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

My dear friend that I worked with years ago just happened to call at work and I answered the phone, we began to talk and catch up and she told me she was going to have the surgery in December and I got all the info and made an appt. for a consult right then. She works for the doctor that did my surgery. I knew I could trust her and so I began to do all the research on the surgery and life style, on the other side of this. Ofcourse at that point I didn't care what I had to do I had to do something.

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 fine I was there from Monday morning to Wed morning. I was in some discomfort but not much, what hurt me was the headache I had from caffine withdrawel. I'll never drink caffine again ever. I honestly don't remember anything but being hot and my head killing me.

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

I had an infection at the incesion site but no real problems. It was cleared up with medication.

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

Not anxiety I jsut wanted it to hurry up.

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

I was just trying to do exactly what the team told me to do. I followed the instructions to the letter. I think that is key to success. You will be scared to eat anything just take it so and easy. I was sleepy and tired but excited. I could almost feel the fat falling off. I was not unhappy or depressed about not eating and I to this day really don't care if I eat or not.

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

20 minutes

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 eat no SUGAR except what is in my protein drinks. I use GNC Whey Protein and sugar free pudding to thicken it up. I don't do pasta well and until about a week ago I couldn't do bread of any kind but I have had one piece of wheat bread in the last 2 weeks. I can eat anything I want but I very careful not to over do it because it hurts if you do. I really only eat one meal a day and drink my protein and water.

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

I went back to work in a week for a few hours a day. Went shopping and did most anything I wanted to do. I had a lot of energy after about 3 weeks.

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

Flintstones with iron E, C and Calicum

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've have none of the above except my hair is coming out and I sure hope it stops soon. It has been coming out for about a month and I'm 5 months post op.

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

The headache

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

I use this site for support I haven't been to the meetings because of my work schedule.

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

scars are fine very small and not at all bothersome to me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh goodness well I had a long plateau for about a month and I just kept doing what I was told to do I increased the protein and water and I finally broke it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They talk to me more. And man look at me now