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

A friend had it and I saw her weight loss. I would have done it even if they had told me they had to place a lightening rod in the top of my head that would beep when I came near food. I wanted the weight off!!! I did get busy and found out every thing I could about the surgery and all was positive. I was certain this was the answer to losing the weight.

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 for two nights and three days. The hospital staff was great and very supportive of what I was there for. I was always encouraged when they would come in the room. I didn't need anything while I was there. Can't think of anything that I really needed to bring. Maybe a pillow to hold on your stomach for the ride home from the hospital.

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 counting down the days. There was no anxiety about the surgery cause I knew this was going to work and couldn't wait to have it done. My anxiety if any came from the fear of getting sick and not being able to have the surgery. I am a dibetic and if the sugar was high they would not do the surgery. I had a lot of trouble keeping my sugar under control. I was ready to have the surgery so I could feel better.

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

Of course you are sore and its hard to get up and down. YOu know have to face the new way of eating. I did not have any problems with throwing up at all. I was very afraid to eat for fear of making myself sick. I was determined to do this by the book and do what the doctor had said to do. I did miss the food and at times found myself depressed about not eating the way I really wanted to. It was as though I had lost my best friend and I mourned the death. Of course then the up time came when I would step on the scales and the weight was falling off. Its really fun to see the weight come off and it takes over your thoughts instead of the food I couldn't have. Be patient with yourself and forgiving. You are still going to want to over eat. The surgery fix's the stomach not the head. Maybe they should do brain sugery with this so the mind won't work against you. I still feel the insanity of the food addiction. An alcoholic knows he can never drink alcohol again. I have to put my addiction in my mouth three times a day and still stay in control.How well would a drug addict do if he had to have take herion three times a day but could only have a little bit. So even with the surgery its not always easy. The difference is it helps me be in control again. I can reach a point and be satisfied.I still fight the demons within but I win and I didnt' before.

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

At first I was very very tired. The doctor told me I was in ketoses and this too would pass.Its like the body goes in to shock from what it is going through. Then I got a surge of energy and felt like a new person.I lost 40 pounds the first month. I had 100 pounds to loose and did within the first year. I did have other health problems that slowed me down some but am off all medication for high blood pressure and off insulin. I feel and look like a new person.

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

I take a daily chewable vitamin and B-12 injections every two weeks. I also take calcium and drink a protein drink every day. I did stop taking them at one point and felt tired and got right back on them.

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

The hospital stay. The first few days after surgery and trying to get up and down. It took me 20 minutes to move 2 inches up in the bed the first morning after surgery. I was very sore but kept moving cause I knew the more I moved the faster I got better.

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

I was cut open and the scar is not bad. It does fade with time and the weight loss is what I keep my focus on not the scar.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

You bet I do! Even piople you have been friends with forever treat you better. I can walk into a room and not everyone in the room stare because I was so overweight. I don't feel like I am ignored in public or that I have the plaque when it came to someone sitting next to me.