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

I found out about Bariatic Surgery through a co-worker of my mothers. I thought that it was very drastic means for weight loss, but wanted to know as much about it as possible.

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 very emotional. I was extremely tired everyday that I was in there and did not want to get up when I was told to walk. I did listen to the doctor's advice and walk to floors but I was in a lot of pain and under a lot of medication that made me very dizzy and feel sick. I was in the hopital for 4 days because I had a cathader and problems urinating after the surgery. I would have only been in there for 3 days otherwise. The most important thing that I brought to the hospital was my mother, she was the BEST support that I could have every had, and I will never forget that

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

The only complication that I had was the inability to urinate due to the knock out medicine. That was it, it did cause me have to stay in the hospital for one additional day, but that was it.

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 very nervous, but I just talked to my family and they were the best support that I could have ever asked for. It did not hit me what I was about to do until 3 days before the surgery date. I knew about 1 month in advance, but it did not "click" until 3 days before the surgery date.

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

I was very sore not in pain, but just very sore. I was also tired most of the time and the thought of drinking anything made me sick. I was not thirsty at all and had to force down the liquids.

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

I traveled 1 hour away to have my surgery. My family visited me everyday, so the distance was not to bad for me or my family.

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.

The first month was a pure liquid diet which included jello, broth, fruit juices, and water. I did not like pureed foods, so I just avoided them. The second month was mushy things like pasta noodles, tuna, canned chicken, cream of wheat, things like that. Month to month I would just add little things to see if I could tolorate them. I still can not drink plain milk and I am 1 year and 3 months post-op. Greasy food gives me problems and high fat content food also. Other then that I seem to be able to eat anything!!

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

Unfortunately, I did not join any support groups, I wish that I did in the begining, I could have used the support. The only feature that I use is this website and the Q and A postings. I like to answer them and give my advice as well as get advice for myself from other peoples postings.

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

My scar goes from my breast bone to my belly button. I knew what the scar would be like so it was no big scare except in the first weeks waiting for it to close up and heal was a little scarey.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

LUCKILY, I have not really hit any plateaus my doctor says that I am doing great and to actually begin to try to maintain. I am 1 year and 3 month post-op and he said that my goal now should be to maintain the same weight and try not to loose much more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES, definetly, it is very sad to know how different people treat you when you are overweight, no one pays attention to you and people can be very unkind. Now, I am noticed by the man and people hold the door for me instead of shutting it on me.