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

I had a friend that went threw it. I was very impressed with her results.

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

I went in on a Friday morning. I was the first patient to be scheduled. I stayed until that Tuesday afternoon. 5 days total. Nothing really, because for the first 2 to 3 days you really don't need anything. Once you can get a shower you will need bathroom supplies.

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

My heart was racing very fast. All the Doctors didn't know why. My medical doctor put me on heart medcine to slow it down. I only stayed on that for 1 week. I know longer need it. Everytime I would sit up I would get lited headed. If I got out of bed I passed out. Again my medical doctor order 2 pints of blood. By morning I felt better. Dealing with was ok.

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 am 8 weeks Post-op. The only anxiety I am dealing with is thinking I am hungery and I really am not. My head is telling me to go get something to eat but I really don't need anything or am I hungary.

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

Take it very slow. I had no energy for the first 4 weeks. Make sure you have someone that can help out around the house. My husband and children were great help to me.

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

I only have to travel about 30 mintues to have my surgery. No it didn't affect my care 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.

I was a very big PEPSI drinker. I have not drank any since my surgery. I can not contain lots of surgar or I will dump.

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

I attend the support grop threw Dr. Dimarco office. His secretary Erin runs this program and she does a great job at it. This is very important to me because everyone there either is going threw it or has already done the surgery.

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

my scar is normal and yes it what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first plateau was 2 weeks post-op and lasted for 3 weeks. Very frustrating.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet. I have only lost 35lbs. I am still overweight.