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

I was watching television and was very depressed, and a commercial came on of a heavy person telling how her life was useless. She felt she had no reason to go on living. When I heard that, I said, God that sounds just like me. So I watched and how this girl got help. They gave the number on the tv, and i called it right away. I had just quit my job, and my insurance i thought wasn't in effect. On the phone they wanted my insurance co. name. I gave it to them so they would send me the information. Well right after that I got a letter from my insurance co. saying I could keep the insurance as self pay. So I did. Now everything started going into place

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was either the surgery, or I was going to commit suicide. I would not go on living in all the pain any more. Thank God I was approved and could have the surgery

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

i felt that the complications were nothing to what i'd b een going through. I felt if I died from the surgery, that was ok.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I don't tell everyone. Some people look at yu like you're some kind of fruit cake. Mostly just my family, and they all felt this was best for me, and are very proud of me.

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

In all honesty the hospital stay was terrible. I had my surgery on Wed. and was released on Sunday. My problem with the hospital was the cleanliness of the place. In our bathroom the whole time we were there no one mopped the floor. There was sticky urine all over the floor. When you just have this surgery it is very hard to bend over to wipe your bottom. So you try to stand up to do it. That isn't much better. When you stand up you drip all over the place. urine was all over us, We smelled like urine, and when I asked someone to help me clean myself up, they gave me a paper towel and walked out. The nursing care was good, and the Doctors care was great. You really don't need to bring much to the hosp. they provide you with slippers, shampoo, towels soap and all of that stuff.

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

I was having bad muscle spasms in my low back really bad, and the demerol wasn't helping. They put me on Perkaset, and that helped a lot

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 nerveous and scared, but I was also elated. I never thought this would come through. I know in my heart that the Good Lord meant this for me, and he would take care of me. When the anxiety was there I just prayed to god to take me in his hands and do with me what he wants. I would except what he had planned for me. That was my way of calming down, because I knew the good Lord would take real good care of me.

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

At first you hurt, and are very tired. If you're like me you can't stand all this stuff you're suppowse to drink. Then later eat the pureed foods, YUK But do what your doctor says and if it's to bad hoold your nose when you drink it.

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

I had to travel 110 miles. It really didn't affect me at all. Luckily the ride was smoothe, and went nicely

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

I live in a small town with no support, but I have my trusty computer. I have a friend in Texas who had his surgery the same day I did. We write back and forth and be there for each other. He also gave me this site to talk in the chat rooms. Anytime you talk to people with the same problems it can be very helpful. And I thank God for all of them

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

my scar looks terrible. 20 years ago I had a surgery with the insion going down my front. Well the doctor used the same insision. Frankly it looks pretty bad, but no one sees it except my husband and myself. That is the least of my worries

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

oh, i hit a plateau, and it lasted for 2 weeks. Drove me crazy. And i kept weighing myself every day, and it stayed the same. Then I quit, and I said I'll weigh myself 1 a week and no more. Now I'm on a down swing again. but I know ther will be another plateau. along the way.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they say I look younger, Some are just shocked. Most are every encouraging