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

My initial response to bariatric surgery was that it was really drastic--and it is. It is life-altering in terms of what you can and can't do the rest of your life (lots of people can "pig out" or go on a sugar binge once in a great while---not you!) But as I read through stories of people and saw their pictures, I realized that this could be the start of something that I really needed to do for myself.

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

I was surprised that I was so tired and sore. That bathroom seemed like a long ways away! I opted to stay an extra day just because getting to the bathroom and doing anything took so much effort. I always bring my own pajamas, pillows, and socks. I am either too hot or too cold. I had the surgery on a Friday and came home on a Sunday (although I was told I could go home Saturday night).

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

I had no complications at all! I was really hungry within 5 days of surgery and began eating solid foods much sooner than they usually recommend, but with no troubles.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Again, I was surprised that I was so tired. I went back to work 1 week after surgery so maybe that had something to do with it. I wore the elastic ab band 24/7 for about a month which really helped. For the first couple weeks I slept on the couch which gave more support to my body. For the first month, going to work was about all I could do. My (terrific) husband did most of the work with the house and the kids during that time.

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

TAKE IT EASY! My doc. described it as being stabbed 6 times, so even a lap. procedure takes time in terms of recovery. Do keep moving, but don't overdo it. Another thing I discovered is the realization of the roles food plays in your life in terms of comfort, etc. Knowing that I couldn't eat certain things or certain ways any more was a little sad.

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

My hospital was only a 10 minute drive so I was very lucky.

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 eat best in the morning and early afternoon. By dinnertime I'm ususally not interested in eating. I've done great with eating sugar, not a problem for me, but anything very heavy, fried, or greasy is pretty much off-limits. In the first couple months I would get a quesy stomach from just looking at food...any food. The hardest part is learning how to eat again...I found that if I did anything else while I was eating, I would eat too fast, or not chew enough and then get stuff stuck, which is really painful.

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

Not much at first...I'm a teacher, so I was getting enough moving around at work! After the first couple weeks, I began walking. I walk for a 1/2 hour 3-5 times per week. Unfortunately, my dog (a greyhound) and I are winter-haters, so it's hard to go out when the temperature really drops!

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

I take a multi-vitamin and calcium 2x daily. My eating habits are still not as healthy as they used to be. For the first month, I used children's chewables, but now I just swallow the regular ones. I also take a B12 shot monthly, which is not a big deal at all.

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?

I have had no side effects, other than ones caused by my own habits, like eating too fast or not chewing enough. I am 4 months post-op with no hair loss, but I have been very conscious about tons of protein!

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

It's weird, but looking at thin people and thinking that they can pig out or whatever once in a while, but there are things that I can never do. That's pretty mild, though, when I consider the trade-off in terms of my health and appearance. I would consider myself a best-case scenario in terms of recovery!

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

None.

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

I have 6 small cuts that are still bright red (4 months later). My gall bladder lap. scars faded in a year, so I'm sure these will, too.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I'm at one right now. I'm within aoub 40-50 pounds of goal weight, and the weather and holiday busy-ness has not given me much time to exercise, so I've slowed a little.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. The big surprise will be when I see my family, which I only see once a year. I haven't told them that I had the surgery, and really don't share the info. unless someone asks how I've lost the weight. It's nice to get compliments on my appearance!