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

My sister had an open RNY 10 years ago.

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

The hospital stay was interesting, I had met several other ladies that also had the surgery,I stayed longer than them by one day, honestly I wasn't ready too get out on my own.I shared a kitchenette with a lady from Alaska, I came from Hawaii, she was a life saver and my angel.This was really important to me : The person that took care of me in the hospital ( Rosemary) the nurse was the Best and her bedside manor and positive attitude got me thru, talk about compassion !!! The male nurse, well,he was not aloud back in my room,that needlefreak

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

No I had come a long way and was very careful

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

Books, internet,and friends

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

rest,rest,rest and don't lift,or scoot anything have someone help with the everyday chores and childcare if you can.

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

2500 air miles and i month in a Calif. Hotel

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I choose not to eat sweets,noodles were hard at the beginning,but now 18 months later I can eat anything , just in lesser quanity.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Slow,I walked several times a day around the block or in the mall.I didnt want to but I new it would make my recovery alot better and it did.I had to push myself,I saw one of the other ladies and she was just about jogging 3wks after her operation, WOW

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Faithfully, Because this is something that may not effect you today or tommarrow But will slap you in the face in 10 or 20 yrs I believe vitiamins and herbs are extremely important.I take on a regular basis calicum,multivitamin, iron,and others two times a day for life

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I'm still loosing hair (not enough protien in my diet)I cut it short. I go through periods of sleep and low sugar,lethargy espicallily if Im not eating right so back to the Dr. and he usually sets me straight or does some blood tests,I have had a series of B12 shots.Im not sure what too think of that,they seem to help.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The STAPLES, YUCK , I've never had them it was scarey, oh yes the drainage tube that was also gross for me.

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

Alvarado WLS Program in San Diego if I have any concerns I call them.I also have a naturalpath physician thats helps with my vitamins and blood work followup

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

Small was the object of my lap. surgery and Im pleased with what little scares I have.I wear bikinis and no one notices

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Lots due too my lack of hunger.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No , I try not to go there