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

I heard about it from a lady at work. My first thought was "that must be for people who have no willpower". Pretty funny coming from someone who weighed 331 pounds.

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

I was in the hospital for two nights. I was kept not from the surgery but because I developed anemia and they wanted to run some further test.

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 knew this was something I had to do. I was nervous because I had never been put to sleep.

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

I belong to two support groups. One that my surgeron does and one that is for lap-banders only from all over the DFW area.

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

My scars are going away nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I suffered a plateau about two weeks after surgery. Once I was allowed to eat mushies...I increased my caloric intake and began losing weight again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just the compliments!