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

I have known about it for years but just last year really started doing research on the internet etc. on it. Really decided after the knee thing that THIS was what I NEEDED and wanted to help me stop hurting and have a better quality of life...

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

My hospital stay was ok...I stayed 3 nights. Was supposed to be only 2 nights but I spent ALL day the following day of surgery getting xrays of the barrium to make sure there were no leaks and the barrium wouldn't move. It finally moved the 2nd night and so the 3rd day I could finally have water and clear liguids. I really didn't bring much to the hospital at all. BUT I DID have cherry flavored chapstick. Your lips get SO dry you will need that. I just wore the same clothes home I came in. Packed VERY light. :)

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

Only complication I had was the barrium wasn't moving thru my system as quickly as they wanted it to. I was sort of scared on the 6th trip to xray to see if it had moved but I knew eventually it would move....and it did...

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

As I type this I am only 8 days out. I am starting to feel stronger today. Got the staples and tube out today. Had clam chowder for lunch out. :) I liked that....It tasted SOOOOOOOOOOO good. :) But only had 1/2 cup. so far so good I guess.

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

You will be tired and weak...

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

about 10 to 15 miles

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.

I am too new to say that yet.

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

VERY tired first week....in pain, also

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

HAVE to take multivitamin and 2 peti-control A.M. and P.M. then at lunch a crushed up iron tablet.

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 haven't had any of these yet. Too soon

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

So far the worst part for me was this NASTY nurse the day I went into the I.C.U. room after surgery. I asked her for a couple of more pillows for my arms and she told me there was a pillow shortage...GRRRRRRRRRRRR I saw another nurse walking by outside and asked her and got my pillows. :)

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

none yet

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

not bad yet

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

too soon