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

My co-workers that has had the surgery with outstanding results, also my doctor supported me, by giving me information on a Doctor and clinic.

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

Im sure every visit is different. I work in a local hospital so I new the routine. Nothing was a surprise to me. One thing I remember is you did a lot of walking and breathing treatments. They made sure we were all taken care of every min of the day. I seen nuses have a great deal of care for there patients. I seen them cry and laugh with them. I was a lone during my stay due to my husband and I lived 400 miles away. He had to go back to work for we own a company so that left me alone for a few days. It hurt him terrible to have to leave me there, but everyone felt my pain and got me through the 3 day stay.

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

I did not have any problems other than nausea for the first week. I found out I had sinus infection and one Dr Jeffers put me and antibiotic I was fine. My recovery went smooth.

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 had seen a change in myself during the first few weeks. Im only 5 months post op and Im just now realizing that I can only eat very little at a time. That is the hardest for me, sense I was raised on cooking for a large family. Now I really only cook for my husband and he shares his food with me.

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

I go to a support group at Mercy Hospital 400 Hobart Street Cadillac Mi. the 3rd tuesday of the month. If it was not for this support group I would have never made it. I found out it is important to start the support group months before your surgery. It helped me a lot. I now still contiune to go. They answer a lot of questions that I may have.

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

My scar is what I exspected. My support group friends showed me there scars before I had my surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The plateau experiences I have is when I eat a little more than I should my weight stays the same or goes up a lb. In the long run with staying on the program and daily excercise its coming of nicely.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. I do know that my attitude has changed a lot