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

I was talking to a lady at the health club about getting the surgery done..She seemed so happy with herself & I was getting to where I would do anything to not be as fat as I was getting..I was at the point where I was more openminded about having surgery for weightloss..

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was visiting my mother & I was having problems with my health taking car of her after her car accident..She also said she would support me in my decision...Would made all the difference in the world...For one thing she has had a weight problem all her life & wanted me to know that she respected my decision...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Dr. old me he only did one procedure & he had good results in it..So I said your the Dr..........

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I thought about dying in the operating room & what would happen to my girls? I also though the good outweighed the bad...I knew that I had to do it no matter what the risks...It was something that I had to do...Once I decided to have it I was okay with my fears up until I was waiting to have the surgery & the intern said I could change my mind as long as they didn't put me to sleep ...Of course i can't talk in my sleep anyway..Giggleeeee

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

I had a good experience in the hospital this time..At Gateway Medical Center they were mostly caring & considerate with me..I did things for myself & did get help when I needed it...So all in all it was good

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

I only had a hernia when i started & it had fluid on it when I went in for my first checkup & to get my staples out..Fluid started draining & got all over me @ my PCP office so I went to the Dr. that did my surgery & he told me to get an homecare person to come to my house to help me with my owee...She came to my house once & that was all I needed...That & sometimes I have sharp pains in my stomack when I exercise...

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

I was going to the support group in Clarksville once a month but, I haven't in a couple of months..Need to get back to it though

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

It looks like a frankinstien belly...But it could be worse though...I have not felt much pain it quite awhile...I have seen that it has gotten quite lighter than before...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had some plataus but not much..I haven't really kept track of the weight per say...I have just felt that my clothes aren't fitting like they use to and when I go to the Doctor is when I get weighted...That way if I am not losing like I think I should I won't be beating myself up for it...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes i have gotten more looks and also gotten to where I have been afraid of some people just because I can't hide behind myself...I have also noticed the friends that I had before aren't still friends but, some seem to like me more and others don't seem to like me at all...