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

Surfing the Internet.

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

The first day of surgery I thought I was going to die. I had never experienced such pain. Every day it got a little better. I was there for a total of 7 days.

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

Nausea is the only complication I've experienced.

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 just keep feeling better and better physically and mentally. I experienced some depression in the past 5 months but it's getting better.

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

I didn't have any complications and enjoyed the time off from work.

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

Dr Barzune and Medical City are less than 30 miles away. It's a small price to pay for what I've gained.

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.

Absolutely no sugar or bread. Carbonated beverages were off limits. After about month two I was so nauseated I tried a 7 UP but it burned my tummy really bad. Now if I attempt a carbonated beverage I have to open it and let it sit for hours before I drink it.

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

Dr Barzune insisted on walking a mile a day. I am still doing that. I started off walking around the block and by week 3 I was doing the mile.

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

Country Life Protein supplement drinks. Very good. I also take a prescription iron pill daily and a Centrum vitamin (recommended by Dro Barzune).

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?

Nausea was difficult. I did experience some weight loss. I drank the protein drinks for my hair and for my nausea. They never made me feel ill.

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

The first day of surgery when they insisted I get up and walk. OUCH!

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

The second Monday of every month is the support group meeting. I have found them to be extremely helpful.

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

The scar is pretty ugly. It is what I expected. It's a war wound.