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

My sister had the surgery about 17 years ago. She was 165 lbs overweight and it changed her life for her. She was able to do things that she was not able to do for some time.

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

My stay at the hospital was good. The nurses were very nice and friendly. I went in Nov 4 2002 and had surgery that day. I was released the 7th. Came home and did exactly as the doctors told me. That is very important.

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

I had no comlications at all. Everything went very well.

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

Weeks before surgery I was very scared thinking about the possible things that could happen during surgery. I had quite a bit of anxiety and I thought it was going to get the best of me. I prayed a lot every night and put my life in Gods hands. After a few days things changed and I felt better about it.Prayer can work wonders.

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

My first few weeks home were good I had no problems at all except for being a little tired.Everyone is different so I can't tell you what to expect. I had absolutely no pain with my surgery at all I only used three or four pushes on my moriphine pump and that is because they wanted me too.They said that they have never seen anyone bounce back the way I have. That is the experience I had. VERY GOOD ONE. It has been two months and I would have it done again tomorrow if I had to

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

I traveled 135 miles to have my surgery the ride home was ok but my back bothered me a little. It might have been because I was so tense afraid it would hurt. I had pillows to cushion around me and that helped a lot. We just took our time and was careful.

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.

At first I could only eat liquids (broth, jello and creamed soups) After a few weeks I went to purred foods Now I eat anything I want. Dr Allen did tell me to stay away from chocolate, ice cream and things high in sugar and not to eat too many potatoes because of them being high in carbs.

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

My activity level was good but I didn't want to over do it . I walked some but stayed around the house a lot and took it easy. The Doctors Orders.

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

I am taking a multi vitamin and a B12 every day.

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 have vomiting only if I eat TOO FAST. The important thing is to eat real slow and to chew your food very good If not you WILL do the same and that is no fun.

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

Waiting the weeks before surgery. It seemed like it took forever, and that it would never come. The experience of the surgery was nothing. I had a very good experience.

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

I have several friends who have had this surgery and I talk to them If I have any questions. We compare our surgery and recovery as well as weight loss.

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

My scar looks really good. Part of it you can barely see. I have had two c-sections and they have disappeared too. It helps to rub vitamine E on the scar. It helps it to heal real quick.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost 55 lbs in two months but there was a week that I stayed the same and I was concerned about that. but i have started losing again

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No they just brag on how good I look and how well I have done and to keep up the good work.