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

Saw Carnie Wilson on 'Entertainment Tonight". Initial impression was curiosity.

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

My stay in the hospital is a blur....I was kept pretty sedated for most of the time. In for 3 days. I guess a toothbrush was most appreciated. I brought reading material, but spent most of the time sleeping.

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

Just some diahrea immediately after the surgery.....the nurses were very helpful and understanding. Nausea and vomitting about 3 weeks post op. Doc just kept telling me to eat and drink my protien drinks until I got through 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 and anxious. I found my appetite decreased due to the anxiety, so I didn't really eat a lot more than usual.

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

My Doctor started a support group meeting. We have had 3 meetings, and I find I am one of the veterans now.......I tend to coach the people there investigating the surgery. I feel it is important to attend and see how everybody is doing including myself.

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

Six very small incisions that are very nearly healed. They are exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.......I have had a pretty continuous weight lost, very consistant. No complaints.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People that didn't know me before seem to be nicer than people that did know me before the surgery. After the surgery, I had a great support system of family, friends, and co-workers. I think I treat myself differently now. There is definitely a prejudice towards fat people.