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

My doctor first told me about the surgery in June of 1999. I dismissed it as another new fad and a risk I was not willing to take. However as the summer became intolerable I asked him to refer me to BTC. My initial impression of BTC was - "Wow, I can get my life back."

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 from Monday to Thursday. The first two days are kind of a blur. I was very apprehensive about losing the IV pain meds. and going to oral pain meds. but they worked just as well and my pain was controlled very well. The nurses were wonderful. I could not have had better care. (I am a nurse myself, so I know). Do not bring anything to the hospital except for the meds. you may need that may not be available in the hospital pharmacy. Check with the pre-op doctor. They will provide gowns, slippers, toiletries etc. You will not feel up to doing anything except watching TV. Magazines are nice but you drift in and out of sleep and are busy trying to tolerate the walking and eating.

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

I had no initial complications. Two months out, my OB/GYN discovered a staff infection, possibly from the hospital, but could have picked it up afterwards. She prescribed an antibiotic which worked well. Two weeks later I had excrutiating pain in the rectum. I went to my GP. Thinking it was internal hemorrhoids, since I had been having trouble with constipation since the surgery, he referred me to a GI surgeon. I had a scope done and the hemorrhoids wer rubber banded. All went well for a week and then the rectal pain returned with a vengence. I asked my GP if he thought the bacterial balance in my colon had been disrupted due to the antibiotic for the staff infection (I had a similar experience about 17 years ago). He then treated the pain as a bacterial imbalance and prescribed Diflucan, good bacteria capsules, and eating lots of yogurt with active cultures. I am finally getting some relief.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After finally getting my surgery date I concentrated on making plans in case of my death. I am raising three children by myself and wanted everything to be in order in case of the worst case scenario. Sounds morbid but it kept me busy and made my kids understand how important and serious this surgery was. My daughter was my support person and she was a rock. I thank God for her everyday.

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

I don't belong to a support group, but several people have contacted me because of this site and I have answered questions for them. One old friend even looked me up. She is having surgery in June. The renewed friendship is an added benefit.

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

My scar healed wonderfully. It is, of course, ugly but to me it represents saving my life. I actually cherish it and proudly show it when asked.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had one plateau. It lasted for three weeks. I do not find it upsetting because I expected it to happen. The best news it that during a plateau I am not gaining weight. I have lost about 70# at 6 months post-op. I know this is a little slower than most, but I figure my wrinkles will be slowed down too.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am treated very differently. As I mentioned earlier, my career has suffered because of obesity. Many people associate obesity with stupidity. All of a sudden my opinions are important, I am viewed as an intelligent, productive member of the team. I tend to believe that it was not my intelligence that was affected, but their attitude towards obesity.