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

A person I work with had it done. Her mother, Father, Sister-in-law also had it done. Then I ran across someone else who had it done. I saw the results. I watched these people for over a year.

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

The first day of surgery is kind of scary. I just wasn't sure I had made the right decision. Being put under anesthesia was the worst for me. I don't like coming out of it. My throat was all clogged and I get very emotional. I had a stiff muscle in my shoulder, I guess from lying in the position I was in. That was more painful to me, than the stomach. Your stomach just feels like you did too many sit-ups. I had my surgery done laproscopic, I think this decreases the pain of the surgery.

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

No.

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 was very concerened about the surgery, in that I was afraid of someone changing my stomach and intestines, and what health problems this might cause dawn the road. I also was concerned that I might gain my weight back in the future, and all this be for nothing. I made up my mind to do it and just learn all I can about it, and how not to ever gain the weight back. I also talked to someone here that has been very successful for a year and a half.

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

My first few weeks home were an adjustment from what I was used to eating. I also developed acid on my stomach and what felt like hunger pains all the time. My doctor prescribed previcid 15 mg twice a day and this took care of the problem. I haven't had any diareah and very little vomiting.

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

60 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.

After the progression of diets right after surgery, I've found that fresh pork is about the only thing I can not tolerate. It has been almost 3 months now. I haven't tried any sweets.

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

The first month and a half, I was very weak, however, I was having the problem with the acid and couldn't eat or drink enough to keep my strenght up. When I got this straightend out I have lots of energy. I walk about a mile every day now.

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

I take bugs bunny sugar free vitamins.

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?

Just the acid problem.

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

Anesthesia!

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

This site is the only support group I have.

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

6 very small scars. Yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I first had surgery, for the first 2 months the weight came off rapidly. It has now slowed down, sometimes I lose 1 pound a week sometimes 5. I haven't experienced a plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are very supportive at work, as well as my freinds and family. I'm so excited to finally be losing weight.