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

I was first introduced to bariatric surgery about 6 years ago when a friend at work expressed interest in having it done. I was so against it. I thought only people with no will power would ever do that even though I was extremely overweight at the time. I tried to discourage her and talk her out of it. Then a friend of mine in another state called out of the blue one day and said she had wls and had already lost 45 pounds. She was so happy. It was about 2 weeks later that I heard an advertisement on the radio about surgical weightloss. I called the number and spoke to the volunteer about my weight and the surgery. I suddenly changed my mind.

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

My hospital stay was from Wednesday thru Monday. All went well until the weekend. I'm not too sure what happened. My Dr. told the nurses to put me on pureed diet on Saturday and on Monday morning when he came in to see me, I was still on water. Needless to say, he was upset. As was I, since I had no chance to try food until right before I left the hospital at 6 p.m. that night. The most important thing to bring to the hospital with you is your sense of humor. You'll need it especially when you look at yourself in the mirror and can't stand up straight. You've got to keep it all in perspective. Also bring reading materials. TV gets pretty boring. At least it did to me.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 felt pretty good. The only thing that really bothered me was how tired I was. After taking a shower, I'd need to take a 3 hour nap just to give myself enough energy to sit up in the chair. It seemed to take way longer to not feel that way than I expected. I was never depressed because I couldn't have a particular food or anything. I was so ready for this surgery, I really never missed the eating part.

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

I belong to the New Beginnings Support Group. Most of the friends who attend are either patients of or have someone they care about being seen by Dr. Ediger. We meet once a month and each month the numbers keep getting larger. I feel that it is the most important meeting other than my church meetings that I go to. The support I receive from the people who attend is amazing. Some of these people have been through so much more that I have, and they have so much to give. I learn from them each and every time I attend one of the meetings. I have not missed one yet. I've been attending since January 1999. When I have a question, when anyone has a question, there are so many wonderful people to answer in a way that is compassionate and caring. There are no "taboo" topics. We've all been there and we all know of the problems that we have due to our size. The friends we have at our support group are just that, "friends" that have been there and are only here to help others.

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

It is longer that I expected. It goes from the bellybutton to my breastbone. It is slightly raised, but not too much. It looks pretty good for only being 7 1/2 months old.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

In the past 2 months I have only lost 4 pounds. Must to my dismay. I know that I need to exercise and really watch what I put in my mouth. This last 30 pounds has/is proving to be the most difficult in getting rid of.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

DEFINATELY!I am not avoided when I enter a store or restaurant. People don't stare in disgust. (At least not that I am aware of) I am more included in things at this point.