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

From a television special and my first impression was one of guarded optimism.

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

my stay in the hospital was ok. I was there for 5 days. Pain control was most important to me.

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

no complications

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 only had two weeks after getting surgery date until my surgery. I was a very emotional time. I cried alot I was short tempered and anxious. I coped with lots of prayer and a very supportive husband. I considered backing out, thank God I did'nt.

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

My first weeks at home were not bad. Pain meds took care of the pain for the most part. Not being able to get enough water was my biggest complaint it hurt to swallow the water. I got shaved ice and ate alot of it. I am now able to drink without pain. I was tired alot and not the usual tired. In the mornings i felt great but when I ran out of steam it was like switching off a switch. Whenever or wherever I was I was done. This to is better.Just remember to rest alot and drink that water.

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

local

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.

could not eat beef everything had to be pureed. off limit foods are popcorn,processed lunch meats, high suger foods. So far not much has changed I am still puree foods.

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

for 3 weeks my activity level was low, very low. I tired easy. I went back to work at 4 weeks and am having dificulty staying put of 8 hrs. but it is getting better

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

centrum performance

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

The worst is dealing with the emotional side of the surgery. The surgery keeps me from over eating and feeling hungrey but It does not stop the wanting. I have had to deal with why I over ate for years and It has been a journey. With prayer and lots of support from my Family it has gotten better and I know I will get through it.

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

my scar is large. It is what i expected