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

My sister told me about it and then a year later i kew someone who went through it. I wanted to have this surgery too.

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

My first meeting was weird. My sergeon came across as cold and a work out buff. I didn't really like him the first time i met him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired sitting down to wash the dishes, not being able to do things with my kids like rollerskate. I was tired of being so big.

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 had alot of fears but the one thing i just said over to myself was, "I can die trying or die doing nothing". I 'd rather die trying.

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?

My family was mixed reactions some people think you can just try harder and exersise more, other people realize how much you've tried and failed and need help.

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

I was there for 3 days then left. It wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. Bring lot's of music and reading material. and a pair of sneakers walking around helps you want to leave faster.

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

none so far thank god.

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 was anxious,happy, over-joyed, realived,scared. I was too busy with the liquid diet, that kept me occupied.

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

I was in bed for the most part of the first week i did no house work and that sucked. The second week i pushed myself to do things like sit and do dishes and sit and sweeping most likely not recommended.

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

I didn't travel far i live about a half hour from the hospital i think i was lucky.

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 was on a liquid diet 6 weeks prior to surgery it sucked i could only have my shakes, jello, chicken and beef broth , water and diet pop. Since surgery i'm now lactose intolerant which sucks but oh well. I choose wisely what i eat no pop, no coffee, no junk, no take out. Strickly cook everything fresh. life has changed.

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

My activity level slowly grew one day i got up and just stopped sitting around it was cool the faster i healed the more i wanted to move around. I just wanted to help myself.

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

vitamins: B12 injection d chewable Calcium chewables multivitamin chewable

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 vomited a few times but following the surgery i attributed these to my stomach still healing and not taking my time. Now i only vomit if i try to mix my foods with liquids.

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

The worst part was getting ready for the actual surgery and having to walk into the surgery room.

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

none as of yet hoping to get connected soon.

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

better than what i expected i can barley see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, i get picked up all the time. I'm shocked.