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

I know I checked it out at least 13 years prior and I was scared to death of having it.

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

Iwas in the hospital for 5 days, for me it was mostly pleasant with a very caring staff. Bring a book, toothbrush,toothpaste, and some personal wipes.

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

Yes, I had an infection and an open wound for over 3 months, not the infection, the wound was open for three months. I missed more work than I had intended but I saw my surgeon at least once a week for the first 6 weeks and every two weeks after. I have supportive family and friends and I feel that that is what got me through this difficult time. Be open to them because they don't have a clue unless you talk.

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 did not feel anxiety. I was weak and tired but really babied myself and did not rush my life.

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

We have a WLS support group that meets once a month. It is good to have the support as there are things that only fellow survivors can share. We have a lot of fun and also serious time for those who need to talk

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

My scar is horizontal and goes from hip to hip. I have lost my navel.This not what I expected. I still sometimes feel pain there.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateau, it seems, at the same point that I would plateau when I gained weight. It can be discouraging, but it just means I may have gotten too laid back and expected the surgery to handle it all. I found that I needed to pay more attention to what I was eating and the amount of water I was taking in. Once I did this the weight started to come off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A great big DEFINITELY!!!! I don't know my true feelings on this either. On the one hand it is nice to be treated with respect now, but on the other hand why do people have to be so judgemental