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

I really don't remember how I found out about bariatric surgery, but it was a very long time ago. My initial impressions were that I would never do something that drastic. That I should be able to lose weight on my own. HA HA.

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 very good. Spring Branch Memorial Hospital in Houston was top of the line in my books. The nurses were great, everyone was very friendly. Dr. Molina expects/demands quality. I only stayed in the hospital 24 hours.

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

I have had no complications from the surgery except that there is a very small place on my incision that hasn't completely healed due to drainage. I'm told my Dr. Molina's office that this is very common.

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 got my surgery date 1 week before actual surgery. That was good for me because you might call me mentally "highstrung" I worry a lot. I just prayed a lot and other than the typical worries of having surgery, had a peace that I was doing the right thing for me medically, physically & emotionally and tried to focus on the future and not the surgery & pain itself.

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

One of Dr. Molina's patients has started a discussion board. The website is www.nonadjustableband.com. It has been a real godsend to me. I look at it daily. I also look at this website almost daily. The before and after pictures are very inspiring.

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

I have a 2" scar. It is just as Dr. Molina described.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 34 lbs 3 days after surgery. I didn't lose anymore until almost 2 weeks later. Even though I lost so much while in the hospital, it really scared me for the scales not to move, so I started measuring myself once a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It's still too soon to tell. I've only been banded for 6 weeks. Friends are giving me compliments galore, but I haven't lost enough to notice a change in public.