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

Someone mailed me a page from a magazine with a sticky note on it saying "I thought you might find this interesting" at first I was upset then a day went by and I called the number and scheduled an appointment and the rest is history.

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

I was there for 4 days. It was fine, I woke up in a lot of pain from the incision. Then the morphine drip kicked in and I was better in a day. Then apparently by stomach was bleeding a little too much & quickly I began to feel tired, no energy, I was pale, I was bleeding on the inside more than expected, they almost had to do a blood transfusion, when my body kicked in gear and I began to recover. I was able to leave on the 4th day. I was sooo relieved. Comfortable clothing to go home in. If you have a long drive take a pillow to cling to your chest to help with the bumpy ride. Have whomever is staying with you take a book, and some comfy clothes.

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

As stated above of becoming anemic from over bleeding, we took it a day at a time, drank as much Propel Water as my little Tummy could hold.

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 felt really low and depressed up to a week & 1/2 after the surgery. I wished I hadn't gone through it. I wanted to die. But all of the sudden I kept fighting the emotions and then my real true emotions kicked in. Happiness, and proud of myself of how strong of a person I am to have gone through it all and survived. Having made the choice to change my life with no options out. Change my life for the better.

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

My husband has always been the most wonderful support group I could possibly ask for. He kept me going strong. I don't reccomend going through this without someone supportive there to help.

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

It was 12 inches long. It's very light now. It's noticeable to others yet I dont see it anymore, AND THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS. If I did take notice of it once in a while I am proud I have it. Makes me stronger. I had my RnY surgery 7/2/01 , lost 150lbs.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I lost 70lbs in the 1st 2 months alone. I made it down to 150lbs and that is little for me. Real little. Sometimes I want to gain a little bit to feel right. I eat anything I want from sodas, to ice cream to pasta and potatoes, just very little. But everone is different.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OH MY GOSH, I get asked out, when I walk in a room, people look at me,,, & not in the "she's fat" way, but the "she's gorgeous!" way. I dont take but 40min to get dressed. I wear way way smaller clothes. I feel so confident now, I have acheived so many goals I would never have even attempted before. I now LOVE MY LIFE & ME!