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

TV I wanted to do this 5 years ago but insurance would not pay till now.

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

Great stay in hospital. I was there 6 days. Very small hospital so the nurses were greatto me. Something to keep me busy day before.

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

No complications.

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 when I got my surgery date. I had to wait a month, I tried not to think about the surgery. And eat steak every night.

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

My firt week home was a nightmare. I felt so weak, tired, I waas in a lot of pain. You will need help in shower, walking getting around the first week. I could not sleep on my side for 3 months. I had to buy a speial pillow to keep me from laying flat. Bought this pillow at medical supply.

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

About 5 miles DO NOT FORGET TO ASK FOR A PAIN SHOT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOSPITAL. I did and by the time we got home in was in a lot of pain. Took awhile to find a drug store that was open to get meds.

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 not eat all the first 5 weeks. One oz. of food at each meal. Two months later I had tryed a few things such as cheese (did not work got stuck) Crackers went down ok and still do. I can not eat noodles at all or beef. Although I have had a cheeseburger from McDonalds 1/4 of a cheeseburger.

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

First 4 weeks not much at all. Finnally after 3mths I feel that I have more.

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

Flinstone Vitamins.

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?

Had nausia for about 2months. I have just started hair loss.

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

First week

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

Meet once a week in a support group. I really enjoying, I learn alot.

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

I thought it would be wider. It's longer than I thought.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet I excercise everyday.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Now I just don't care how people treat me.