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

heard about it online. initally, i was scared that it might not be all that it is cracked up to be ... you know? i thought that it may be more media hype ... or for the wealthy only. i thought ... "normal people don't do this, or can't afford to!"

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

i was in the hospital for 4 days. i had the option of staying for an additional day if i didn't feel ready, but i couldn't wait to get home to my own bathroom and my own bed. important items to bring to the hospital are: comfy sleeping gown or long shirt a robe slippers socks a good attitude

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

my biggest problem after the surgery was being able to go to the bathroom. i was almost catheterized, but was able to go when push came to shove. i was also nauseous beyond belief! not even the anti-nausea drugs helped me.

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

once i found out about the surgery date, it was a huge priority to get my life into order. speak with your loved ones and let them know what you're about to go through and how you feel about it. creating that close-knit support group was the most important for me!

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

since i am a patient of dr. horrilleno, i attend his support group meetings once a month. i also have the option to visit with my psych doctor (dr. kluge) if there are any issues that i need to discuss.

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

actually, dr. horrilleno closes up the best i've seen! others who have had similar surgery are even surprised at how well dr. h closes up his patients! sheer genius! my scar is 7 1/2 inches in length and i have a round scar to the right of it where the g-tube was located.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far ... knock on wood!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really. those who know me are happy for me. those who do not don't know to treat me differently!