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

internet, I was so interested I researched it a lot

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

I was there 4 days, I had 22 stables. The seconf day I developed a fever of 102 but it resolved itself. Nurses were very kind and helpful. 3rd day catheter and IV taken out, and I walked to bathroom and soon was walking down the hall.

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

no

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 nervous and excited, I didn't know hat to expect, it really wasn't that bad looking back.

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

You are tired and on a pureed diet. There is some pain when you get up. Week 3 is really when I started to feel better.

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

45 minutes

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.

No sugar-- I drink skim milk and and try to eat a lot of protein and drink a lot of water.

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

Week 3 was when I really felt better

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

2 sugar free flintstone vitamins, b-12, zantanc, actigall 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 really didn;t have any of that-- I can tell immediately if something doesn't agree with me, Fast food is a no-no

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

the pain immediately after.

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

there is a meeting once a month and the internet support group

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

about 4 inches long and still red, yes I expected this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

sometimes I will go a couple of days without losing and then suddenly lose.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no not really, people say I look thinner