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

I had researched the idea about ten years ago, but the outcome was not as promising as it is today.

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

Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA My surgery was done and I was supposed to be there 3 days, I was there for 6 days, home for 3, then back in for 5 more!!! Chap stick, extra underwear, feminine product (it is common to start, right after surgery) phone card.

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

I had tremendous bleeding, they gave me a transfusion (I wish I had donated my own blood beforehand) They also went back in to surgery to locate the source of the bleeding, it turned out to be a bad reaction to Heparin. I got a terrible infection at the drain site, because of all the excess blood. That required the site being cut larger twice to allow for better drainage. That had to be packed 3 times a day for 3 weeks. I also had pneumonia and terrible diharrea for which I was given I.V. antibiotics. When I got home, I had feeling that would remind a woman of being pregnant, after I began taking Prilosec I felt much better.

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 could not wait, I felt like I was giving myself a new lease on life.

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

I work at a Catherine's Plus Sizes store and I am fortunate enough to see many who are post and pre-op. I had terrific support from them, my family, friends, etc. I think without this, I would have been very depressed.

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

I had 5 small stab wounds, but when they did an emergency exploratory surgery two days post op, they added two more. I had an infection at the drain site that had to be enlarged twice. It is not gorgeous but I can live with it!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at 55lbs. I kept wondering what I was doing wrong, but then I added more exercise and I started to lose again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel that I don't get stared at by strangers as much. My family and friends are so thrilled for me that they cry when they see me! My coworkers ignore my surgery, one of them I think has some issues with it, since I now take her size, I think she was more comfortable with me being the biggest! My husband is great, he notices every little spot that is smaller, or gone, bones we never felt before-it is fun!