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

I had read magazine articles about surgery, but had never considered it seriously until I went to a support group meeting in my hometown and met people that had sugery. It was those people that gave me the confidence and the encouragement to seek out a surgon. Also the information they provided has been incredibly valueable.

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

I was in the hospital 3 days and 2 nights. I had my own room and was very comfortable. The nursing staff was very considerate and made me feel at home. I had minimal pain and was walking the next day. I think having my wisdom teeth out was more painful.

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

I had no complications.

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

I was very fortunate. I had no problems. The thing that I had to remember was the fluids. It was hard sometimes to remember to eat also. I was never hungry the first few months after surgery so If I didn't make a point of eating I easily forgot. However everyone is different.

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

I travled about an hour.

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.

In the begining everything went into the blender. It was not fun. (But it was still better than the cabbage soup diet I tried before:) )After about 2 weeks I was able to eat scrambled eggs and soft foods. I did have problems with milk, so I switch to chocolat soy milk. It was alright. I warmed it in the microwave and had hot chocolate. By the end of June I was working up to most foods. My dietician gave me alot of info. The most important thing is to remember to chew!!!!

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

I was instructed to take it easy, however I felt pretty good and was planting flowers in my yard the following weekend. (with the help of my husband - he did the lifting).

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?

3 months post op I started loosing hair. I watched my protein intake and it has improved.

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

The worst part of the sugery for me was facing the fact that I wasn't going to lose the weight on my own. I felt like I was giving up in some ways by having the surgery. A member of my family even begged me not to have the procedure, because they thought I could lose the weight on my own, but deep down I knew I was already defeated. I had to do something, because I didn't want to give up on my self. I was to the point I had to do something different. It has been a life saver for me.

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

I have relocated since my surgery and have not found a support group, but if you can find one it will be the most helpful thing of all. I did have several follow up visits with Dr. Obrien and my dietician after surgery.

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

I have seven 1 inch scars on my abdomen. They are fading and looking better all the time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The longer out I am from the surgery date the slower it's going. I think alot of that has to do with being less restricted on what food I can have. I also have been exercising more so I think I have gained muscle also.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am lucky to have great friends and a wonderful family who have always treated me very well, however I can feel how happy they are for me and how proud my husband is of my progress.