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

My first contact with bariatric surgery was the picture of Carne Wilson on the cover of People magazine. My initial reaction was completely negative. "There is no way that I would ever do that to myself," were my exact words. Then my mother mentioned to me that my father's doctor and told them both that the only option for my father to lose weight was bariatric surgery. So, I began to research it intently for him. Then, as I was reading and getting all the information, I realized that I was wrong. This surgery could truly help people for whom there were no other options. I had lived with the idea that I was permanently obese for my entire life so the realization hit me like a bolt of pure light. It was an amazing moment.

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

I was only in the hospital for four days total. While my experience was a good one, I was ready to go home when I left.

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

I had no complications after surgery. But I followed my body's signals and went very slowly - something that is difficult for a person like me :^), but worth it.

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 decided that the best thing was to get up and move around - even if that meant moving incredibly slowly at first. I was in good health and was physically fit [save for the weight] when I had surgery, so that wasn't as difficult for me. I was at the YMCA walking a mile on the track a week post-op. [Admittedly, there were octagenarians lapping me on the track - but who cared? I had just had abdominal surgery and was on my way to a brand new life! :^)]

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

I took the time off from work to allow myself to heal. I spent time moving and resting. Getting used to the new signals that my body was sending me. I took each moment as new and unknown. I tried not to assume anything, but to let myself become accustomed to the major changes I had made to myself.

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

I was lucky to have had surgery in my own town.

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.

I had no difficulty in progressing directly to soft foods only a week and a half after surgery. I was careful to chew slowly and thoroughly and to make sure that what I ate was easy on my new tummy. I had already planned to have no refined sugar for 5-6 months post-op, so that was not an issue. I didn't even try fruit for a month, but when I did I had no problems with it. I had a bad experience with a soy based meat substitute, so I stayed away from them for a while.

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

I attended a support group a couple of times after my surgery, but found that I was not having a difficult time adjusting to post-op life. In the end, I did not continue to attend the meetings.

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

I had a laparoscopic R-N-Y procedure. I have five tiny scars that are barely visible. I certainly cannot complain about them. :^)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did not plateau until 8 months post-op. I lead a very active life and do not spend a lot of time being still. I was also very fit going into surgery and am very young [29 years old]. All these factors aided in making my rapid weight-loss optimal in length. I now 11 months out and lose about 2-3 pounds every two weeks. I am hoping that this will continue to taper off until December, which is 18 months out from surgery. As I have been obese my entire life, I really do not have a goal weight in mind. I am carefully monitoring my weight loss so I don't go too far, but my body seems to be adjusting well and I do not feel that the weight loss has had any negative effect.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

There is a marked difference in the eye contact that people make with me know. For some reason people seem to feel that if they make eye contact with someone who is obese that the person will feel that they are staring. This is, of course, ridiculous, however, I do understand how it can make both parties uncomfortable. Men certainly pay a bit more attention than they used to, however I have not noticed an increase in romantic interest. Amazingly, I have gone from "Ma'am" to "Miss". So, it seems the weight loss makes me look younger. People hold doors open for me.