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

I first found out about the surgery from co workers, media and internet. I thought it was an answered prayer.

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

My stay was wonderful. I suggest you bring things to help keep you focused including music and reading material.

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

No complications.

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 kept in mind this was a change for the better.

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

Focus on yourself although that may seem selfish. Think about your new life style.

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

Within the city. Not far

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.

Thick foods such as meats. Rice has been off limits. Sometimes I feel I have eaten to much. I had to find a dish that I could use to actually see the amount of food being eaten according to pouch size. I kept the picture of the pouch in front of me at all times. Now I am able to digest beef and pork a little better. Fish is better then soft parts of chicken.

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

Upper body excercise such as upper arms was my main target. Some walking.

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

Centrum?? chewables, protien powder drink and extra B and potassium??

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?

Vomiting and not eliminating like I usually do. This is still a problem. I use herbals.

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

Not having eliminations regularly and refluxing.

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

None yet

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

Not bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Went two after 8 weeks with weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes somewhat.