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

I was watching Discovery Heath and saw the Al Roker Special and asked my doctor about the surgery. I thought could this be a step in the right direction. Could this help me to improve on who I am as a person, not just a fat invisible person walking throught society.

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

I went in on Wednesday Nov. 21st and had my surgery in the morning, I had my gallbladder out as well. I slept the rest of the day and night and was up walking around the next morning. My family said that when I got to the room I kept insistaning that I had to walk so that a blood clot would not form. The hospital was ok, I had no complaints.

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

I had to go and have to openning to the stomach stretched, it was not allowing food or anything else to enter the stomach. The process was very easy, just an office visit. It took less then 1 hour and I was home the same day.

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 was feeling pretty good, I was able to prop myself up with pillows while in bed and sleep on my stomach, there was very little pain and I used my support band only when really needed. I was bored at home and looked forward to going back to work, ASAP.

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

I hd the support of my friends and family. I am lucky that my neighbor is such a good friend and was there to help when I needed it. My family stayed in constant contact with me and made sure I had what I needed. I also had the company of my cats.

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

I have 6 small scars on my stomach. 5 for the gastric bypass and 1 for the gallbladder. They are dark in color but I think and hope that as time goes by that they will lighten up some. Otherwise they are not that bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost a big amount right after the surgery, and then plateaud, that has been my pattern, lose about 10-20lbs in a week and then plateau for about 3-4 weeks. It was discouraging at first, but I have learned that, that is how my body is handling the change, I do not get discouraged anymore, I know the results will still be the same no matter how long it takes to see them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think that when I was interviewing for jobs prior to my surgery that I was looked at as a fat out of shape person, now that I have lost some weight, I have a new full time job with benefits and a fair pay. I do not know if it is contributed to the weight loss. I have also noticed that I am getting looked at by more men then before.