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

I had heard of it years ago and saw more failures than sucesses. Then saw Carnie Wilson and knew I could do it. Read all about things on the net and found this site.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

when I went to the lecture and saw people over 300-600 lbs I knew that was where I was heading and had no other choice but surgery

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

this is what they had to offer

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

I was there from Monday am till 2:30 Wed bring extra gowns for accidents when you have a BM want really do any good to take books you really dont want to read just lay there and try to be comfortable

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

so far so good a little temp on the third day still gassy Got a urinary track infection from the cath. ended up back in the hosp almost died but wasnt the surgery that did it. The infection did. Spent Easter in the hosp. Very sick, dehydrated, b/p 62/44 high fever 104-105, more tests than I want to talk about to make sure everything was ok with the surgery. It was. After 30 bags of glucose and 10 bags antibiotics went home.very weak and gained 8 lbs how in the world does that happen had no food from thurs-Mon. with the runs I had was the biggest joke to gain I had ever had happen. Finally got my strength back around 3 weeks later. Doing fine now

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

nervous and anxious. ready but almost canceled

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

other people who have had the surgery great help support group meetings once a month at least counseling if needed. family and friends here support me and help

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

I have 6 spots that are stapeled look like a war zone on my belly after gallbladder, hernia and gastric bypass

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had lost 67 lbs as of the end of May and was so proud thought I would have 100 off by Aug. but havent lost any since the end of May. I have had alot of stress family wise and surgery but snacking has gotten me into trouble. NO SNACKING is what they say but very hard to do. Havent gained but need to get back going. Finally started exercising going to the weight room riding the bike and working in the yard want to start walking soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

just to tell me they are happy for me