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

My primary care doctor discussed the surgery with me but I think I may have mentioned it first. I don't remember exactly where I heard of it first. My initial impressions were to be questioning and nervous. I was unsure of the cost/benefit ratio: I didn't know if going through a serious operation was worth it to lose weight.

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

My hospital stay was good overall. Most of the nurses were caring and understanding. I was in a hospital with a ward for WLS patients so I had a special bed and everyone knew what they were doing. I was there for three nights, I think. They provided most of what I needed at the hospital so I didn't need as many of the things as I brought. I have sensitive skin so I needed my own soap. etc but I was so out of it those first few days that I wasn't to worried about washing with the correct soap!

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

I did not really have any complications. After my incision healed I had a few hernias under the incision but they were tiny (they feel like little beads) and I was told not to worry about it at this point.

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

After I got my date I was excited and it felt like an eternity away. Where I had the surgery, they require you to go to a few support group meetings and I enjoyed that. It was a good way to meet people in various stages and an opportunity to ask questions. I read about the surgery on the net constantly. I researched and chatted with people in various stages there as well. Getting myself prepared and reading stories about the surgery calmed most of my fears. I felt informed and ready when it was time.

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

The hopsital where I had the surgery has a support group that I attended in the past. The internet became an intregal part of my aftercare support...I asked questions and talked to people who had the surgery all the time for months after my surgery. It was extremely important at that point. I could get everything from tips on what to eat to finding out if something was "normal" or not.

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

My scar is not so bad. I had open surgery so it's not a few tiny slices but it's not horrible. It's still changing even after 3 years.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I reached at plateau after about 2 years. I knew that I needed to take the next steps. I was able to eat more by then and was not exercising regularly as I needed to.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have been called "thin" on multiple occassions...that is certainly different! The people who were my friends before did not treat me differently and those are the people I care about anyway. I will say that it is nice not to hear nasty remarks whispered behind me.