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

I have heard about this type of surgery for many years. After going to my doctor for a check up last year and of course weighing more than I had ever been in my life I made a decision for he entered the room that I was going to have it done if my insurance would cover it. I asked him for a referral and he of course gave me one and it is all history from that point. I had the surgery on May 17, 2002 tipping the scales at 379 and 5'6" tall.

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

It was very painful. I had to have the open type surgery and with so much weight on me it was hard to get up and get moving, but of course I did. Only stayed 2 days and was released. The only things you need to bring with you is yourself.

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?

All my anxiety was before I got my surgery date. It took 4 months to get approved and really stressed me out. Coping with the anxiety was very hard because I wanted this chance to have the surgery not knowing for sure if I would get approved. Was a little nervous the morning of the surgery, but overall didn't have much time to think about it before they put me under.

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

I go to a support group that meets once a months at Mobile Infirmary, Mobile, Al. Enjoy it very much. I look forward to going every month. It is very helpful to me and my success. Dealing with the physical and emotional problems is very important. I have took a very drastic methods to once and for all make me the person I've always wanted to be. I know I can't go this mountain along, so I ready take this opportunity to go to the meetings. I wish there was more available help in Mobile, Al. for eating disorders.

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

Since I had the open type surgery I have about a 7" scar. It's the least of my concern the actual scar. I feel I may have to have a tummie tuck becuase at 52 my skin will probably not go back real tight.I've stretched my skin so many times it's unreal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have not experienced any plateaus as of yet. In the past, before I had this surgery, when I was on a weight loss program and had a plateau I would drink more water and cut back my fat grams and be sure and exercise and usually it would get started again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

For the most part no, but my husbands is having a lot of difficult with me now. He had a endure a woman that was so large sex was impossible and we could not do anything socially together for about a year. Now that I have lost 90 pounds I guess I expected him to be thrilled and things would be better, but if anything there worse. He blames me for messing up our relationship and that really makes me feel bad becuase I didn't ask to be born with a weight problem, but both my grandmothers were heavy so I got a double whammy. Of course, I am the one that put all that food down my month, but I can not go back and change the past only make progess to the future.