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

I had heard about it many years ago (14?) and was quite intriqued. There was no insurance paying for it at the time, so I had to wait until it would. I wanted it, and knew it was the only way I would ever be able to lose the second I heard of it.

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

The stay in the hospital was wonderful. From the pre-surgery room to the O.R. to my room, I have absolutely no complaints. I was well cared for by wonderful nurses and interns and my surgeon was an artist. USC is incredible. I was there from 5am Wednesday until 2PM Friday. What to bring...your good attitude and sense of humor. The day of my surgery was the first day of the rest of my life, my second birthday. I knew that then. When I woke up in the recovery room, I was so happy I was done and alive, I knew everything in my life would FINALLY be alright.

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

I had 0 complications from the surgery. I had laperoscopic RNY and it was easier than I had anticipated. I continue, 5 months out to have only good side effects from the surgery. I have only ever vomited 3 times, and all three times I ate too fast. Vomiting isn't even as big a deal as it used to be. Again, I think attitude makes a big difference in how you fare. I was determined to honor my surgeon and my god for bringing me this miracle.

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 am 5 months out and everything is so wonderful I cry from the shear joy I am feeling. Anxiety? None of that. I dieted very stringently for years before surgery. My body may not have been able to lose weight, but I darned sure was not going to gain any. I think that dieting prepared me for the after surgery issues. I have had none. I always say, this is the easiest diet I have ever been on. And it is. I don't miss a thing.

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

Aftercare support group/program, hummmm.... Well, I really love Obesityhelp.com..I have friends who are trying to get approved for the surgery. I have an adoring husband who thinks he has a new toy. My family and my god. I don't, sorry to say, spend time going to support groups. I am busy with work and a family. If I have an extra hour, I prefer to do an extra hour of exercise than a support group..sorry. Maybe during maintenance i'll feel differently and seek one out. But, for now..I'm busy helping my muscles keep up with my sagging skin..help. BTW, I think people who are overweight and cannot get or have not gotten surgery are the ones who need support. I did not realize how sad and depressed I was then until I got surgery and began to reap the benefits. I am so happy now.

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

8 1/2 inch skinny little scars on my abdomen. This is what I expected. No big deal. My abdomen likes like a road map anyway..two C-sections, stretch marks, extra skin. The scars are really the least of my worries. How much is a tummy tuck, again! **wink**

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had a plateau since surgery. I have lost each and every week these past 5 months, between 1/2 lb and 4 1/2 lbs. Steady weight loss since the very beginning. I think I haven't lost as quickly as some, but I can not care about that. I am down 62 lbs. in 5 months and have 38 to go til goal. I have fit muscles and a fitness level that lets me run and lift weights. I am more concerned about building muscles. The weight will come off, now that my body is cured.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people really are appreciative of weight loss. Men notice me, and it sort of pisses me off. I mean, the same men I have known treat me very differently. How rude. They are such visual creatures. I am an advocate for people with disabilities, and I truly believe that fat people are more descriminated against than any group of people on this earth. Obesity is a curable disability now, we have proven it. Let's help as many people as we can!