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

I know a ladie that had the surgery done many years ago. I know she lost alot of weight and kept it off. So oneday I got on the computer and typed in stomach surgery and that was the beginning for me. When looking at it I thought my insurance would never cover it so I dropped it. Then about 6 months later I started looking again and talking about it. A few people I talked to know people that had it done and they were all pleased with the surgery. When the 1st saw the surgery I knew I wanted to do it. Karen Phillips Stafford Va

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

I was in Fair Oaks hopsital. I hated it! The department that most people stay in after they had the stapling surgery was full so I had to go to another part of the hospital. The part I was at knew very little about the surgery and they were not helpful at all!!! Thank God my mom was there a few hours each day. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days. I didn't need a fan but most peeople I talk to say bring a fan. A nice large house rob is a plus and things like your toothbrush & paste & hairbrush & shampoo and all your little things like that. I didn't get to do anything because I was having a reaction to the meds. but you should also bring little things to do like read a book etc. Karen Phillips Stafford Va

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

I haven't really had any problems from the surgery. Only once I had spicy chilli which gave me really bad heart burn and it felt like I was having a heart attack but I sleep it off. But there is no other problems. Karen Phillips Stafford Va

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 I found out that I was approved I was nervous but very very excited. I remember thinking to myself wishing I had tried this a long time ago. I just sat down and talked alot with my mom about the surgery and she really helped me out. Karen Phillips Stafford Va

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

I have 2 different support groups that I can go it. There is a smaller one in Woodbridge Va. that meets the 1st Monday of each month and there is a large meeting in Fair Oaks Va. that meets on the 3rd Monday of each month. I've gone to the Woodbridge meeting and I found it to be very very helpful. I think it is important to attend a few. I wish I went to some before my surgery and right after I surgery. It would have helped me out alot. Karen Phillips Stafford Va

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

I scar is not that big at all and its really fading away. I had 12 staples on the outside. I didn't now what to expect with the scar but it is a little smaller then I thought it was going to be. Karen Phillips Stafford Va

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and No. Must people treat me just the same because I am still the same person. I feel like as far as the public goes they do treat me better. I diffently get more attention but I also feel alot better about myslef. Karen Phillips Stafford Va