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

My family physician refered me to Dr. Baliro. I hads alot of doubts because I wasnt sure how the surgery would affect my life afterwards. I was afraid because I was at such a high risk because of my weight and severe health problems, but my doctor reassured me that I would die anyway if I didn't lose weight fast.

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

After my surgery I was in ICU for 4 days and I had a one on one nurse that took excellent care of me. When I was moved to the second floor I did not receive the care I feel I should have gotten but I had my daughter there to help me. I was on the second floor for about 5 days and then transfered to Health South Rehabilatation for 3 weeks. My c-pap was the only thing i brought and I really didn't need much more.

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

I had none. My only problem was my health was so bad I took longer to recover than most.

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 approved at one time and I backed out because my breathing was so bad. I went back a year later and still had a hard time. I realized the necessity and it was the only thing that kept me togehter besides prayer and God.

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

My family and friends were the most helpful to me. I also talked wioth others that had been through the surgery but I did not join any groups.

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

The scaring doesnt bother me but it is better than what i expected. My bands were left in longer than usual that caused my scarring to be somewhat worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I first started losing I was excited and then I come to a standput for a week or two and I got really discouraged then I would drop drastically and then I realized that it was normal.