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

surfing the internet

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Going to a bi-monthly support group. Met someone who had VBG Lap. The procedure seemed less invasive. I'm glad I followed through.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

The only fear I had was being on the operating table. I had fear of not waking up.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Somewhat. People are watching how much I'm losing.

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

3 days in the hospital. I felt as if they were rushing me out. Important to bring toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, body cream, hand cream and towel. Magazines for light reading. Pajama's, housecoat and slippers. Spray bottle to fill up with water for hair.

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?

Go work out harder at the gym for stress relief.

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

Friend of mine did the laundry. Some other friends came and visited.

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

8 miles to the hospital.

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.

Couldn't eat breads, pastas, grilled chicken, steak. Eat lots of tofu.

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

Attend bi-monthly support group meeting.

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

Had the surgery done lapriscopically. Not very much scaring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

For about 3 weeks stayed at the same weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. But people get the message by what I can eat and how much.