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

I had heard about it many years ago and only thought it was for the weak.

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

My stay in the hospital was ok. I did not sleep very much. I was there 6 days. The most important things I brought were my pillow, a stuffed animal and a cell phone.

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

not really

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 was still scared for quite a few weeks of the food. But with paitence and trial and error things got better.

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

We have a support group that meets every Thursday night in Boston. Which just for the record almost a 2 hours drive each way. When the psychologist said I had to go to these meetings. I got him to go along with everyother week. Mostly because of the travel. But also I felt I did not need it. WRONG! After the 1st 2weeks I have been going every week since last September. It has been my backbone. If I were on the team it would be manditory or you couldn't have the surgery. The care group I did not feel the same about. I felt for the longest time that they were not hearing me or addressing my needs. However, that was my fault, because I was having a hard time expressing those needs. Thing are better now.

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

It is my badge of courage

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau for about 3 1/2 weeks. Again I brought this on myself. I had it in my mind that if I ate less I would loss more. FORGET IT! The food is very important.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, only me treating myself better