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

My had heard of it on television, but I'm scarred of surgery so I didn't really consider it. Then my PCP recommended that I look into it so I got on the internet and did some research. I also went to and informational meeting at a hospital given by the surgery team that did most of the surgeries. It seemed so invasisve and yet I was begining to feel like this was my last chance at changing myself and improving my life.

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

The first day was a whirlwind. I had an early surgery ( I recommend this) so I didn't have to wait long after starting my day. The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room feeling hot (This is normal for me). Then I seemed to realize that I was on a ventilator.( I had been warned about this). However, the medication kept me from really feeling any panic. It was hard to open my eyes and focus so I just laid there and used hand gestures when someone came over to me. They removed the ventilator a couple of hours later and I sat up a little. After that I spent the night in ICU because of my apnea. The next day I went to regular private room (I definitely recommend Privacy). My pain levels were minimum. I think the bed made me more uncomfortable than anything else. I was the hospital 5 days total. I was on a catheter so I did not wear any clothes until they took it out on the 3rd day post-op. I think the most important thing to bring is a loved one who can spend a lot of time with you with out having to talk or be entertained.

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

Nausea - none Incision pain - none Internal pain - at first when I tried to lay on my side at night I havn't had anything I would call a "complication". Ater what I was told to expect I consider myself very lucky and Blessed.

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

1st week - Overwhelmed, weak, oh my god what I have done, anxious to start my new life. I want to do more than I should. 2nd thru 5th week- I'm feeling very mortal but happy with my decision

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

I was in a bit of shock at first. I think my body didnt know what was going on. The only real pain I've had was when I tried to lay on my side in bed. I could feel my stitches pull when I got up from a sitting position. I would definitly recommend a chair that sits up higher for anyone that is tall. I'm 6'2" and some of our furniture is quite short. This made getting up and down hard for about 3-4 weeks. The diet is hard to follow sometimes. I hav'nt had much hunger but I do have a hard time without carbs. I started eating cheese and crackers to compensate. It does'nt seem to affect my weight loss. I tried some cheerios (Honey Nut) and got a lot of gas and some diarhea. I did tolerate honey roasted nuts though. I have had a hard time sleeping. I don't know why. Time seems to move more slowly lately.

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

@ 1 mile

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.

Bread takes up too much room. Sugary food gives me gas and diarhea. It took about 6 weeks before I could handle carbonated drinks. Food does'nt seem to have the same intense taste as it did. I also do not get the pleasurable feeling that I used to from eating.

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

I plan on participating in the support group called Riteweigh that my Dr. and the hospital support. I believe it will be important to have support from people who have done this and can empathize with me. I also believe it will be important to have this support for a lifetime because this change is for a lifetime.

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

My scar runs from the top of my belly button to about 3 inches above my sternum. I'm 6'2" so my scay is about 11 inches. It is getting smoother as it heals and fading a little. I expected worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None. I lost @ 50 lbs in 2.5 weeks and then started losing at about a pound a day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No one ever ridiculed me to my face( I'm still a big guy) although my friends would point out my need to lose quite often. Now they all say wow!