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

I learned about weight loss surgery in nursing school where it was discussed with negative connotations. My research on the web gave me the best information.

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

My stay was only 2 days. I suggest bringing comfy slippers for walking and a cmfy bathrobe. Getting up and walking soon after surgery was the greatest thing to relieve my pain.

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

I have had alot of gas pain and spasms. The spasms lasted for only about 2 weeks. The gas is still persistent 1 month post op.

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 very excited. Then about 1 week before my surgery I got nervous. I had to keep busy at work and home to keep from going nuts !!!!

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

Expect to be tired. You can also expect some episodes of nausea as you begin to add food back to your diet.

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

I traveled to Shelby Baptist Hospital which was about 1.5 hours from my 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 could eat jello and popsicles. The popscicles were the main part of my nourishment the first week or two. As I advanced to soft food, chicken noodle soup and vanilla wafers were great. By week four I can eat chicken and soft cooked veggies. My intake is getting better at week four. Im eating about 5oo calories per day now.

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

I have experienced alot of fatigue. Im still that phase but looking forward to the increased energy levels.

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

I take a multivitamin. The One A DAy Complete are small so they go down easy. I also take a calcium supplement with vitamin D. I have to break these in half and take them with food.

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 diarrhea after eating anything with milk. I also have diarhea after eating anything spicy. The spasms the first couple of weeks were the worst. I had to take sips of fluid and avoid solids. I also took a medication called Donnatol Elixer which stopped the spasms and diarrhea.

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

Learning how and what to eat. Its like learning how to eat all over again. The post op pain was minimal.

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

My surgeon and primary care physician are my follow up. I work in the same hospital as my PCP so he is in constant contact with me about my condition. I think that is important. Im only one month out so I havent got involved with a support group as of yet, other than internet groups. I think that any suppot after this life changing surgery is good.

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

I only have 6 small 1 inch incisions. They are not too noticable now and Im sure they wont be at all in the future.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. alot of friends are already saying that they can see a difference. My overweight friends ask alot of questions about my experience.