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

I learned of the surgery from people who had had it, and at first thought it was too radical an option. Over time I casme to realize that not option could be worse than remaining obese and waiting for the excess wait to take its toll on my heart, other organs, and joints.

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

The hospital stay was fine. UCLA has fabulous faciltites and even better staff. They were good about pain control. I was in the hospital for five days and four nights. I had my own tv with cable and that really helped pass the time. One thing that made me uncomfortable at first was that no matter what I did I couldn't get cool. I was so hot. Eventually they located a powerful fan which I had on high and pointed on me 24/7. That made me feel 1000% better. Bring a small fan, and a back scratcher. Without the back scratcher I would have lost my mind, since I couldn't bend over to scratch behind the knee or anywhere else

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

None

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 felt great and excited. The only anxiety I ever felt was on the morning of the surgery. I realized froim the beginning that this was thew only option and that it was something I needed if I was going to have a long and healthy life.

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

At first I felt unsure that the surgery was going to do what it should. Being large I couldn't tell if I was losing. You should have seen my face when on the visit to the doctor 3 weeks after the surgery they weiched me and I saw that I'd lost 41 pounds in 21 days. That really served as motivation and as an ego boost.

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

My parents home is 45 minutes from the hospital. This made things easy.

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

I was supposed to walk a lot, but I just couldn't get motivated to move a lot. I am working on this but admit thjat I am not walking nearly as much as I should.

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

Tums Ulta with calcium, Flintstones chewables, MetRX protein drink mix.

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?

I have had some intolerance to certain foods which has resulted in a feew minutes of nausia followed by vomiting. I also get the occasional dry heaves. Hair loss has been minimal. I have not experienced dumping in the first 6 1/2 weeks after the procedure because I have avoided sugar like the plague.

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

The initial day in the hospital during which I felt so hot. Other than that it has not been too difficult. The pain at first was tough but pain management eventually got it under control. I will say that it was hard transitioning from the iv self administered dilatid and the vicadin pills. Pill pain meds are not as good.

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

I just surf the net and read about the stories of oters and look at the FAQ's.

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

It is so much smaller and neater than I had ever hoped. AND IT IS SHRINKING! I am told it will also fade and turn white.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well my family always askes me to stand up so they can evalute my loss to date (this gets annoying after the first 50 times). Otherwise no change yet.