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

I heard about it from many different sources including the Howard Stern Show

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

5 days. Severe bloating. A fan....it was hot in there!

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

no.....possibly breathing problems because of my fat

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

Great to be home. Happy to get the stitches out. Ready to get on with my new life. I blew up to 357 in the hospital. As of this morning, 16 days post op, I am 298

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

Alot of rest was needed.

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

26 miles....not far to get back my health!!!

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.

beef products....16 days post op....all the things a good doctor like Dr. Angus told me not to eat.

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

Slowly increasing. I am a mobile dj and have a big weekend ahead starting tomorrow. 3 parties this weekend (2 Christmas & 1 wedding). I have to be up for it (no exceptions, no problems, thank God for my family).

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

2 flintstones chewables 2 tums or maylox 2 vitamin c

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?

very difficult sleeping before stitches were removed. waiting to vomit, but not yet.....a little nausia but that was after 2 teaspoons of beef. I guess my body isn't ready yet

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

hoping to get out of the hospital!!!!

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

I attend my second meeting on 12/29/00. I hope I don't hear as much bitching as I did before my surgery.

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

6 inches long and frankensteinish (not really). Yes....Dr. Angus tells the truth.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none........going down and loving it

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not soon enough