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

I had seen many commericals and had researched it on the internet. When I would watch television and see what the results were with Al Roaker, Carney Wilson, and others I was impressed and thought that could be me as well.

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

My stay in the hospital was good. I was hospitalized for three days. The only thing that you really need is a change of clothes to go home in and hygiene products thats it.

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

The only complication that I've had was food withdraws. Sometime I can feel my body going into a light shake or I get kind of cold, but I will sleep it off and be fine. Other than that I have not had any MAJOR 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?

Withing two day of me attending my seminar, I got my surgery date. (smile) I would never forget when she told me December 3, 2003 I started to hyperventilate on the phone. But because my surgeon got sick it was changed to the 17th of December. I was anxious. The day of my surgery when I was walking in the hospital I almost passed out (smile), the worst thing was laying in the holding area. I told my mother if I could get up off this table right now I would and go home. But I prayed and rested in God and all was well.

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

The first two weeks you are getting comfortable still in pain, stomach a lil sore. The hardest part is getting comfortable. The couch or recliner is and will be your best friend.

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

I travled only a half hr from home. My aftercare was not affected at all.

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.

Since I am only a month and a half post-op I'm still experimenting with food. Some days I can tolerate like chicken some days I cant. Spaghetti is off limits with Ragu sauce. Pizza a very small piece is good. ANY soft food like potatoes and grits taste sooooooo good. Some days plain water is good other days its not; therefore I get the flavored water. Then somedays food just stink too me. Never thought I would say a cheese sandwhich would be good. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fried food. Apple juice is AWESOME

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

I can walk and go in the grocery store for at least an hr at a time and not get tired!!!!!!!!!!! IT feel great.

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

Juice Plus is the only thing i'm taking right now.

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?

When I eat toooooooo fast I get nauseaed and sometime I will even vomit. But thats because I would wait until I feel so hungry. Don't do that at least try and eat every two hrs six times a days no less than 5. Vomiting is you eat something that does not agree with you, you may or may not vomit and thats ok. It's a trial and error process, just get a bag and do what you have to do. (smile) Sleeping, before I had my surgery it felt as though I was suffocating. Now that I've lost 50lbs I'm sleeping really well. Sometime at nite because my stomach is still tender I have to sleep on my side, but 80% of the time I'm trying to sleep on my stomach.

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

Sitting up for the first time after surgery.

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

My family has been my biggest support. They are just as excited as I am. But I will be attending my doctor's support group. And I also participate in the internet support group. I feel it is VERY important to have a strong support group. You are and will go through some serious emotional struggles and having that support will take you along way. Surround yourself with POSITIVE people.

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

Because I have sensitive skin; I assumed that my skin would make a keloid, but it didnt. My scar looks very good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now I have not experienced any.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, the look at me and smile. My brothers have even said you have a neck now. (smile)