatigue, Now my hair seems to be falling out!

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

The waiting!

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

I have very small scars that seem to be healing fine. It was explained to me that I would have some small incisions. The one in my belly button you cannot even see.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I seem to be getting a little more attention from men.