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

My hair dresser told me about a woman that came to her to get her hair cut. I talked to Glena and she tole me about Dr. Molina. I thought great, this is what I really want.

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

I had to stay on the maternity ward, due to Dr. Molina's floor was full. Some of the nurses were less than willing to be friendly. There were 3 nurses that really acted like they cared. I was there for two days. I asked to stay for that extra day. I had a incesional hernia repaired and so surgery was kind of rough on me. The most important thing to bring is your husband. I couldn't have gone through this if it weren't for my sweet and loving husband. You might want to bring some comfortable clothing too.

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

I can say that the only complication I have is that there is no restriction of my band. How do I deal with it. I cut my food intake off with small portions. It is very hard and I don't know if I will be able to keep it up.

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 knew that the surgery worked and I couldn't wait to start my life again. I didn't know that I wouldn't have any restriction. I didn't know it would be all for nothing.

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

You have to get use to only drinking 2-3 ounces of fluid every hr. That was the hardest for me. Then you have to get use to the small amounts of food you can eat. After a couple of weeks you will get the hang of it. Just expect to feel some pain from eating to much to fast and getting the feeling you want to through up.

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

I traveled 1200 miles. I was hard on the trip home. We had to stop every 45 mins. to an hr. I had to walk 15-20 mins. We stopped half way home and got a hotel room. It was rough.

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.

With the first banding I couldn't eat bread or beef. But with this banding I can eat anything.

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

I have had quite a bit of pain so my activity level has been low. I am getting around more in the 4th week. I did have a repair of my hernia too.

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

I take two childrens chewable vitamins a day.

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?

No side effects except quite a bit of pain. I don't know if it is cause by the rebanding or the repair of the hernia. I am still not able to sleep in my bed. It feel like a pulling of my incesion when I try.

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

Knowing that there is no restriction and the repair of my hernia.

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

www.nonadjustableband.com It is helpful to talk to other patients of Dr. Molina. This is very important.

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

It is just a 2 inch scratch like scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only lost two pounds last week. It is hard. Before, the weight just fell off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.