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

Some of my friends had the surgery and I saw how well they did and my husband had the surgery, He encouraged me to have it and was very supportive. My friends didn't think I needed it. I was scared and ambivalent but I'm so glad I did it!!!

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

I had surgery on a Thursday morning and came home on Saturday afternoon. My hospital stay was excellent. I tried to come off of pain meds too soon and the doctor and nurses encouraged me (rightly so) to continue them. Bringing yourself is the most important thing to bring!

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

I had no complications.

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

I was very tired. I was not in a great deal of pain and the pain meds were adequate. I was a little uncomfortable but it was really very bearable. I was an active person before surgery so, even though I had an open WLS, I was gardening again after two weeks and got ermission to play golf after three weeks. I went on vacation five weeks after surgery and went up in a hot air balloon!

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

I only had to go one and a half hours away. After care was not a problem. A bit of a nuisance.

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.

The hardest part for me was getting used to reduced quantity. I haven't really had bad food reactions (only a few times with Chinese foods or something too sweet). I just had to slow down (which is hard in today's world) and take my time so that I didn't shovel food in and overeat. Getting too full was my biggest problem. My stomach has stretched after 6 months and I know quantity capacity better now, but it's still that "one bite too many" that can create problems for me. Being too full hurts and is very uncomfortable!

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

I was very active very quickly. I did not suffer severe fatigue. I gardened after two weeks and golfed after three. I vacationed after five weeks. I went back to work (a sedentary job) after two weeks.

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

A multi vitamin, B12 and Calcium.

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?

Hair loss was a big problem and only now, after 6 months is it getting better. Also, getting too full which gives me the sweats.

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

I am vain. The worst parts for me was the scar (even though I'm almost sixty, will never wear a bikini and sleep with one man)! And getting too small for my clothes. I had dressed well (even though I was heavy) and I loved the colors and styles and textures of my clothes. It was hard to give them up. It was like losing a piece of my identity. I'm not sure if anyone else has ever had this problem.

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

There is a local support group on Cape Cod. I think it's very helpful and important- particularly before and immediately after surgery. Down the line it's good so we wont forget we have the capacity to over eat!

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

My scar is a long, thin line from below my sternum to my belly button. You can still see the staple marks. I expected it but didn't want it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had frequent plateaus. I lose 10 pounds or so and then stay there for two or three weeks at a shot.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They are nicer and men more flirty,. This makes me mad!! I needed people kindness more when I was heavy. I am always taken off guard. I think "oh, that guy was nice" and then I remember it's probably because of my weight. This enrages me.