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

A person I work with had the surgery, and I didn't know it. We ran into each other, and I was shocked by her weightloss. She gave me my initial information, and I read and prayed and thought realy hard about the pros and cons.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Listen, listen, listen! I heard everybody's story, and eagerly awaited the answer's to questions asked by myself and others.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Mostly praying. I just felt like I was being guided in the way of this decision. Now, two years out of surgery, I KNOW it was what I was supposed to do. I've never been better.

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

I had my surgery on a Monday, and I went home on Thursday. I had packed a few things, like book, crossward puzzles, and drawing materials, but I really didn't have that much energy, and I didn't use anything I brought. The hospital staff were wonderful, and I always felt like I was special and important.

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

I had no complications, which further tells me I did the right thing by having the surgery in the first place.

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 had no anxiety. I had days that I was a bit sore, but overall, I did well, and two weeks after the surgery, I went back to work and I haven't looked back since.

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

There was/is a very active support group connected with the program I was involved with, but it was too far away from where I live to be involved with it. I work with two women who've had this surgery and we're sort of our own support group.

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

I have five little tiny scars, and they're even less than what I anticipated.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm currently two years out, and I've lost 168 pounds. I just joined Curves, as I've come to a point where I know that the only way to get that last bit of excess weight off is to "shake it off". Before this, I would have a decent drop in my weight, and then have no loss for a few weeks, and then more would come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Only those I run into for the first time in a long time who either don't recognize me, or just didn't realize how much I've lost. It's all been very positive.