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

I found out about the surgery from the first Carnie show that was on TV. I was concerned about the healing time and also if this would truely work for me.

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

I was only in the hospital 2 "full" days; The day of surgery and the day after. I went in on a Tuesday and went home on that thursday. The hospital I was in treated me really well while I was there. The nurses did everything that could to keep me comfortable even when I tried to stay off the pain meds. They waited as long as they could until my blood pressure went up quite a bit till they made me take some. The most important things to me to bring were my slippers, a word-find book, and a robe.

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

I have had only two complications after surgery. The first one I had was an infected incision. It showed up about 3 weeks after surgery and I ended up on antibiotics for it. The other issue was some of the foods I "should've" been able to eat I was dumping on. I had to take it slower thus my weight loss slowed down also.

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

The only thing I would say I had a problem with after surgery was being VERY tired. The only thing that I had anxiety on was the fact my weight loss has been so slow compared to others I know in the past.

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

I was one of the people that didn't have a recliner before surgery to use when I got home. I used my sectional couch. I used QUITE a few pillows under me but I still had a problem getting comfortable for the first few weeks. Make sure if you have some soft pillows to use them in your back and side areas while trying to sleep so you can get better rest. I have also recently found with the weight coming off your body positions after surgery for sleeping might change. Sleeping on my side leaves my hips sore in the morning now.

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

I live only about 15 minutes from the hospital I statyed at for surgery.

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.

So far I can not eat steak or beef products even if they have been in a slow cooker being only 7 weeks post-op. I have problems trying to eat turkey and port also.

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

In the first week after surgery I went from 4 houses walking to a block. The next week I made it walking a block and a 1/2, now I am up to 4 blocks with no problem and joined a gym.

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

2 flintstones vitamins in the morning and 2 at night

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?

so far the dumping sometimes is the worst side effect. But dumping for the most part is a far cry compared to throwing up before surgery. I still have some problems with some foods.. I try to watch what I intake carefully now.

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

My slow weight loss.. I have been told by my Dr. that I am one of the 5-10% that loses weight really slowly.

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

My support group is on-line chat rooms and support groups that my Dr has at the hospital when my hsuband isn't attending his college classes at night. The on-line groups have helped me every step of the way. When it comes to support for how I feel and etc they are great. When it comes to very important matters I still check with my surgeon for the information.

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

I had laproscopic surgery so I have 6 scars about an inch to an inch and a 1/2 in length. The only scar that I may have a "SCAR" that shows really bad is the one that got infected. The rest are healing like the others I have from when my gallbladder was removed.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At three weeks Post-op I hit a plateau for 2 weeks. I had only lost 16Lbs at the three week mark and I didn't lose another pound until two weeks later where I went from only -16 Lbs to -23 Lbs. I have found for a female that when our monthly menstrual period comes my weight loses stops for that whole week. After I am done though I start losing weight again normally from surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People tell me that they can see I have lost alot of weight in my facial area. Other people that have already had surgery tend to fuss over it more than the others currently for me.