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

My husband did it first. He did great

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

short... I couldn't wait to go home to see my babies. I had a nanny, my mother and my husband to help me at home. I was glad I had a book while I was in ICU, that part was the hardest because I couldn't have visitors. Comfy clothes......

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

None. To prevent complications....Be careful if you have young children. Devise strategies to help them climb into your lap as opposed to you lifting them. I bought a step stool to put at the end of my bed so my 22 month old could climb up to me easily. I had my mother bring my mother put my 7 month old ion my lap for me so I did not put any undue strain on myself.

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

After surgery I felt tired and I wanted to chew food. The liquid diet for three weeks was hard on me mentally. As soon as I was released to soft solids I realized I couldn't eat much anyway. It helped to have other choices though.

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

Take a rest. You will be tired easily and your body has to adjust to a lot fewer calories. Try to give yourself time to heal. Plan small outings where you can be involved in calm activities. GO to the library before surgery... Book lots of help for meals for you family and household chores...

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

I live in Houston where I had surgery

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.

At first I couldn't eat much. When I began introducung new foods I made sure to eat SLOWLY and chew well so I could be sure to know when I got full. If you are not paying attention you'll find that you eat too much too fast and then you pay for it by being sick. I truly enjoy vegetables of all kinds now and I eat meat SLOWLY and CAREFULLY. I am able to eat Weight Watcher type pre-cooked meals and feel completely satisfied. The meat in these meals is usually very moist and easy to swallow and digest.

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

At first, I was tired and couldn't do much but as time progressed I got stronger. Now I rollerblade, walk on the treadmill and walk pushing a double jog stroller with a 28 pound child and a 38 pound child. Never thought I would be able to do that!!!

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

Flintstones chewables until I got hooked on American Longevity vitamins/minerals. They are expensive but I feel great.

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?

Dumping after make a poor food choice. I still dump if I eat things that are too rich in sugar or fat. I also feel bad if I overeat. I usually lay down and try to get over it, or walk a little... It only lasts about twenty minutes

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

So far I regret nothing and would do it again!!!!

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

I go to weekly meetings when I can get a sitter for my kids. THis has been instrumental in breaking plateaus and helping keep my spirits up... I feel it is extremely helpful and I attribute my success to these meetings. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

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

A long red scar down the middle of my stomach. I expected this and it is a small price to pay for my success.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I"ve just had a few short stagnant periods, I usually broke them by increasing protein, water and exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They give me compliments