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

I found out about the surgery 5 yrs ago when a friend had it done. I thought it was a drastic measure and should only be done as a final option. At that time it was not my final option

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

My hostpital stay was 5 days, I didn't bring very much with and the hostpital supplied most everything I needed. I ddi bring slippers and used them the final 2 days.

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

I had no complications till 3 months post op. I developed a stricture and have been having to deal with having dilations to keep it open so I can eat and drink

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

Scared, anxious, nervous, happy ,sad/. It wasa an emotional roller coaster before I had surgery. I went through every emotion you can think of. I even cried over knowing I would be giving certain foods up. I thought it was crazy, but now I see it was somethgin that had to be

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

Painful! I was tired alot and hurt. Every day got better though. Each day was just a little better and easier to take. After the second week I was feeling better, moving better and happier.

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

It was only about 20 mins to the office adn the hostpital so I was very close

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.

Since sugery I have been on 28 days of liquids 2 weeks of soft foods, and solids have been great! I can eat just about anything, I stop myself at 28 grams of sugar though. I dumped on grape juice once and it had 48 grams. Never again!

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

Activity wasn't much in the beginning as I was tired alot. But now 3 months post op I have SO MUCH! engery! I love how this surgery has changed my life

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

I take 2 chewable vitamins, 2 500 mg calcium and 1 B12 once a week

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?

It was hard to sleep right in the beginning. But only because I am a stomache sleeper. Now I ahve no issues

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

I attend a monthly support group. Which I love!

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

It looks great! my scars about 12 inches long and fading very well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only have had one and That was due to the stricture I developed

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people definatly treat you different. Some people are almost afraid to talk with me sometimes. Some people seem mad I did this.