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

My brother who also was morbidly obese had hip surgery and many complications and through a systemic infection was close to death. It scared the hell out of me. It has taken him 1.5 yrs to recover and he's still not back to work at age 49! So, I contacted my PCP and told her I had to get my physical health on track. She suggested RNY surgery and I spent the next year researching, meeting my physician, fighting with insurance, getting to know others on AMOS and preparing for this life change. I must say that from the beginning I was calm about this and felt this would be the opportunity of a lifetime to change my genetic course.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful and ran very smoothly. I was in 4 days and my most important item was a fan! It was hot in there. I used very little of the things I took but the fan was the biggie.

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?

I am a Christian so I felt from the beginning that this was the plan for me. Three years ago I moved from upstate DE to a small town downstate to the one town who had a bariatric surgery practice. That to me was no small coincidence. I was not anxious or nervous preceding surgery other than when dealing with insurance and coping with denials and appeals. Surgery day I was calm and happy to have this opportunity. I still feel the same.

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

Changing Lives Through Bariatric Surgery in Seaford, DE. It is an incredible program that works with you monthly for 3 months then every 3 months but also has monthly support groups. The staff is amazing and its been a lifeline to me and many others. I think aftercare is just as important as who you select as your surgeon. Without it could spell disaster.

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

No big deal -- about 8-10" long midline and I had only one seroma that opened and it healed quickly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've plateaued two times and it was more of not getting in proteins, not drinking enough and during a time of nausea. To get off the plateau I go back to the basics: broth, jello, sf popsicles, lots of water, peppermint tea and soup and within a couple of days the scale is moving again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really but I notice them looking at me -- some waiting for the loss to stop and others enthralled that I am losing. I now have facial bones, a neck, I wear shorts and I feel great.