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

I researched the RNY surgery for about two years. I would probably have chosen it had I been able to get surgery approval. I could not and so it would be three years later before I could have surgery and still did not get approval but with the price Dr. Rodriguez charges I could afford to pay cash. I believe this is the best thing that anyone who is extremely overweight could do. Some people call it the easy way out-I call it a very smart decision. Why should it matter how you lose weight as long as you have chosen a smart and healthy way to do so.

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

I went in Tuesday, April 1 and stayed overnight. I was released after breakfast on Wednesday morning. The stay was very pleasant and the only thing I needed was my personal hygiene things and my robe.

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

The only thing that bothered me was the pain from gas. It wasn't terrible just unpleasant. Walking made it better and by the fourth day after surgery it was completely gone.

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 was nervous about going to Mexico. I was scared of the changes I knew would happen. But mostly I was excited about the rest of my life.

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

I use Dr. Rodriguez's yahoo group. I also have a few friends who have had this surgery. Since Dr. R is so far away I have relied on the support of this group to answer questions and lift me up when I am having a hard time. There are many support groups everywhere. I would suggest to anyone to find one. It would also be very helpful before you have surgery.

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

My scaring is very minimal. It is better than I expected. I have one fairly large incision about middle ways between my navel and my breasts. The other three are very small and not very noticeable now. I did have scar tissue behind the large one but it went away after about a month.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have just now (four months post-op) hit a plateau. I need a fill and have started an exercise routine in order to jump start my weight loss again. Will post again when I have better results.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I have a wonderful family and great friends. I do notice that everyone seems to be concerned for me and they are always asking about my progress. I have encountered people who don't tell people about their surgery but I find that knowing people are expecting to see me lose weight then I am more motivated to do so. I guess to be honest people do treat me different but I am also different now. I don't say no when someone calls and wants to go to shopping or take the kids to the park. So people call more now! But that is good different, right?