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

My stay was okay. When I left the recovery room the CNA appeared to be bothered with me. She did not give me privacy when I had to use the bathroom. Also I was told that my CPAP machine would be hooked up to my oxygen. It never was. I moved to the ward after 24 hours of being in ICU. I was concerned about my breathing the 3 days I was there. When I asked about hooking my CPAP up to the oxygen, I was told they did not know how to do it. I did a lot of deep breathing, sleeping and walking to become strong and get out of there.

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

No complications.

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

Meditation, work and strong support from family, friends and round the clock support from ObesityHelp.com. This site made all the difference.

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

After care is very important. I am not a frequent flyer at the docs office but I do rely on the docs confirmation that I am healing nicely and that I am ready for the next step.

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

It is beautiful. Dr. Chin used glue to seal it and it is healing nicely. It is 4 1/2 inches long and a very skinny scar. I am sure most of it will go away with cocoa butter.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. My husband has stars in his eyes. My children eat healthier - not like I would like but they have cut out sodas...