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

I found out about the surgery through my primary phys. He told me that it would be a wonderful thing for me to do. So I, well my husband checked our insurance and found that they pay 100% for the surgery. I went to Dr. Wongsa and now I am having surgery April 18, 2002.

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

The hospital I was in was so wonderful. The staff was the greatest. They made you feel at home and were very understanding about any fears i had. I was at the hospital for 2 1/2 days. I just brought the basics, the hopital furnished the rest.

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

No complications as of yet!I have a blood clot in the navel area, but doc said it was nothing to worry about. Will be fine. Just taking it easy with lifting and bending over.

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 was excited, but very scared. My husband was wonderful and this site also. I got a lot of good information on this site to help me to prepare for surgery and talked with God about the surgery. I just believe that it was the right time and right doctor.

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

My first weeks at home were spent in bed due to twisting my ankle. i was very drained feeling and my ribs hurt really bad. You should get as much rest during this time. Don't over do it, but do get up and walk around the house. Do not lift anything, do not bend over for anything!

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

We had to travel about a hour for my surgery. I still go back to him for check ups. My doc has no aftercare, but the hospital has a support group that meets once a month. We go to this every month.

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 could not and still can't eat ham. Plain hamburger patties or steaks hurt when I eat them. Beef has to be in something like taco sauce or in some kind of sauce. I cannot eat white meat of chicken or turkey. it is too dry and gets stuck. I eat the dark meat now.

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

My activity level has been pretty low due to my ribs hurting so much and being so tired all the time.

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

I took the flintstones, but they made me sick. I changed to the centrum children and it seems to be doing okay.

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

Having to have a colonoscopy!

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

I have five very small scars on my stomach. They are not bad at all. Dr Wongsa is so good at this. They are getting lighter every day. This is better thatn I expected!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateaus and just had to keep going. My hubby keeps me from being down when I hit them. I just hit one this week after losing 120 lbs. I know it is because my body has to have time to catch up!