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

My family doctor gave me the surgeon business card and told me to call him. My initial impression of it was a welcomed answer to my problems. I knew the risks, but also knew the risks of remaining obese.

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

I stayed in the hospital 4 days and it was as pleasent as can be. The special team of nurses were so supportive and with three other WLS patients there we had our own little walk-a-thons.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 so excited and not too much anxiety. I felt that Dr Anarow had covered every aspect and would only go into this with a minimal amount of risks.

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

It is not a walk in the park. I got sick of the limited menu real fast. My tastes had drastically changed. There was a small bout of depression. I just could not wait to be normal again. I didn't need any pain medication after my second day home.

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

Only about 2 miles. I live in the same town as 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.

It has only bee thee weeks out for me, so I am still very limited. I had the soup broth, puddind, jello, popsicles (these were best for quenching thirst), and applesauce. Now I can have fish, chicken, eggs and cheese. I have not found a protein shake I like, yet.

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

Days after I needed rest, lots of rest. Now at three weeks, I feel more energy and can't wait to get into an excercise routine.

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

B12 once a week, and Flintstone's Complete with Iron 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 don't like sleeping on my back, so I did loose some sleep for a couple of weeks. I vomited once when I ate too fast. That's about it.

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

Not being able to bite into something and chew for almost three weeks. You jusy cannot chew jello. Crushing pills had a vile after-taste, and you can't gulp down water to get rid of the taste.

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

We have a wondrful group that meets every Monday evening. This has helped me alot.

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

My scar is about five inches long down from my rib cage.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Skinny people don't understand and heavy people are starting to talk to their doctors about it. My family is so happy I have made this decision.