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

My sister had surgery and I waited till after hers was done to make a dicision about having surgery.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first meeting with the surgeon was great, he explained everything in detail so that i could understand it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I really had no choice in the matter. My body made the choice for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt have a whole lot of choice in what surgery was offered.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

After they give you the initial drugs before sugery youll have no worries.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My family was all for it since my sister had already had the surgery and had great success with it. My family has been pretty supportive and they help me out as much as they can.

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 pretty good, all the nurses and technicians were very nice and helpful and gave me pain meds when i needed them. I was in one week. The most important thing to bring is a hair brush and tooth brush, they make you feel more human than you would if you dont have them.

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

no

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Im still feeling ill quite often, my stomach hurts alot. The anxiety is bad and i havent really dealt with it very well.

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

Kinda of uncomfortable, you really need to find a good chair that is extremely comfortable, it truly helps. Dont expect that youll be able to sleep on your side. Its still hard to deal with people.

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

60 miles. Its not bad i catch a ride with my sister when she has an appointment. Its nice to bring someone with you for encouragement.

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.

IM still in the first month. I can only eat liquids and really mushy stuff.

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

In the hospital before i was released my activity level was high. When i got home i tried to do as much as i could, now i think all the activity gave me a hernia.

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

none

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?

I still have a little nausea now almost 5 weeks after surgery. I never sleep well because of sleep apnea.

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

Waking up from the surgery.

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

none

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

About ten inches. It wasnt as bad as i thought.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO