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

I heard about WLS from my PCP, Dr. Henry Hamilton. His concern for my health and my well being was so apparent and he wanted me to at least look into this after several years of trying numerous weight loss methods and medications that just wouldn't work for me.

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful. I was taken care of like I had when I had my son 12 years ago. The nurses were caring and always making sure I was doing well, checking on me and any time I needed something, they were right there in a minute. I was in the hospital from a Monday morning to a Thursday morning. To me, the most important thing to bring was my bible and my address book so that I could stay in contact with all those I cared about.

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

I have had no complications with anything. I am tolerating everything except fried foods (which is good so I will leave them alone).

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

My anxiety level increased as the date got closer for me. I got my date about 3 months before the actual date so I had a long time to think about what I was doing and if it was the right decision. As each day passed, I knew that this was the answer for me and that I would soon be on my way to a healthier me.

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

My first few weeks home were fine. I pretty much took it easy and rested a lot. One of the things that I started doing right away was taking my multi vitamins and my sublingual B-12 so that my energy level would remain up. Also, I would suggest that you start drinking as much water as possible so that you don't endanger yourself of getting dehydrated.

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

My surgery was local and the hospital as well as aftercare and support group is less than 15 minutes from my home and about 5 minutes from my place of business.

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.

Things that I couldn't eat in the beginning as well as now is fried foods of any kind. They make me feel extremely nausious and make my pouch ache. One of my mainstays thus far has been cottage cheese, refried beans (fat free) and vegetarian chilli. It is amazing how spicey foods do not bother me in the least so at least I am getting a lot of flavor in the foods I do eat! One of my little "tricks" has been taking string cheese (low fat mozzeralla) and dipping it in spaghetti sauce .. makes me feel like I am having pizza or something and it does trick my brain!

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

I started walking a lot even in the hospital and I think that is what contributed to me not having hardly any gas pains at all. I am waiting for my post op appointment with the doctor to see when I can go back to my gym and start working out. I have been walking in the mornings and in the evenings about 20 minutes each time and it is very invigorating for me.

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

I take children's sugar free multi vitamins (2) per day as well as sublingual (dissolving) B-12 each day. I have yet to find a liquid calcium but I am still looking as I know this will be a factor in my bone density as I lose weight.

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 only had nausia the first night of surgery from the anesthesia but they gave me something for it and I haven't had it since. I do dump on fried foods and I have not ventured into sugar items. I don't want to go thru the dumping process and I really don't have much of a taste for them anyways. One of the hardest foods to give up would have to be soft french bread and pasta but I don't want to go thru anything like a blocked stoma or dumping on the carbs so I don't even try it! If I am craving something, I will take a small bite and chew, chew, chew until it is liquid and then wait a few minutes. Usually the desire goes away.

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

The worst part of the WLS is the head hunger. Your brain keeps telling you that you are hungry but your pouch doesn't agree. But it is so hard to not eat just to eat since these are old habits that die hard. The surgery fixed the physical and gave us a tool to be successful but it does nothing for the brain. That is what I have to work on myself.

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

I belong to a support group that is headed up by the surgical nurse at the hospital where I had the WLS. I have not attended yet as they meet once a month but I will be going on the 19th. I have belonged to an online support group since the beginning of my journey and I know that without their help, guidance and wonderful support pre and post op, I wouldn't have done as well as I have. Support is imperative to success and would not recommend anyone going into this without the support of a group before AND after the WLS.

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

Since mine was lap, I have 5 little scars that are very small and one is almost non existent. It is much better than I had expected and recovery has been great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only about 3 1/2 weeks out and I have not experienced this as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am only 3 1/2 weeks out but people I work with have noticed a change .. they keep asking me if I changed my hair, new glasses, etc. It is kinda funny 'cause I haven't told a lot of people about this and I just want to sit and wait to see who notices!