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

I heard about it from Carnie Wilson. I bought her book "Gut Feelings" and read on it and decided that I would have to have it because it would be my last chance at a "normal" and healthy life.

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

I had mainly wonderful nurses, started out in a semi-private room where my roommates were nice and supportive as I was of what they were doing. After 2 days, I was transferred to a private room which was soooo much better. I was there for 4 long days. Things to bring: slippers, your own pillow (especially for the car ride home to hold over your tummy), blankets, books/magazines, family members to talk to you during painful spells and to walk with you through the halls, a favorite stuffed animal (will help with support).

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

I had no complications from the surgery. The only thing that bothered me was my drainage tube because it kept going in and out of my skin and it would feel really weird when it did that. But I dealt with that, and was happy when it finally came out after 2 weeks.

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 was really excited when I got my surgery date...although after the excitement died down a bit, I got to feel nervous, and eventually I was having nightmares. I prayed to God to get me through this because I was making myself healthier for Him so I can do His work. That helped me get through my anxiety and when they were rolling me into the surgery room, I said goodbye to my parents and smiled really big at them because when I saw them again, i'd be a new person.

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

My doctor has free check-ups that he never charges for which is very nice and saves me a lot of money. He also has free monthly support group meetings where he brings in different kinds of doctors/surgeons to talk with us in how we are dealing with all the changes that are going on inside of us. This is very important because as you are changing so does your outlook on life...you need to set some ground rules and follow them.

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

At almost 2 years out, my scar has faded quite a bit...almost back to the original skin tone but I can see it, so I know i'll never wear a bikini, but I wasn't planning on that anyway. I'm hoping it will keep fading just a little bit...though I know that it will never completely go away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since I only had 120 pounds to lose, I have had MANY plateaus. My body just seemed to stop but I could tell I was losing inches in my clothing but not the pounds. Right now I seem to be stuck at 135, though my doctor wants me to be at 120. I'm trying to lessen my carb intake, and up my protein.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice a lot of people treating me differently. When I go into stores, people automatically come up to me and ask me if they can help me (especially cute guys!)...before, I always had to go find someone, it was like they were ignoring me. I have also noticed guys looking at me, especially when I wear my form fitting clothes I have bought. I feel much more confident in myself now.