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

I dont remember how or when I first heard about bariatric surgery, but I do know that Ive always thought, GOD, I nned this, but I know I'll never be able to afford it".

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

Lake Point Medical hospital is wonderful! I was in the hospital for 4 days. I couldn't ask for better care or attention. They have the equipment and skilled nurses to handle obese people.

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

I had absolutely no complications from the surgery. The only complication I did have was from lack of movement. I had major swelling of the feet and ankles, but once I started walking that went away.

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

Immediately after I received my insurance approval and got my surgery date, I was ecstatic! However, the nerves set in and I got scared. Every negative thought in the world went though my head. Whats going to happen to my daughter when I die? My husband? My parents, etc? Because I didnt want to give anyone the chance to talk me out of it, I couldnt talk to anyone. Id get up in the middle of the night; go into the bathroom and cry, knowing I was going to die. But you know what? As scared as I was, I knew if I didnt take the chance I was being given, I knew I was going to die from the weight. Id log on to the internet and Obesityhelp.com and write until Id feel better. This website was and still is my key form of release. I can say anything about whats going on inside me and no one judges me.

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

The first few weeks I was in pain, but I'm a WUSS. I couldn't sleep in bed without hurting so I slept in a recliner. The only problem was I couldnt get the foot rest up or down myself. I didnt want to drink my liquids because I was afraid of ripping something. When all is said and done, it was all in my head!!!!!!!

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

The doctor's office and hospital are about 25 miles from home. This distance didn't affect my aftercare at all.

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.

The first six weeks I could only have liquids. The next six weeks only pureed foods. After that, I was basically allowed anything; however, I was scared to death of stopping my ring so I stuck with soups for almost 4 months. I know do protein drinks, some chicken (if it isnt too dry), veggies and fruit. Once in a while for a treat, I have a sugar-free, fat-free Braums ice cream, usually about 2 or 3 small bites and I feel satisfied. I dont do beef or port at all. Some fish, but not often. Salads dont do well. Im scared to death to try anything with sugar. Ive always been a sugar-holic and Im afraid to tempt it. I havent craved it, so why take the chance.

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

I didn't some walking 3 times a day, but that was ALL. Big mistake... I had swelling of the feet and ankles because I wasn't exercising enough to move the blood. Once I uped the exercise the swelling went away.

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

2 Flintstone vitamins a day, everyday.

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?

Ive had problems with nausea and vomiting, but Im discovered its due to either over eating (just one bite too much makes a world of difference), not chewing enough, or eating to fast. Ive had some dumping, but seldom. Im practically bald, but Ive upped my protein and Im hoping for I get some replacement hair. How am I coping? Watching every bite, I make sure every bite I take is worth the calories and fat and chew like crazy.

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

The early pain, but like I've said, I'M A WUSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would do it again in a heart beat...

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

The surgeons office has a support group meeting the 3rd Wednesday of every month. They also have an on-line support group which is wonderful. Any and every questions imaginable can be asked and you always get a response.

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

My scare is about 6 inches long and about as wide as my little finger. It's pretty much what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Around the 5th month, I began having plateaus and I was devastated. I kept thinking, NO I CANT FAIL AGAIN! With lots of encouragement from the on-line support group, I made though the first plateau with only a few scares. Ill have a BIG, MAJOR loss, than I might stand still for 2 or 3 weeks before the scales move again, but they are moving Ive noticed that when Ive hit a plateau and the scales refuse to budge, the inches fall off. Ive discovered it all balances out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I haven't noticed any real differences at all in the way people treat me. However, I still have a l-o-n-g way to go...