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

I frist found out about bariatric surgery threw TV commercials. I had whatch them for several years.When I called the number to get the information, the person that answered was very freindly. Whatching the video was very impressing. My husband was agaiest this surgery until he read the imfromation and watched the video.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first meeting went very well. Dr.Popolawski answered all my questions to my satisfaction. And when he told me about the surgery he drew a picture which help me to know what he would be doing in surgery. To get the most out of the meeting make a list of questions before you go to the first meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had made up my mind before I went to the meeting becuase I knew that this was my last resort. I would not live to be my mothers age (76) if I din't take this step.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time it was the only one that I knew about and I was despret.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I have no fears what so ever.If something should happen it is my time to go.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My family has been very supported. I would not communicate any differentley.

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

My stay is the hospital was very comfortable. The nurses were very kind and helpful thy didn't let you get much sleep though but they say that about all hospitals. LOL I had surgery on Monday and went home on Thrusday. I really didn't need to take anything to the hospital everything was frunished for you. Just clothes to come home in. Oh one more thing conditioner. I took a book but didn't read it becasue when I was awake I was walking.

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

I had NO complications what so ever. Other then a little discomfort I felt real good.

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

Right now I'm going to a BTC support group meeting and it means a lot to me I need the support of other people and I think that maybe other people get tired of hearing me talk about it and there we all talk about our surgery. And enjoy others storys

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

The scare is hardley anything at all. It is about 12 inches long and purple but in a few years I won't een know it is there. The surgeon did a wonderful job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a short plateau about 2 1/2 weeks I stayed at 200 I wanted so bad to get below that. I called and talked to my dietition and she told me to try and get out ands walk more I was only getting a walk in 2-3 days a week. And to drink more. You see I am having ahard time drinking water since my surgery. So she told me to drink crystal lite so I drink alot of it.Well anyway I lost 4 bls and I am down 40 lbs now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO not at all but I did not have a problem with that to begain with.