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

I had first heard about it on a 60 minutes story a long time ago. At that time I thought it was a very drastic step to take.

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

My stay at the hospital was very unpleasant. I was put in a wing in the hospital which wasn't where I should have gone and the people who were supposed to be taking care of me really didn't know what to do for me. I knew better than them what was supposed to happen.

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

Not really complications. Everything seemed to go as planned, but I do have side affects. Mainly nausea and sometimes vomiting. I try to make sure I eat in a place where I can make a speedy trip to the restroom if needed. I avoid eating at restaurants at work. I bring my food back to my office in case I get sick.

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 very nervous about the surgery. I talked to a lot of people about it, but I only shared my real concerns about the surgery with my boyfriend. I seemed to eat everything I could hold before the surgery. I think that was both out of nervousness and just trying to make sure I "got everything in" before surgery.

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

I had my first follow-up appointment about 12 days after surgery. My surgeon met with me while I was having my staples removed and I met with the dietician after that. My next follow-up appointment at 12 weeks. This will be with the surgeon and dietician as well. Then I'll see them annually after that.

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

I have six small scars because my surgery was laproscopic. They seem to be healing well. The only thing I really didn't think to expect were the holes from the staples around the incision marks. It made the scars seem a bit worse, but they are improving.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After almost 2 weeks after surgery I'd lost 15 1/2 lbs. After 1 month I'd lost 29 lbs. After 8 weeks I'd lost about 39 lbs. and now after 9 weeks I've lost about 41 lbs. I don't really see a plateau, but I do see a steady slowing down of the weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I really haven't notices anyone really treating me differently yet. I do see that my family is happy with my progress.