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

I had friends that was having or had the WLS and I thought no way. I would never go thru that no matter how much I weigh. As time went on I changed my mind as I saw what great things it was doing for them. I started checking into it and everything made a believer out of me and decided to have the WLS for myself.

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

Everyone was very nice to me and helped me with whatever I needed. The bed was comfortable and hugh so I had no trouble with getting in or out of it, just sore from the operation and it was hard to move around. I had to start walking the first day and every day that I was there. They kept electrical boots on me that helped the circulation in my legs and kept those tight hospital hose on my legs. They did everything they could to see that I was comfortable and took every precaution to keep me from getting any blood clot. They all made sure I was cared for at all times. I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am on Wednesday 5-25-03 and was released on Saturday 5-28-03. You need to take something very loose to wear home, ie, robe or dress don't take anything that has a tight waiste because of your incision, shoes that have good bottoms so that you won't slip or fall, brush or comb, moisturize cream for your face or anything for personal care you might want. Don't take any medication for they will give you what you have been taking.

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

I had no complications after surgery. I did a lot of walking as the doctor instructed me to to help take away the soreness and to keep from getting any blood clot.

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

Excited, anxious, scared. I knew that for my health that I had to have this surgery and this was my opportunity to have this better health and the weight loss was just a by product of this surgery. I knew I was more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other health problems if I didn't get this surgery. I had made peace with it and was excited when they took me down to the operating room, I had no fear or dread.

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

The surgeon that did my WLS has a meeting every Monday evening at 6:00 for all who want to come. There is usually 25 to 40 people there. He answers all your questions and fills you in on new information and you fellowship with others that has had this surgery or has a surgery date. There is also a web sight for him and you can contact him or anyone else thru this web sight. Others post their questions and how they are doing since their surgery and those that are pre op tell how they are feeling about the surgery and if anyone has any sugestions. It is very helpful to be able to contact others that have had the same surgeon to hear what they have to say and the same for the Monday night meetings.

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

My scar is much smaller now than when I first had the surgery because of the weight loss. It is about 1/4 inch wide and about 7 inches long. It is what I expected as the surgeon had already discussed this at the meetings.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm 5 months post op and have had no plateau experiences.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No-the only difference is that they can't believe I've lost so much weight and am looking so good and thin.