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

My primary care doctor told me about it. He felt it was time to do something more serious. He was worried about me physically and emotionally. It came home and talked about it with my spouse. We looked it up on the internet and read everything we could find about it. Then I spoke to my children who thought it was a good idea. I took my time making my final decision. It took me about four to finally decide.

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

I had a list of questions with me. He asked if I read the information carefully that was sent to me and went over it with me. He went over the risks a couple of times to make sure I understood them. He addressed all my questions and concerns. Read all the information. Make a list of questions Bring someone with you who can go in with you to listen and ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I could not keep going in the direction I was going. My health as being effected. I am not that old but I wasn't living my life to the fullest it could be. I was worried about what kind of sample was I making for my to daughters. What was I say about myself.

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

I was there for 5 days. I hated being woke up all the time but needed to have breathing treatments and then during the day had to get up and walk. I didnt bring anything special except a calling card to call my family and friends that couldnt come to see me to let them know how I was doing.

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

NOne, everything went as planned. thank goodness

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 eat any thing that I thought I would miss. But with in reaseon. I kept a diary of my feels and would look at clothes to see what styles I like to wear. I wasnt nervous because I was making the right decision. My husband and I Spent the night at a hotel close to the hospital the night before since the hospital was an hour away from our house and we had to be there at 5:30 AM. I am not a morning person.

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

I rented a lift chair to use. Since I only had someone to stay with me for two days after I came home. My daughter came home from school at 1:00 so I wasnt home all day by my self. The left chair made it easier for me to get up on my own. I sleep in my bed with a lot of pillows proping me up in almost a sitting postion. I had help with showering because I would tire easily. Some people suggest sleeping in a recliner for the first few weeks. You move around slowly but you need to move around as much as you can. I would walk around my dinning table and living room doing figure eights. It was raining must of the first two months after surgery.

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

Dr. COoper and the hospital is about an hour away. It wasn't that bad going to the appointments after surgery.

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

I keep in touch with a person that was on the list I was given with names of previous patients. She lived in a town close by. I havent been to any support groups though I would like to be able to but my work hours prevent it.

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

I know the doctor expanded it to me on my first visit but I didnt remember. It is bigger than I thought it would be. I think it looks like a zipper. The little marks that run up the side of the scar is from little clamps that they used to hold it together while I was in hospital. It was covered with padding and wasn't sure what was under it. It doesn't bother me, I was planning to wear any bikini any way.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Havent had one yet. Losing about 2.5 to 3 lbs week on average. I have just recently joined a health club to get a more better work out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, both positive and a little negative. but mostly positive. Friends and family are happy and can't believe how well I am doing. Some of my friends dont even recognize me.