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

I learned about bariatric surgery, years ago during the stapeling days, as a youngster. Thought is was cool how my moms friend lost so much weight. As an adult, i learned about it through TV commercials and pamplets in the mail.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. It was a very comfortable stay, I had my own room. My hospital was new to the surgery, so there were only a few of us in the BTC unit. I found that bringing a fan for extra ventilation and air circulation was the best thing i brought.

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

I had a minor complication from surgery. I developed a cyst on my stomach, they claimed it was from irritation of the sutures. (I am laytex intolerant) 7 mos post, they reentered my same incision and removed the cyst. It was no big deal to recover from. The incision was about 4 inches.

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 cried once, over not being able to eat a pickle. That is the only time i felt i was missing out on anything. I felt tired often, and later learned i just needed to take B-12 and eat more protien.

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

This was easy for me. I had alot of support from my children and husband at the time. I wasn't babied, i did alot for myself, which i feel helped me stay mobile, which helped me to heal quicker.

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

I traveled about 17 miles. I was fortunate that a new BTC unit opened up in a local hospital just a few months before my 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.

I have never vomited. I have only 3 things my system can not tolerate and i am now 23 mos post op. I can not tolerate real ice cream, so i eat sugar free. I can not tolerate pumpkin pie, but i changed to sugar free and have no problems, and pop. I have to drink diet, and shake all the fiz out. Otherwise i suffer from extreme gas, that i can not expell.

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

I no longer attend a support group, not that i wouldn't like to, but I have since moved and i am nearly 50 miles from the closest one, and it's on Sat. mornings. With my 3 children who live with me in soccer, Saturdays are filled with practices and games, so i am not able to attend.

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

My scar is ok. Where they reentered is still red, and rather thick, but from there down is almost unnoticable. I expected a smaller scar, but to be honest, it doesn't bother me, I am rather proud of it actually.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've experienced several plateaus. They are discouraging, but don't give up. Exercise harder for a couple days or really watch your food intake and it will eventually begin your losing process again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

VERY MUCH SO! I get attention from men who would have never noticed me 105 ago....especially my HS crush.