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

I am in a twelve step program and was telling my story one night at a meeting. A man came up to me after the meeting and asked if I had food issues. I said, "what do you think?" and he began to tell me about WLS. He was not pushy, just offered a little of his own background, and said that surgery had removed food as an 'issue' for him, and had enabled him to get on with his spiritual journey, and his life. My first impression was that it was too radical for me, and initially I dismissed it. Later I began to do some Inet research and learned more about it.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days and it was fine. I have had a lot of surgery over the past years and this was actually easier than the three cesarians and gall bladder surgery I'd had. I had a private nurse the first night, but didn't need her. Most important was my lip balm since I was thirsty all the time and my lips were always dry.

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

No complications.

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

At first I tried to give up diet coke and eat sensibly. Eventually I decided to give myself a break and I celebrated by saying goodbye to my favorite foods. I had more trouble with anxiety after the surgery. Before I was resolved and excited about it.

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

I was told to expect physical restrictions, like not being able to lie down for weeks. I was able to lie down, propped with pillows for the first few days, but after about 3 days home I was able to lay flat. I was on puree for 4 weeks and it was torture after about the 2nd day. My dietician said that I reacted the way most people do after 3 1/2 weeks of being on it. Also, I went back to work too fast - on my second day home I drove to the office, but it was too much. I took another few days off before going back again.

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

I went to Dr about 30 miles away. There were a few close by, and another in NYC, but my Doc was more formidable and he accepted my insurance.

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.

For the first 3 days in the hospital I was on clear liquids. This included broth and jello - I don't remember what else. Four weeks on puree, which is was blended canned meats and baby food. This was torture. My Doc does not allow carbs (includes bread, pasta, rice et...), sugar or raw veggies for the first 12-18 weeks. I miss salad and sushi.

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

Activity level was low.

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 had no side effects, except I did have to sleep with extra pillows the first few days.

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

Staples.

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

I attend a support group twice a month which is part of my Dr's program. It is very helpful and I look forward to it.

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

Scar is bigger than I expected, but certainly worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaud in my 2/3rd week. It was a tremendous disappointment, but have not had other plateau since then.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am now in post op month 6/7 and do notice being treated differently. I went shopping and the sales girls were falling all over me, I used to have to stand around to be helped.