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

A co-worker of mine had the surgery, seeing the results, asking her millions of questions and learning about this web site helped to decide that this was for me. My impression was this can't be real and that my insurance won't cover it.

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

I was at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC and my stay was wonderful. I was in the hospital for three days. Well I went in Monday morning and was released Wednesday morning. Bring underware, a book and clothes to go home in. What I wore to hospital is what I wore home.

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

I had no real complications. I some gas but that was to be expected. But walking helped that. No pain.

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 like a kid waiting for the first day of school. I just couldn't wait for the day to come. Just knowing that my life was about to begin again was wonderful.

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

I was out and about that Friday. I got a little bored just drinking and even though you have the surgery that doesn't stop cravings. So this the time to keep a journal and begin to work out issues that help to gain the weight.

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

I live in Washington, DC so my girlfriend dropped me off and kept my car until I was released to come home.

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.

I am only 2 months post-op., but it has taken some time to adjust but I can eat the things I could before, just a significantly smaller amount. I really don't eat meat like before. I can do without it. I stay away from fried foods, though sometimes I do crave a piece of fried chicken. The only real problem I have encountered is varitey in cooking foods. I need new recipes.

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

I was released from the hospital on Wednesday and by Friday I was back out. Then a week later I was back to work.

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

I take a chewable vitamin and sometimes I drink Carnation Breakfast.

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?

Nausia only a little. But nothing else(thank God) has happened.

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

The waiting to be approved by the insurance company.

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

Through my surgen Dr. Fullum, I attend once a month a support group. It is very helpful. I have also joined a gym. A friend and I go during lunch. We encourage each other.

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

I have seven small scars that resemble stretch marks that I had in the begining.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I get compliments often but there are some who are just used to seeing you look a certain way. Then you have some who are just jealouse of your success.