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

My friend had it and I was very impressed. She was quite large and had good success with it

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 days.The hospital stay was great. My nurses were wonderful. The most important thing to bring would be housecoat and shoes. Because I did a lot of walking.

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

I had no complications with the surgery.

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 was very nervous and even teh day of the surgery I thought about backing out, but I went on through

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Well, the first day or two I lay around a lot. But I got up and did things too. I came home on a Friday from my surgery and was at work on Monday. But I have a very good job that I didn't have to do any lifting or strenuous activity.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

100 miles to have the surgery. Hasn't affected my after care at all.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I ate sugar free popsicles teh first day and then a scrambled egg. I could eat just about anything in the weeks and months to follow, I just remember to chew well.The only thing that really doesn't agree with me is pork chops. Steak adn chicken are wonderful to me. Oh and I can not hardly tolerate white bread. I do not know why, but it makes me sick at my tummy. But other than that I eat anything just about. Very limited sugar and caffeine. Water only. Some tea.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I went straight back to work so I was pretty active. Now after work I would make sure to lay down and rest.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Chewable multivitamin, Caltrate D chewable and sometimes, Vitamin E and a B supplement

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

So far nothing but hair loss. Well, my hair will grow back so I am not worried about it.I am about 3 months post op

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The test after surgery to see if you are leaking that you had to drink that nasty crap. It almost made me throw up. Very nasty.

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

I just keep up woith what is going on and talk with friends who are considering or have had it and share experiences and cooking tips

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

I have little bitty slits where they did the lap so not really a big issue

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well, right now I am in one. Not too bad though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, everyone is just very impressed with the amount of weight I have lost.