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

I first heard about it from my orthopedic surgeon. I had injured both knees and even after surgery didn't have a decent quality of life. I was headed for a wheelchair and the orthopedic specialist told me he felt the only option at my age was to drop a significant amount of weight so that my knees weren't supporting all that weight. I was initially very frightened about the surgery.

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

My stay in the hospital was pretty miserable. I was allergic to all of the pain meds and continually itched and scratched. The nursing staff wouldn't give me enough Benedryl to control the itching so I couldn't even sleep. I was also perpetually hot - my internal thermostat was really messed up. The nursing staff brought me a fan and placed it directly in front of my bed and that is the only way I could stay fairly comfortable. I was in the hospital 2 nights and 3 days. I think the most important things to bring are very comfortable clothes. Nice loose fitting garments are really the best.

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

The only complications I had were the problems I had with liquid protein drinks. I couldn't keep ANY of them down. My sister bought 9 different types of protein drinks and doctored them up all sorts of ways (1/2 banana, a little vanilla, berries, etc.). I felt like such a failure because I couldn't keep them down. Everyone else seemed to be doing just fine except ME! Then, I met with the doctor and he assured me it was fairly rare but that there had been some other patient who didn't handle liquid protein drinks well. He put me immediately on soft food (scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt,etc.) and I did great.

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 felt anxious to get it over with. I felt scared and I wrote my will in case anything happened during surgery. I did a lot of praying and meditating.

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

I have only gone into the bariatic surgeon's office twice. Once to meet with my surgeon after surgery and once to see the RN in charge of the program for my 3 month check. I can't afford to go in for any more follow-up appointments. The surgeon was terrific! The RN is a bit cold and it is hard for me to talk to her. My sister and friends have been terrific support for me. I also talk to my psychologist and she is a terrific support.

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

I have five small scars on my tummy and abdomen. They are pretty dark but I have an 11 inch gall bladder scar across my abdomen and these little laproscopic scars are nothing compared to them. I'm actually pleased they are so small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm in one right now and have been for the past 2 months. I hit the 90 pound loss mark and haven't been able to drop any more. I've added some more exercise, added more water, more veggies, more fruit, less carbs, less fat, more lean protein and so far no luck. I'm still dropping inches though and that is the one positive that keeps me from losing hope about further weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people treat me much differently than they used to. I'm still a heavy person but I'm not nearly as obese and people are much nicer to me now. I'm also a bit more assertive and more confident now and that helps also.