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

I fount out through the media orriginally. And at that time, i remember thinking "it's the cheating way out of the problem". But that was when I was in my 20's and wasn't fighting as hard to get/keep weight off.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

The first visit went well. I brought a 2.5 page list of questions and we went through them together. That is some of the best advise I can give anyone. Write your questions down beforehand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Believe it or not, I saw myself on a video of me diving in Roatan, Honduras.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research... lots and lots of research

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I came to terms with the possible outcomes of surgery before I ever got into the OR. I wrote a long letter to my husband and said everything I had to say. I walso talked to family and close friends to remind them that I loved them.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Most were supposrtive, and some were surprised I would do it.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I received allot of support

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

I was in the hospital from a Thursday morning to Tuesday ay noon. I had some kidney issues and they kept me 5+days. Bring reading material, and I recommend a very stretchy pair of house pants and top. This was the best thing i could have worn to walk around in the ward. I walked every time I got up. About 1 time an hour.

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

My kidneys didn't like the antibiotics much, and threw my lad work for a loop. I also needed a couple of units of blood.

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 did have a significant depression after the surgery. I healed rather quickly, but I dealt with a high number of emotional issues.

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

The first 2 weeks I was weak and very soar. The third week, I went to work for half days. This wasn't great, because I still had anesthesia in my system, and I was very grogy at work (lightheaded)

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

50 miles. It didn't affect my after care becasue I stayed with my parents, who lived closer to the medical center

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

light walking. Once I was home, I tried to walk the block every day.

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

I take calcium and a liquid vitamin 2 times a day. I also have a whey protein chake for breakfast.

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 has been the worst. At 11 weeks, I am still dealing with it.

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

being uncomfortable in the beginning, and at times, watching your husband pig out on ice cream and pizza while I have a piece of chicken and a spear of broccoli.

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

I don't have one

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

My scar is about 3.5 inches long with 2 "puncture wounds below (drain tubes). It is what I expected, and I am pretty happy with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had plaeaus starting at week 3. I will go 2 weeks with little or no loss, then lose 4 lbs in a week, only to go another 2 weeks without a loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet