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

I am a nurse and they do bariatric surgery at the hospital where I work...but I learned about the surgery from a patient of mine(she also works at the same hospital) She and I had two things in common Obesity r/t PCOS and we both were having infertility problems. She was able to lose her weight and have a healthy baby girl. I lost my weight and am now trying. I am a Labor and Delivery nurse. Obese women do have a harder time in child birth. My initial impression was I will do anything if it helps me be able to have a baby of my own! My patient had miscarried 13x and was able to have a baby after getting her weight under control. She has been my inspiration!

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

I am a nurse. I thought the or team/recovery team were great...but I found the care I got while on the post op floor was not ver good. I did not tell my nurse, that I was a nurse. Maybe I would have gotton better care. I stayed two days...my husband did everything for me. All the nurses did was bring the meds like my doctor had ordered. They seemed very predjudice against people having wls surgery. I had to ask to be catheterized after they took my foley out. I went 18hrs! And I left the hospital and never ate a bite of food...no one even asked! Bring your own nurse!! Someone with your best interest at heart and bring your own pillows. Also I walk better when I listen to my favorite music so bring a walk man and some tunes! Walking helps alot! I wanted to write the head nurse of the floor I was on to let her know how unhappy I was with the care her nurses gave, but my husband made up for it and they never let me hurt at all!!so i was grateful for that...I would have appreciated some support,but you can't have everything and again my husband was the best!!

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

Yes, I had severe nausea and vomitting for about 6 months. This was due to a stricture. I had to be dialated 3times under endoscopy and 2times under floroscopy. I am much better now! Also I got very depressed when I could not eat at all...I vomitted my saliva!!! So I got some mental health help from a wonderful counselor who actually had the surgery herself...she was awesome!!!

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 anxious, but I visited this web site nitely and kept reading all the wonderful success stories. Also I attended a WLS support group before,during,and after the surgery. It really helps to talk to people who know what you are going thru. I did not anticipate that I would have any problems so when I did I was not exactly prepared for it.... I should have read the good and the not so good.

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

I saw a wonderful therapist who had had the surgery herself...I wish I had known about her before I went to surgery!! She helped me more than words can say!!! I went to lots of support group meetings too.Extremely helpful! I love to tell my story that helps too!!

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

I had open gasric bypass surgery. My scar is 2.2 inches. It looks good, it is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

my natural weight seems to be about 10 lbs more than I thought...I'm okay with that!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

and how!!! Men especially!!