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

I had heard of a few people talk about having it done and even met a couple of ladies who had it done and just listened to their wonderful testimonies and started researching information for myself. My intial impressions were always that I just wanted to have it done. I didn't fear it at all. I just wanted some help.

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

My hospital stay was excellent. I checked in at 8:00 A.M. on Monday, Dec. 4, 2000. My husband and sister were with me. The first thing I had to do was naturally put on my hopital gown. The nurse came in with beautiful white stockings and put them on my legs and gave me the first injection of heparin in my belly. It wasn't bad at all. I think I had to get 3 or 4 of the injections I'm not sure exactly how many, this is to keep blood clots from forming. After about an hour they took me to pre op and the party was on. I was in the hospital until Friday of that same week. As far as things to bring to the hopital I brought entirely too much. I brought 3 new gowns, panties etc. not necessary. All you really need is deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush etc. thats it. I didn't like messing with all that other girlie stuff I normally like.

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

The only complications I had at all were that the epidural didn't work on me. I had to have the pca (patient controlled anethesia) which was ok.

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

I am constantly going to www. obesity help. com or spotlight health and just reading encouraging stories and looking at before and after pictures of patients. This has been most helpful and important to me. I recommend it highly.

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

My scar is just a long thin line and its pretty. I'm proud to have it. It has never bothered me since it healed. It is much better than what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a couple of plateaus. I think I lost about 40 lbs. then I sat still for 2 or 3 weeks didn't lose anymore then all of a sudden I stepped on the scales and had dropped 10 lbs. Right now I'm at another plateau. I have lost 80 lbs.and I'm at a standstill and have been for a couple of weeks. I am trying to get myself motivated to start exercising more regularly. I have got to get more water down that is something that I haven't been doing that I know is so important. I feel sure that will cause the weight to come on off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

For sure people that snubbed me before now seem to have time to talk to me. Its amazing how people can't see the beauty or all of the wonderful qualities that we have through the fat layers.