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

I first found out when someone I was talking to over the internet was going through it. I tried talking her out of it cause I heard all kinds of horror stories. Now that I am bigger than I was then I see no other choice, and wish I could apolzie to that woman.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days, everyone was very nice and friendly. I even had some online friends for a group I am on call me at the hospital. I don't remember much about the conversations, but I am thankful that they did call and were so kind.

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

no no complications at all.

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

no anxiety, I felt fine, wish I could have found a comfortable place and positon to sleep thou..LOL

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

Just take it slow, things will be fine! I was bored off my a** while my partner was in having her surgery, but once she came home everything was good, we have a good kid that handle things beautifully.

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

15 miles....no problem at all, I didn't even need my pillow..LOL.

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.

most meats have been of limets, but I am slowly getting to eat those again. mostly any thing that was dry. but I have never stoped eating my beef jerky.....if you love it before, you will love it even more afterwards....2 words....HIGH PROTEIN!!!! hate takeing the damn vitimans thou...LOL

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

pretty well fixed me a spot on the couch were I could see the playground, and every so often would get up to walk out on to my patio, I was also out of ciggs, so that didn't help me sitting still..LOL

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

multi vitiman, iron, and a echinacea

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?

still losing little hair..my showers were apropreatly named "the wall of hair" but now that I am out walking more I cut my hair short.....very short...no more hair loss problem :o)

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

the epidural.......I WILL NEVER EVER GET ANOTHER ONE the damn guy hammered it into my spine....I am still having back problems!

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

my partners family was really helpful....no one came by after wards, to bug me..lol. I was pretty much left to myself and my boredom. I did have a very good helper thou....she played out side with her friends during the day and didn't give me any trouble about making her own meals, and taking a bath by herself...how many 7 yo can you say that about?

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

soft, and smooth, I highly recommend using hand cream after you are all healed. nightly if possible. didn't really have expectations...didn't want to think about it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

had some but dealing with it good.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really, at family get togethers, they make sure there is always something for us to eat.