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

My primary care doctor mentioned it and I laughed at him. Then a girl at work told me she was having it. I then began to do web searches and found your site and the rest is history. The more I researched the more I was sure that this was the answer to all my prayers.

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

I had my surgery early in the wee hours of Tuesday July 16th and came home late Saturday afternoon. I should of come home on Friday but because there were *possible* complications which turned out to be a false alarm I was kept the extra day. My hospital stay was pleasant enough as far as staff was concerned. I would most definately advise others to bring their own pillows and special blankets if they have them. Having familiar comfort things such as this makes your stay better.

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

No complications whatsoever except for pain in my ribs which were caused by strain right after the surgery when I was put in my regular hospital bed. The orderlies yanked the sheets to pull me up in the bed further and my ribs hurt so much I screamed. I hurt for a few days but then all was well. My doctor gave me some extra pain medications for this the first night and then after that I was able to deal with the discomfort on just the regular medications.

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

Anxiety? I had none whatsoever that I can remember.

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

Vanderbilt has a weekly support group and they also have an online group at Yahoo. I found that I needed the weekly support more before the surgery than after.

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

Its from my breastbone to my belly button. Its rounded and red and actually looks a bit like a zipper because of the scars from the staples. I expected this because of all the web pictures I've seen of other peoples scards.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It seems sometimes that I'll go up and down a pound or two before losing again. I am losing inches as well as pounds. As for a real plateau, I don't believe I've hit any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and thats all because of my changing attitute and disposition.