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

I have a friend who had the surgery some 20 years ago. She had lost a lot of weight and she told me how it changed her life.

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

I had surgery early Wednesday morning and I went home Friday at noon. The first day is the roughest. It feels like someone punched me in the tummy. Getting up to walk around was a little hard but I was ready to get on with my life and chose not to "lay" around. Personal items are nice to have there. Books, magazinnes, robe, toothbrush, shampoo, etc...

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

None

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

It has been two weeks and I get a little nervous thinking about the limit amount of food intake. I want to live a healthy lifestyle that include certain foods. I just know that the portions have halted to a teaspoon of this or that. Habits are hard to break.

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

I talk to a friend who had it done in Jan 2002. She gives me a lot of advise.

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

I have 6 small wounds as I had it Laparascopic. Each wound had 2-3 staples after surgery. They itched!!!!! Had them taken out 7 days after surgery. I don't mind the small wounds.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I don't feel any different. I don't feel like I had the surgery. I don't feel hungary anymore. Not even at meal time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! I have a little attitude by those who are envious. They want the surgery but don't have insurance. I see envy and jealousy.