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

i heard about carnie wilson, nad had to know more, so i researched every aspect of the surgery. i was apprehensive for 8 months, but after i met my doctor and attended his support group, i set a date for surgery

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 3 days and i hated it. i was uncomfortable and the nurses were so busy with the overflow of patients, it was hard to get help when i needed it. the most important things to bring are; a toothbrush, wash wipes,a pillow,and very comfortable large clothing to wear home..

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

no

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 so excited about the whole thing that i prepared myself a month before by walking a little each night and drinking alot of water. i went to food stores to see what types of health foods are out there, since i was used to mcdonalds for most of my meals..lol..my anxiety level was high, but i thought of all the benefits of losing weight.

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

my first few days home were rough. i was feeling yucky and had no appetite. by the second week i was able to walk about 2 miles and felt good. the liquid diet at this time is annoying but necessary. by the fourth week i was feeling great.

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

3 miles

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 can tolerate almost everything i have tried. salad and fresh fruits are the easiet for me. eggs are good too. i cannot have sugar added products and bread is a no no.

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

it varies due to fibromyalgia/cfs

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

biotin, vitamin c, vitamin e and 1 flintstones chewable 3 times a day

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?

i am only 7 weeks out, so i am starting to lose a little hair, but my nails look great!! no problems whatsoever except constipation! i do not think i have dumped yet..

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

the first 2 weeks after surgery...the incision hurts...

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

i attend a support group set up by my doctors office. we meet once a month and i do not know what i would do if i did not have that support

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

my scar is thin but long. yes it is what i expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet...only 7 weeks

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet