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

A friend had it done, then I started looking into myself.

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

I stayed in the hospital 3 nights. It was very pleasant and the staff was wonderful. I did not need to bring anything, the hospital supplied all toilet items also.

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

None at all.

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

Soar, not really painful just soar especially when trying to lay down in a flat bed. I really felt no anxiety, it was excitement everytime I looked in the mirror.

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

Slow. You need time to rest and concentrate on getting in your diet. 4 oz of Carnation Instant Breakfast or clear liquid every hour. And you may feel fine on the outside, just remember you are still trying to heal on the inside for 6+ weeks.

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

25 min. drive away from hospital. Before I left I asked for pain medication just in-case the bumps on the road bothered me. Aftercare was not a problem, my family was a lot of support.

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.

1st 3 weeks liquids only, 4 oz. Carnation Instant Breakfast every 2 hrs. 3-6 weeks soft foods - yogurt, cottage cheese, cream soups, pureed beans and meats.

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

Stayed home 3 weeks and got plenty of rest. Started 1st week back to work part time mornings.

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

150 mg Zantac every morning 1 childrens chewable vitamin 1000 mg Coral Calcium

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?

None yet.

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

Going into the 3rd week of liquid diet. Carnation Instant Breakfast is starting to taste bad and chalky.

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

UMass has a monthly support meeting and I have gotten a lot of information off obesityhelp.com I have come to visit this support website daily, and it help me prepare for a better tomorrow.

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

Lap only have 5 little cuts with staple marks. Should go away with time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just the word "wow" says everyone I see. And I am loving it.