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

I found out about it more than 20 years ago. A coworker had it done and unfortunatly died from complications 4months postop. I said "No way!". Next a friend had hers about15 years ago and within a short time seemed to gain a good bit back. I said to myself "Why go through all that pain and risk if it does'nt work!".

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 5 days, as I contracted Pneumonia. For the 1st 4 days I was pretty well out of it, so my stay was not bad. The staff was nice and professional for the most part. There were some people who were not very friendly or helpful, but they were far outnumbered by some caring and concerned individuals. I truly enjoyed the unlimited chipped ice, and the long warm showers. The bed was not very conmfortable and my back side was sore most of the time. I loved the Morphine pump! The worst experience was when it was thought I had sleep apnea and I was forced to wear the CPAP machine for 2 nights. That was HORRIBLE! Overall not a bad experince!

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

I contracted Pneumonia, but it was not a big surprise since the Pulminologist who did my pre testing said I might get it given my compromised lung capacity. I was on oxigen for about 3 months postop. I also had my Gall bladder removed concurrently with my open Roux N Y, since it was full of stones.

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

When I fist hung up from the insurance company after being approved, I was so overwhelmed I cried, and cried and cried. The tears were of Joy, Relief and Hope for a future. What helped me get through the anxiety was all the post op pre testing my surgeon required of me. I saw 2 pulminologist, 2 cardiologist, and had a lot of test preformed. I figured if all this testing didn't kill me, I should be able to make it through surgery. I prayed A Lot! I gave it a lot of thought and...asked many friends and family to pray for me and put me on their church prayer list! I did a lot of what I call "Last Supper Eating" and although it was probably not advisable since food was my drug of choice, it calmed my nerves.

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

I try to attend my support group each and every saturday I am in town. I truly value what I learn and recieve ther. It is a free support group held at the hospital where I had my surgery. For me the ongoing support and forum where I can bring up my questions and concerns is VITAL to my program.

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

Since I had open Roux N Y, the scare is approx 6inches long, from the bottom of my breast bone to my belly button. In some places the scar is about 1/2 inch wide. In retrospect, I wish that I would have kept my girdle type belt given to me by the hospital on longer; as I am told from others that I would have had a thinner scar line. Truly though I so don't care about my scar. It is a non issue at this time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I have had one plateau and it freaked me out. It was in my 3rd month and I lost no weight that entire month. The next month I was back on track. In retrospect I was away from home nearly the entire month and did not follow the guidelines ie protin intake or water intake, so I paid for my carelessness. I do know that plateaus happen and that I shall experience it again, but it ain't easy. I have also had a month where I only lost 1/2 of what my average to date monthly weight loss has been. It is on those months that I review my food diary with the help of the staff nutrisionist to see where I can improve. I still meet with the nutrionist monthly, reviewing my food diary, even if I have had a good weight loss in the month. Another valuable tool.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really since I am still morbidly obse at just under 300lbs. I do however notice that I treat myself differently and am more outgoing and less shy.