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

My friend had it done and he was 660 lbs and he was a prisoner in his own home. It had caused alot of problems for him and his family after losing his job. His health got really bad and he decided to do this as his last effort in correcting a life long problem.

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

I stayed 4 days in the hospital because I had a 2 hour drive home and so they kept me for an extra day. I felt like I was in constant motion the whole time I was there. Either being encouraged to walk, making you sure that your fluids are consumed and always waking you up at night to take your vitals. They were very attentive. also as with every working place in America you will have your personality changes and sometimes that is hard to deal with. You wished that everyone in the profession loved their job and it showed but I guess thats asking too much. As far as taking anything, only what you have on, that should be comfortable for the ride home. You don't need anything because they provide so much. If you felt like doing your makeup or using deodorant that would be alright but I wasn't too concerned. It was not a high thing on my priority list. I just wanted to feel good.

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

I was blessed enough to have none of the complications. Of course I am only 1 week post op and things could change but at this point I am getting stronger everyday. I just don't understand all the coughing I do and that is the only painful thing that I go through.

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 upbeat at finally deciding to go ahead with it so I was very positive and wanted to get it over and done with. The last few days before surgery I did get anxious but as I got emails from people who had done it and thanks to this website I was able to get through it.

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

I have none at this point. I do have a good email buddy that lives near me that we keep in constant contact. She also has had the surgery and we compare stories and since I have had mine first, I feel like I have helped her going through hers.

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

Its ugly!!! Long and dark red, not very attractive at all. I wish that it looked like my hysterectomy scar. It was thin and barely visibile.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am going into my fifth month and I have been at the same weight for over a month. I know that I can eat more and probably the wrong things so I really need to watch more of the kinds of food that I am eating. I also do not have an exercise plan either. I hope that it is not the end of my losing weight since I have about 30 or 40 more to go.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, they are just so surprised at how much weight I have lost and the difference that it has made in me.