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

Thru a friend that had it. When she first told me about it, I was shocked yet intreged. After some thought, I knew it was the right decision for her. It took me 4 more years of research and prayer.

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

I was fortunate, I was there for 2 1/2 days. The first night was hard! Since all of my stomach muscles where cut getting up was near impossible! I had a trapeze bar to help, but I was so weak it wasn't much use! Getting comfortable is the hardest thing. Don't try to lay on your side, you'll be sorry! :o) The best thing I brought was my CD walkman. Music relaxes me and helped me to just enjoy my PCA pump and relax.

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

none

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 had anxiety attacks in the night for a few weeks. I'm still not sure why I had them. Dealing with them was to just get up get a drink of water and try to go back to sleep.

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

I've not yet started one but am looking into it. Everyone needs help in order to not feel alone in this journey.

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

Looooong! :o) It's a red strip down my belly, and a constant reminder of what I have gone through in order to save my life. It is like a badge of courage reminding you that you took a huge step and drastic measures to better and save your life! Never be ashamed of your scar!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm still new at this but I have hit one plateau, for the past week I haven't lost anything. After looking around on this site did I realize maybe I'm not getting enough protein, and that's why. This to will pass. One day I'll get onthe scale and I'll have dropped a few more pounds. In order not to get upset about it I remind myself of how much I have lost in how short a time and how that's never happened before!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone is proud of me and treats me the same. I am the same person, I'm just shrinking.