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

I had heard about bariatric surgery on tv and through other people. Initially, I thought, "Boy, I wish I could do that, but there's no way I could afford it." I "wished" like that for a couple of years before being convinced to look into it for myself.

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

My hospital stay was ok, I suppose. I had trouble staying awake, so the walking part was very difficult. Most of the nurses were great and very caring. I stayed for 4 days. I think the most important thing to bring is someone who can stay with you. I was so grateful that my husband was able to take off from work and stay with me. It was a great comfort to have him there and to help me when the nurses weren't available.

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

The only complication I had from the surgery was at one of the drain sites (where the penrose drain was). There was one piece of stitching material that did not dissolve and kept getting infected. At 3 months post op, Dr. Dyer removed that piece of stitching and it healed wonderfully after that :)

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 so excited at the thought of finally having something to look forward to! I was so excited that I was going to be able to battle this weight issue that I had been battling for years anf finally win!! I was also terrified. What would happen if I didn't make it through? I talked to other people who had already had the surgery and I talked with my husband about my fears. I was crying on the table as they prepped me for surgery because I was so scared. Dr. Dyer was wonderful. He did everything he could do to assure me that he would take good care of me, and he did :)

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

The first weeks home from the hospital were kind of rough. I was having a lot of pain from the 2 drain sites. It hurt to move, but I kept telling myself I had to do my walking. This time was also very emotional. I'm not sure if it is normal or not,but I cried at the drop of a hat. I had a hard time with taking in any nutrition. I just didn't want to "eat."

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

Centennial Hospital was about 54 miles from my house. The only effect this had on my aftercare was that attending support groups was very difficult. About the time that we were developing a support group in my area, I moved to another state where I am now able to attend a group.

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 still have difficulty eating first thing in the morning, so breakfast is difficult for me. I usually have a protein shake in the morning, and that does well for me. Milk products (except cheese) do not agree with me. Beef is not a good thing for me either, even a year post-op. Otherwise, most things I have tried have agreed with me, as long as I chew chew chew!!

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

Initially, my activity level was not very high. I was experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort due to the infection I had at the drain site. However, once that healed, my activity level did nothing but improve! Now, one year post-op, I can race my daughter up and down stairs, I can walk anywhere without becoming winded, and I am able to get so much more accomplished during the day.

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

I take 2 children's chewable vitamins daily, a sublingual B-12 tablet weekly, and calcium on a daily basis.

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 think the hair loss and excess intestinal gas are the worst for me. My hair is still very thin, but I am trying to take more protein in to help that, and am using special shampoos for that. For the gas, I simply take notice as to what seems to cause it, and I try to avoid that again.

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

I think the worst part about the whole process was waiting for the day to come. Once you know you've been approved, you just want to get it over with! But the wait is well worth it. I would do this again if I had to and encourage others to look into whether it is right for them, too.

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

Really, the only support program I have are online groups that I have joined. They have been very helpful as they are others who have gone through the same process or are going through the process. I can gain support and information from others as well as give support and information to others and share experiences.

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

My scars make me look like I was in a knife fight!! They are what I expected as I have had other lap procedures and knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have basically been at a plateau for the last 2 months. I have recently moved to a new state, started a new job, my husband has started a new job and school, and my homelife has changed dramatically. I feel that the stress of those changes has contributed to the plateau and know I will get through it. I have lost about 10 lbs. in 2-3 months, so fortunately, I haven't gained ;)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, I don't know if it's that people are treating me differently, or if it's just that my outlook has changed. I am such a more confident person, and that confidence helps people to see me differently.