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

I'm very impressed with it. I found out about it through Spotlighthealth.com website.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This was my last option. Nothing else was working for me.

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

I enjoyed my stay in the hospital, except for the first day after my surgery. I was in for six days including the day I left.

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

I ended up haveing three surgeries. I had to have my gall bladder removed, a hernia repaired as well as my open rny.

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 didn't feel any different until i was about three days before surgery. I just wanted to get the hard part over with and start new.

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

The first few days were the most painful. Each day became easier and easier. You should definately take it easy and don't rush yourself. I went back to work after three weeks which was still a bit too soon.

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

I live in Connecticut. I had my surgery in New Jersey. I travelled about sixty miles each way. So far, distance has not affected my aftercare 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 am suppose to be on a puree diet. I find it is hard to find foods that I can eat but I do manage. I cannot tolerate at this time foods like sweet peas, carrots, broccoli, etc. I ma finding a tolerance for potatoes, I eat lots of mashed potatoes, refried beans, as long as they are mashed, and soups.

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

I am at the moment just walking.

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

I am taking two children's chewable vitamins w/iron.

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 having a hard time eating slowly which will cause me to vomit.

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

Seeing foods that I can no longer eat.

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

I don't attend any support groups but I do read Spotlighthealth.com and this website.

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

I have a scar beginning from my sternum down to my navel because I had my gall bladder removed and a hernia repaired as well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

If I've been on any plateaus, I didn't know about them, because I refuse to weight myself. I only weigh in when I go for check-ups with my doctor.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have lost so far one hundred pounds. Yes, I'm starting to notice people treating me differently. People don't stare at me, especially, children.