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

I know 3 ladies that have successfully had the surgery and my Dr. told me about it.

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

I went into the hospital on tuesday had surgery out on friday. my stay as far as my care was good. I had a room mate who didn't know how to use her bell so I was busy the first 2 nights.

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

I am two weeks out and no complications. sore back muscles but that is to be expected.

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 nervous at first and got sick of people telling me I wasn't fat enough to have the surgery -- walk in my shoes-- I realize they were complimenting me. The worst part was the day before when all you could do was drink liquids!!!!!

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

my first couple of days were tough but I only took on dose of pain medication and just relaxed when I felt the need. THIS IS MY TIME AND I AM TAKING ADVATAGE OF IT!

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

I traveled about 50 miles the only effect that it had on my after care is the Dr. needed to reschedule my first appointment and it was to far for me to drive alone so the arrangements I made for someone to bring me over there had to be rearranged for the following week.

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 am lactose intolerant so things are a little more complex. I also seem to have a problem with anything that has DIET stuff in it. I had this before and that is why I didn't eat diet stuff espically with nutra sweet in it. I am only two weeks out so I need to stay on the diet but I sure will be glad to have this portion of it over with I don't like the bloating and queazy(?) feeling all day even with Gas X.

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

I am doing real well with my activity level. walk 1/2 mile each day do small things around the house bending at the waist is a pain and having weak back muscles is miserable but that all goes away when I lay flat on the floor for a while GETTING UP IS A TRICK

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

none

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?

none so far 2 weeks out

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

I will be attending one locally plus a lot of wonderful people emailed me prior to my surgery wishing me good luck this is very helpful

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

UGLY and yes it is what I expected. I can't wait for the swelling to go down and the technocolor to go away. the itching isn't fun either.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

they aren't sure whether they can hug me yet and keep asking if I should be doing the things I am doing but other than that they are very supportive