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

I first found out about the surgery from watching the discovery medical and other Before/after shows. I was horrified at first I thought that you had to be pretty desperate with yourself if you let someone destroy your stomach like that, but the results were amazing. I would watch it over and over again wishing that I had the guts to go through with something like that. In fact I watched the show so many times my husband that he could preform the surgery for me HAHAHA!

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 3 days. It was kinda of strange at first because the bed they have you in makes you feel like you are going to fall out of it. It did me. I kept thinking it will be like what I had read on the website well it is a little different everywhere you go. I did not get a popsicle like everyone else did. It is very important to take houseshoes or slippers with you to the hospital. You will be getting out of that bed same day as the surgery. Second day I went to get my swallow test done and I had to go to the other side of the hospital in this flimsy hsopital gown(hated that). Anyway I was given a bottle of Propr\el and told to sip on it every 15 minutes. Then I was able to go home on the 3 day and I was so glad. The nurses were very nice and very helpful just glad to be in my own bed. House shoes and a comfortable outfit to wear home is all you need to take with you.

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

I really didn't have any complications other than when the doctor was in there I had something that wouldn't clot fast enough for the doctor but he said that he was able to fix that and I haven't had any more problems as of yet. God has truly blessed me.

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, I was suprised that my insurance had not taking as long as some. They were ready for me to get it over with. The Lord had answered my prayers. They had to change my date once but I was okay with that. The closer the date got the more anxious I got but I would throw myself into cleaning, cooking or just vegging in front of the tv. I didn't get scared until I was laying on the table and the doctor was there talking with me asking if he could pray with me and I say Hopefully yes.

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

This is a perid of adjustment. I say don't expect to much. Your body is weak and trying to adjust to the trauma that you just caused it to go through. My first couple of weeks were a little challenging. It's just like having your first child. You are not used to something waking you up every two hours to eat but we all adjust fine and this is what we have to do as WLS people. Just give our bodies time to adjust and work with the tool you have been given.

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

My surgeon was a local surgeon. I only had to take a 20 minute drive. I was very lucky.

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.

To be honest with you I have not had that many changes. Sugar is tolerable to me but I have made it off limits. I cannot do red meats now. I used to be able to eat a steak every week not anymore. Carbonated drinks are strictly a no-no for me. In the beginning I couldn't eat mac and cheese it would make me sick, but now I can tolerate it well. My taste buds have not changed I still crave the carbs, but I offroad it with beef jerky. Which I tolerate extrmely well.

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

When I first got home all I wanted to do was lay around about 3-4 days of that and I was bored the more I got up and moved around the more I wanted to be up and moving around. I just keep getting more energy as my journey progresses. This surgery has been the best thing I could have done for myself.

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

Vitamist multi Vitamins Viativ Calcuim and multi vitamins Walmart brand Calcuim pills ( Very hard to swallow) Liquid calcium and Multi-vits from local Health Store

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?

The hair loss is the worst for me. I am still coping with it and I am 6 months post op and I am hoping that it will end soon hopefully. I have tried to keep a postive outlook on the whole journey. If you dwell on the negative you will get yourself down. This surgergy will work for anyone if you work with it. I let GOD have all the depression and let him keep up with it all.

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

The worst thing about the whole process is the waiting. Not knowing if you will be approved or not. So far so good for me I have not let this thing own me. I am a regular human just like if I had not had this surgery and I want to be treated as such. I don't weigh myself but every month and that way I don't get upset if I gain 1/2 lb because I am losing or staying the same.

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

I have the OH website. They ahve been extremely helpful and very open. There is a no holds barred on this website and that is great when there is someone in need of help.

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

I have 2 scars on my tummy that hasn't lightened up at all but that is ok too. They are exactly like what I thought they would be like.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None that I am aware of.. Like I said to prevent Plateaus don't weigh every day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed that I get noticed whereas before I was just a part of the scenary. As far as treating me any differently I am not so sure. I am an outspoken person and It is not so obcious that it has come to my attention.