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

The first time i heard about WLS i was freaked out. I thought this was something that only movie stars did. i really got interested in it when i saw how well mr. roker did on the surgery. then one day i ran into someone who was very obesed, and i realized i had to do something before i got like that. It was a shock to see someone so fat and unable to walk. i could not let my self get like that, i had to do something about it.

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

I was at tampa general hosp. i was there for five days. i actually did not bring anything extra. but i did get the things i needed directly from the hosp. chap stick, fan and comfortable clothing is probably most important to bring just in case the hosp. cannot provide it for you..i actually had a semi private room for only one day. the next four days i had a private room and the view was very beautiful. i was very happy with ;my stay at tampa general. the nurses were very good also. i think them knowing i was a nurse helped.

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

none...thank God.

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 extremly nervous but happy at the same time. i did not know if i should cry, jump up with joy or just sit and freak out. i called my husband at work and told him. he asked me the same question. How do you feel? i was very scared that i might not make it. but i reached out to a support group and soon i was on my way to feeling really good about what i was about to do...

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

Support groups are very important. i have to drive one hour and fifteen minutes to tampa to attend my support group once a month. i do it because i feel alot better having people to talk to that have gone thru the same thing as me. you also make lifetime friends because this surgery is very life altering and these friends will be by your side just as long.

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

I had my surgery lap. so my very tiny 3 inch scares are barely visible. i do have five of them and at this time they are healed and barely seen...no problem.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Many plateaus have come my way. they last up to two weeks but soon the weight starts to come down again. changing your exercise routine helps and eating those six small protein meals is also a way to start the scale going down again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet, but i think its because i am not presently working. so i am not around different people at this time. we will see when i do return to work......but i believe people will perceive me differently.