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

Saw an ad on tv and was afraid at first. Then I met a employee at another doctors office that had it done and really became interested since she had done so well. I got all of the information that I could from her about where she had surgery done and her doctor. That's when it all started.

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

I was at OSU in Columbus, Ohio and they were absolutely wonderful to me. I had no complications and was only there 3 days.

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

None

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Nervous, but I knew that this was my last chance to have a healthy normal life, so I told myself that each day until the actual surgery date.

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

Just take it easy and you'll recover quicker. I was tired for probably 3 wks, but the pain wasn't any big deal and I just did exactly what the doctor told me to do and did fine. Never nauseated or anything.

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

100 miles, no problem going back for care, but just a bit of a problem driving home after being released. But it was worth it 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 never had a problem with any of the food changes along the way. As long as I did as I was told it all went well. The only problem that I have had is that eating ham feels heavy so I don't eat it, but it didn't make me sick. I still don't drink pop, just doesn't feel right.

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

After 2 wks I got around the house and pretty much did whatever I needed to do, just no lifting. After 6 wks I started walking small distances and have been walking ever since. I'm up to 3 mi daily now and even some weight training.

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

A multivitamin every day thats all.

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 had no problems with N&V or sleep, but at about 4 mo out I had some hair loss. No biggie since I have very thick hair and after a month it seemed to slow down and I can't really tell a difference in my hair.

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

The worry before surgery that I might die during surgery, that was the worst. The best feeling in the world was when I woke up and knew that I was alive and saw my family. I knew then that I was home free and on my way to a new life.

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

Support group in Columbus is the best, but I have also been to the one here in Portsmouth. It hasn't helped me that much, my nutritionist in Columbus has been the most help and support to me. Also a friend I met on the site has been the most help of all. That's Valerie Curry.

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

I had Lap so there's not much of anything other than the few stab marks and it's nothing compared to most scars.Dr.Scott Melvin did a great job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Things have slowed down after 7 mo, but never a plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes some are friendlier and some avoid me like there might be some envy, but I'm learning to accept it all.