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

I researced the internet. I was all for the surgery from the start.

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

My hospital stay was mostly spent in ICU after going into diabetic ketoacidosis,having to be placed on a ventilator, developing pneumonia,and started having kidney failure. My total days spent in the hospital were 10. I feel like this was exceptional due to the extent of my illnesses. I know that I almost died but, I was not expecting a long lifespan the way things were going so the surgery was a hope or chance for a better future or should I say the only chance for a future. The hospital staff were wonderful, very helpful, very knowledgable. The most important things I found to take were confortable clothes, house slippers because you have to get up and walk asap. and lip balm because you are npo for the first day and boy do you lips get dry.

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

no, none from the surgery. Had complications from other illnesses.

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 got my approval so soon I really didn't have time to get anxious. I was very excited.

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

I was sore, had problems sleeping because I am a stomach sleeper. I had trouble getting down those shakes plus they caused severe diahrrhea and gas. Threw up any food that I tried.

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

About 88 miles, It has had no effect on my aftercare. My Dr. is just a phone call away or e-mail

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.

Could eat soup,liquids,jello, pudding, and believe it or not crackers. I have had trouble with all kinds of meat. I can eat something one time and the next time I throw it up. I keep wondering how you can eat two bites of something and then throw up for three hours after

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

I tried to walk everyday. But as an asthmatic who never got any excercise. It has been slow. But I have found out I feel much better when I do walk it seems to give me more energy. You know the old saying the more you do the more you can do.

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

2chewable multivitamins a day plus a b-12 tablet

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?

Well I am about 8 weeks post op and I continue to throw up severly. I haven't had any nausea just pain and have to throw up untill my stomach is empty then the pain goes away. I am staying close to home I wouldn't even venture out on christmas to visit because when you know you are going to throw up you don't want to be away from home.

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

pain afterwards

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

I have a support group that meets once a month. although I havent been yet since I am only 8 weeks post op and just getting over the other complications like pneumonia I was unable to travel the 88 miles because of the extreamly bad weather and flash flooding. I do intend to go as much as possible. I would like to say that this site has been extreamly helpful to me, and the pictures are so supportive and encouraging along with the testimonials.

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

Lap Roux en Y five small 1" scars. Yes this is what I expected and why I wanted this type of surgery. I already had an 18" scar on the right side from gallbladder sugery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost 30 lbs in about 8 weeks. It seems to stay the same for a week the just disappears overnight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No