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

I thought it would be "magic" IT WAS NOT!

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

Hospital was great. People there were wonderfully caring & I went home in 3 days. Take a good book, and a confortable robe of your own from home. I needed nothing they were so helpful.

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

My complications were not from surgery. I had problems with the morphine self pump thing. Had it taken off first day, went to liquid pain releiver. Didn't need that for long either.

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 great after 2 weeks! It got bad later.

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

I did really good. I went home, took care of myself, allowed myself to rest & recover. Lot's of things change in this time. Weight loss is rapid and you are excited, but tired too. Be kind to yourself.

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

less than 2 miles. The hospital is right down the street. I was very lucky.

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

I take 3 Flintstones COmplete everyday, Calcium, Vitamin B, Co-Q-10. I also have had to have Thiamin injections due to deficiency. THIS ONE IS ABSOLUTELY FRIGHTENING PEOPLE!!

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 had no nausia, I haven't vomitted since surgery (1+ year ago) I lost ALL OF MY HAIR, I got very sick 2 months after surgery with a SEVER thiamine deficiency. I became so ill, I could no longer walk, my thought processes are effected and I now have what Dr's are stating may be permanent nuerological damage. I do NOT SLEEP, I cannot walk correctly, I have no balance. I fall down alot. My liver count has been extremely high for a year now, my blood work shows auto-immune problems, which we have not been able to locate yet.

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

The neglect of medical care I received AFTER I became ill.

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

There is no adequate aftercare. They totally forget you.

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

I have 6 small scars, lap done

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Due to nutritional deficiencies and my eating requirements to fight that, I have been on a plateau for at least 9 months. I am just now cleared to even try to lose more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they do. Some are good, some are bad.