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

I found out about whan a neighbor had a form of it done 30 years ago. Then more recently Carnie Wilson's battle.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

I loved my surgeron on the first visit. Make sure you write down your questions before you go see them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My cousin had it several years ago and after the long talk with her it made me realize this was for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had looked into laproscopic and open RYN's but I did not want a big scar or the longer time down from work.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

My fears were death. I just made sure that all was in order before surgery so when I went in I did leave anyting undone.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Some were completley behind me. Some were against and and some said they would go with what ever I decided. Now that it is after My dad realized I did the right thing.

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

I was in the hospital 1 day. 24hrs and I was home.

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

I had dry heaves after surgery from the anethisia.

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 am only a week out but my anxiety I have now is I want food and I am hungry and I am wondering if this is normal. Now 4 weeks out I am not hungry but still having some food issues. I cannot eat alot. Each new day is a challange.

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

The first few weeks home are the hardest. You think you can do things and you can't. Try to take it slow and heal.

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

I was close to my hospital 45 miles away.

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.

My problem is that one day I can eat somew thing the next day you can't. I cannot weat eggs at all. They make me sick. sometimes I can eat chicken but cheese is the best for me at 4 weeks post op.

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

I was up and about very quickly. 3 days after surgery I went to the local mall.

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

I am taking 2 Fintstones vitamins and vicativ calcum chews.

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?

The nasuia is the worst. I have that feeling. When your stomach is empty it is worse. I have been having since the first day of surgery.

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

The worst part is not knowing how you are going to react. I love the taste of food but have no desire to eat.

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

5 little Scars from the Laproscopic surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now I am at a 40 lbs loss pateau at 6 weeks. It is 2 weeks since i have lost any weight. Another plateau now at 9 months 107lbs lost but I am exersising every day now and I am building Muscle mass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes they are. They notice the weight loss and are really happy for me. I also noticed people that would not normally invite me out with thenm because I was heavy are now saying We should go out and do something. I am saying no thank you. If they did not like me before then they were not really my friend.