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

I had heard about it years ago but never persued it. My thoughts on it are that it is a life saver, no doubt.

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

My stay was 5 days because of throat trama. The hospital staff was wonderful when I was on the wing. But in recovery, they were awful. They let an old woman there yell for them all day and they didn't bother to help her.

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

Only thing I had was right after surgery, about 1-2 weeks later I had a stricture. They enlarged it in 3 stages as to not cause any tearing. They were great with helping me.

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 on cloud nine. I was never nervous.

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

I have none and I think it would have made a tremendous difference.

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

I had lap surgery so I have 6 little scars, one from removing my gall bladder. They are just about gone completely. I thought the scars would be bigger. I am happy with them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

This has been a nightmare. I plateaued for about 5 months. Lost a little more, and now have stopped and gained back 20 lbs. It is so hard to break the old ways.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I did before. They were nicer and more accepting. I hated that. I am the same person I was.