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

I saw a commerical about this surgery about 5 years ago on television. I called the company talked with a representative and thought wow, this is for me. But, I did not go through with it because I did not know much about the procedure or the life changes. So, I was scared off. Now I am fully aware and ready to make this life change.

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

My hospital stay was good at first....while I was in ICU..I had great nursing staff..When I was moved to the main floor the nurses and nurses assitants did not pay attention to my file and was making me do thing that a person in my condition should not of been doing. I had a great surgery, but my heart rate was very high and my surgeon was very concerned....I was in the hospital for 5 days. Usually a 3 day stay.

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

I have not had any complications from my surgery except for the high heart beat and there was nothing that the surgeon could of done differently to help that. The heart doctor was contacted right away and we went from there..

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 only had 1 weeks notice before my surgery. I only had one day that I felt very overwhelmed. That was the day they called and said that I was approved and started giving me pre op instuctions, my head was spinning. I was very calmed before my surgery because I knew I had nothing to worry about.

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

I had a very easy time at home... I was a little slow, of course..but my husband and children were very helpful. Everyday got better and better...everyone needs to remember, they need to move to make themselves feel better..of course, you cannot do everything, but every little bit is good...

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

I only had to travel 20 miles..

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 am have a lot of trouble with very dry food like rice, any type of noodle...or food that are to greasy...hamburgers or home made breakfast sausage..

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

I don't have any professional support...I do have the support of my family and friend and it has been wonderful..

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

My scar is 6 inches in length and right now is still very red..It is smaller then I expected and hopefully will lighten with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any plateaus yet...and hopefully will be alright through the plateau..

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No...