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

Had a girlfriend here at work who was going to have it so I paid attention. I watched her shrink down when she was so big and realized that if I was ever to become a "human sized" person, it's the way I'm going to have to go.

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

I was there for 2 days...short stay and hated being hooked up to the IV machine and have to ask someone to disconnect me so I could pee.

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

Absolutely 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?

I decided to put my life in the hands of God and Dr. Oh...didn't stress at all. I was excited but never felt anxiety.

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

Well, I seem to be far from the norm on this surgery. I slept on the sofa or in my bed. Never had a problem getting up and going to the bathroom. Only problem was getting in the amount of water that I needed and that was it. I had gas but it's a good think I lived alone so I could relieve it without feeling embarassed.

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

I was driven from home to the hospital in 5 minutes. I was glad I was in the same town as Dr. Oh and St. Francis hospital.

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 was on a liquid diet for 4 weeks. I had my shakes and vitamins but no solid food. I went crazy before the 4 weeks was up. Glad I could chew on popsicles. After 4 weeks I was on soft foods. Mashed potatoes never tasted so good. I couldn't tolerate pasta or rice but scambled eggs, canned soups even refried beans with salsa went down very well. Now, at 4 months out, meat still bothers me even though I chew it to a liquid so I'm sticking with eggs, cheese, beans and tofu for my proteins.

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

The first week I only wanted to sleep. Taking a shower took a lot out of me but I would get that walk in even if it was just around the parking lot. After 2 weeks I was ready for a longer walk and went back to work too.

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

I'm on: 3 Active Kids chewables a day 2 Calcium 2 B-stress 1 150 mg iron 1 B-12 sublingual per week 3 30-gram protein drinks per day (I try to get in 3 but never less than 2.)

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 nausea once and threw up in the middle of the night at the hospital. None since then. No sleep disturbances, no dumping because I don't eat sugar, my hair loss is minimal but since I keep up on my 3 protein drinks a day, I think I'm keeping it minimal.

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

Just getting in the water I'm required to each day. Still a problem for me. I have no complaints about this surgery and if I had to have it again today (4 months later) I'd do it in a minute.

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

I do a myriad of online groups. I can contact them from my work or at home. I dislike driving 15 miles to go to one once a month. I do have a gal at work who started one up. We're #8 so far as having the surgery and #9-11 will be having it soon. We laugh and talk about gas and people's reactions. We had a good time.

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

I have 5 1/2" scars but I think they'll get even smaller with the help of Vitamin E and 1 itsy bitsy one that I'm assuming was from the drain. It's exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

First week I lose 20 lbs of water weight. After that, I plateaued for about 2 weeks and have lost basically 5 lbs a week since.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People tend to smile at me more now. Maybe because I'm happier than I was. I look people in the eye more too. Men seem interested in me now and I catch some of them staring when they think I'm not looking...but I am. =)