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

I learned about bariatric surgery from my daughter-in-law's bridesmaid and was in awe of her before picture and the tiny thing she was then. It made me make my decision to check it out.

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

I was in ICU the first night and spent 2 more nights in a private room.

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

The only complication I had was in breathing after I got home. I had pain when I took a deep breath. It turned out to be my fault for not using the breathing gizmo as much as I was told to. Walking ended up correcting the problem.

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 ready for the surgery and felt no anxiety. I just wanted it over with.

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

Presently I have no aftercare support group/program and am in need of one in Houston. Immediately after my surgery, the aftercare program was coordinated by an RN who had already had the surgery. She was the perfect coordinator and helped me before, during and after the surgery. But, she quit to stay home with her child. The next coordinator meant well but she wasn't a nurse and had not had the surgery. Now, the hospital has closed down and my surgeon has not arranged for another place for the group to meet. There is no aftercare program or support group and no plans for one, according to his office.

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

I have a small scar. At one support group (which included people who had other surgeons but lived in the support group's area) we compared scars. Mine was the smallest.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was doing real well, lost 50 lbs. + lots of inches. Then about 4 months post op, I developed a devastating fatigue that took drs. 9 months to diagnose (and I quit walking during this time). It turned out that I needed my estrogen upgraded. After 2 weeks, I felt like walking but by then I had a painful fallen arch and had gone back to work 3 days a week. Now, I have started back eating sweets, regained 10 lbs. + the inches I lost but am trying to start walking again and get the motivation back to get on the program.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They treated me really great when I lost the initial weight and inches. I loved the comments. But now, the compliments have stopped since they have seen me gain 10 lbs. + inches back.