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

I knew a woman who had the surgery and I talked to her about it. After talking to her, I went on-line and did a lot of research about the surgery. I wanted know as much as possible before making this type of life-alterin decision. After my initial consultation with Dr. Obeid, I felt that I finally had a way to get my weight and my life under control.

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

I was in the hospital for five days, counting the day of surgery. I had to stay an extra day because I had a low grade fever. I was very impressed with the way the staff handled all the bariatric patients. I never felt that they were disgustedwith me and they way that I looked. the most important things to take with you are: a robe, slippers, and a positive outlook.

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

After my staples were taken out, I had a minor complication. My incision came open and I had to have it cleaned twice a day and the packed until it closed on its own. At first, I was very upset and then I realized that if it wasn't going to upset my husband, who had to clean and pack it, that there was no reason for me to be upset. I was very lucky that there was no infection, it just came open.

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

In the beginning, I was very scared and I wasn't sure that I wanted to go through with the surgery. I prayed a lot and placed my faith in God and Dr. Obeid, who was doing the surgery on with the help of God.

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

I attend the Hurley support group every other week. I found that I wasn't the only person having different feeling and that there were a lot of other people who have gone though this surgery and they have a lot to share. It is very important to go to a group for the reasons stated above.

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

Where my incision came open, it is rather wide. However, where it remained closed, you can barely see it. It is not so bad. It is worth it just to be able to go into a store and buy clothes off the rack. Besides, if you significant other doesn't care, who cares about what other people think.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a couple of plateaus. When I reached the first one, I was afraid that I was not going to lose any more weight. However, after speaking with the bariatric counselor, I found that it will happen and that I needed to remember that I would get on the scales one day and I will have lost several pounds. She was right!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to see me now and not just the fat. I do get a ton (pardon the pun) of compliments. At first, no one thought that I was heavy enough to have the surgery and now they can't believe that I was every as heavy as I was.