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

My dad told me about a woman where he works having bariatric surgery. I told him i didn't want my stomach stapled...i had heard of this being unsuccessful. But after talking to this woman, the procedure sounded pretty good to me. Dr. Aslam also performs the peniculectomy later on, after all the weight is gone. Big word, huh? It's just a tummy tuck. He takes off all the extra skin left from losing the fat. I was told of the risks and what to expect after the surgery. It didn't sound so bad. And if they could get my insurance to pay for the majority of it, all the better.

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 for 6 days. This is unusal. Usually it's only 3 days, but everyone's different. I wasn't passing gas, and i guess that's a big deal. I was walking the same night as the surgery. I was moaning a lot the first night, although i'm not sure why. I don't remember being in pain. I think maybe i was still out of it from the anasthesia. There was a lot of liquid medicine (yuck) and finally the iv came out. I was asked to cough to get the liquid out of my lungs. I was also given a plastic thing with a tube to blow into to maximize my lung capacity. I can't say that i did this as much as i was supposed to. I was punished. For the next 2 days, i was visited by someone from Respiratory to pound on my back to loosen up the junk in my lungs. Every 4 hours this went on. Yes, through the night too. Other than this complication, the nurses were great. OH, and there was a wonderful CNA who helped me bathe, walk, and was very compassionate. There were also huge johnnies, so they actually went around my whole body. They still opened in the back, but nurses were quick to tape me up if too much was exposed on my walks.

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

I didn't have much for complications. After i got home, i had some gas which was alleviated by walking. I have also vomited quite a bit. We have done lots of tests to find out why, such as x-rays and sticking the scope down my throat. I guess it's just the way i reacted. I started taking zinc for hair loss. I took it for 3 days and all 3 days i vomited everything up. Needless to say, i stopped taking it. Other than that, i just have to be careful to not overeat and eat slowly, things you're supposed to do anyway.

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 wasn't worried at all. The first nervousness i felt was when i was in the pre-op area. Even when they were putting in the iv and the catheter i was giggling. My mother was a great support. After the surgery, both my parents were wonderful. They continue to support and encourage me.

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

There is a monthly support group. The only problem is it meets while i am working, and i can no longer go unless i swap hours at work. As far as importance and helpfulness, the support group is high on my list. It is even more helpful before surgery.

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

My scar goes from the bottom of my cleavage straight down to above my bellybutton. It's about 6 inches long. It seems kind of grotesque to me, but my fiance doesn't seem to mind. Didn't i mention him?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am four months postop, and i haven't had any plateuas yet. I am kind of amazed every time i weigh in that there is always a weigh loss. To be honest, i am not exercising as much as i should. It is winter here in Maine, and i hate the cold. I can't wait to get outside this spring.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone is complimenting on my looks at work. I have lost 89 pounds so far. I have almost reached my first goal of being under 300 pounds. My dad calls me skinny. My fiance is from England...i met him on the internet last June. We don't physically see each other often, and he is afraid he won't recognize me when we see each other again. I tell him my heart is the same...and i'll make a big sign for him at the airport. :)