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

i FIRST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SURGURY FROM AN AQUAINTANCE AT WORK WHO ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED LOOSING A LOT OF WEIGHT. I ASKED HIM AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE SURGERY. I WAS AMAZED AT THE CHANGE IN HIM!!

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

I dont remember much of my hospital stay because i was in a great deal of pain. They havent told me but i think i had a pretty bad time post op. I couldn't even get up for 3 days. Bring a good mental attitude and as much pre-op weight loss as you can manage. Oh, and your favorite "Blanky" It gets cold there!

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

I had some minor incisional infections and i took Augmentin for several weeks.

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 felt better and better every day. i had no anxiety once the surgery was over and i was sure i would live. I was very fearfull of dying on the table but my hospital team and the gastric bypass team took great care of me!

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

My first few weeks were a real challenge. I was not used to a strict liquid diet and it was quite a wake up call for me. I was dying to chew somthing!!

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

I work at the hospital where i had my surgery. It was a little easier for me than most people to get aftercare. all i have to do is pick up my office phone and i am in touch with any member of the team !

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 hav been able to eat anything and everything except for steak (coincidently my favorite food) I eat whatever i want but i do avoid sugar and bread (My second favorite food) Like the plague. Frankly, im terrified of the sugar.

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

My activities are way up!! I walk, go to the gym, swim laps, walk up stairs as well as down. Also i have been dating a lot over the last month. I can now walk on the beach and not get out of breath.

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

I have taken Flintstones complete with calcium, Actigal, Vitamin B12, and im now taking celebrex for the knees i destroyed by carrying around an extra 250 lbs.

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?

I have had NONE of the traditional side effects...Ever

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

the first week post op really sucked the big one. After that it has been the most positive experience in my life except for the birth of my children.

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

I have a weekly meeting at the hospital and it is the best. While i dont always agree with some of the people and their opinions, i never fail to walk out of there with valuable information and a sense of well being and community.

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

My scar is 9 inches long and about 1/4 inch wide and closely resembles a scar!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None thus far

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed people treating me more seriously and with greater respect. this is a good thing for me as i have a job with great responsibility.