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

My Aunt had the surgery in 1996.

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

My hospital stay was pleasant as it could be. They kept me comfortable and was attentive to my needs. I was in the hspital 4 days. I found it help to bring loose fitting clothing because you are still swollen and tender when you leave. Also try to have the person picking you bring a car. Getting into a van or truck could be painful.

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

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

The only anxiety I felt was the anxiousness of a better lief that was awaiting me and I wanted it to bigin yesterday!!!!

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

I was tender sore and tired. Climbing stairs was difficult. My mom came over and helped with house hold chores.

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

Less Than 10 miles.

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 ate all mushy blenderized foods. in the first 4 weeks. 4 months post up I can eat almost anything except foods high in sugar (dumping sydrome and I am lactose intolerant. But I can eat cheese. My meals are much smaller and I feel very full.

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

It was slow going at first but 4 months post up I went skiing for the first time in my life and had so much fun.

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

I take a vitamin B12 shot, a regular multi-vitamin and a vitamin called hair skin and nails.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I get nausious with milk. A vey slight hair loss and sleep was hard at first just because you are uncomfortable on my side was best, But I sleep like a baby now.

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

The waiting time.

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

I use my own support group of people who I personally know who have had this surgery.

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

It is fading but it's pretty long from stomach to navel. Mya Aunt who is 6 years post up you can't even see at all barely. It looks like a thin pencil line.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I occaisionally hit weight loss plateaus but they don't last long. a few days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. Men are so much more attentive. I am single and my love life has improved drastically. Post Note: October 8, 2002. I am no longer single my fiance asked me to marry him in March and we tied the knot August 1st 2002. This surgery has changed my life!!