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

I first heard from a fellow co-worker RN who had the surgery. She was a small petite girl and told me that she had once weighed 300lbs. I couldn't believe it! She said she had surgery and all my mind could think of was diarrhea. Recently another friend took me with her md visit as her support person and I know that surgery has changed over the last few years. I also had seen Rosanne and Carne Wilson who have both had the surgery.(Although the lap procedure) It really looked like it had changed and seems like a different procedure.

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

Being a registered nurse, I was more observant of the type of care received. In the recovery room, I had to beg for a mouth swab since I wasn't allowed liquids. The male nurse was off the floor more than he was on! I also had to tell the nurse that my iv had become infiltrated. I don't think they checked it on their post-op checks. I would raise my hand to ask for pain meds. I was greeted by a nice young nurse upon transfer to floor some 6 hours later. They had done 7 cases that day and the beds on the floor were not available in a timely manner. However, the nice nurse received me and then I didn't see her again. I was in a "big boy" bed and boy are they uncomfortable! I actually begged to come out of it and then slept in a recliner. I was not allowed to have anything to drink for 3 days. My throat closed in on the first post op night. It took forever for a nurse to come in to see me. In fact, I was told that they were very busy that night. In my days as a nurse, if someone's throat was closing in, that would be a priority to be checked. Perhaps there may be a compromising airway??? However, I was told to warm gargle, which did help. The first night is crutical. I have to say that with the nursing shortage, I would encourage folks to have a family member stay if possible. Most everything that I needed while in the hospital was provided by the hospital.

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

I was very lucky. I didn't have any complications other than indigestion and constipation. I took Tums, Pepcid and then prescription Prilosec for the heartburn. I took MOM for constipation and occasionally a stool softener.

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 had no anxiety. I felt better and better. I had so much energy that I painted my living room and dining room. I assisted my husband in putting a patio in our backyard. I walked everyday at our local walking trail.

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

I have not attended aftercare support groups. I understand there is one at the hospital where I had surgery, but that is an hour for me to get to it. My support came from going to work everyday and co-workers saying how nice I looked. I had frequent md visits for followup and lab.

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

My scar is about 6 inches long on my abdomen. I actually think it looks better than I thought it would. I thought it would be longer.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

One briefly after 50 pounds loss. I started exercising more and have not had one since.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes... I am not that the wallpaper any more.