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

had read some about it on the internet, seen it on some news shows, (not always GOOD accounts about it) and then attended an informational meeting at my local hospital

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

hospital stay was ok, had some really good nurses and one that was NOT so good. The Doctors McColl and DeBeltz were AWESOME! I had surgery on Oct 5th, was released to home on Oct 8th. No complications and a very speedy recovery!

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

no complications at all

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 scared and anxious, yes... but I attended my support group meetings sponsored by the Bariatric surgery dept, and read all I could on the ObesityHelp.com website, and other internet sites for info and support.

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

I live alone and continued to do so. I was pretty physically strong and active beforehand and I think that helped a lot. It WAS difficult to bend because of a sore mid-section but I just took it easy and let my body tell me when enough was enough! Some folks heal fast, some slow, just don't over-exert yourself and ask for help as you need it. Just make sure to get up and do your walking, you will feel better faster.

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

about 5 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.

will answer later but really had no problems

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

not much activity initially due to being very sore on the left side of my waist but that got better every day and it helped to walk. I have 10 horses and I very carefully continued to do the light work around the barn and if something hurt, I didn't do it! I do think it helped that I was very physically strong before my surgery. I returned to my desk job and 10 hours shifts exactly 2 weeks after my surgery. No problems.

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

chewable vitamins, a B complex vitamin, calcium and iron

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?

had some nausea at times, only half a dozen instances of vomiting. No problems sleeping, if anything, I now sleep a LOT less than I did before. So far, not really noticing much hair loss. Had one severe instance of dumping just a few weeks after surgery. Was feeling a bit "cocky" and tried some candy... BAD BAD BAD idea! Was sicker than a dog for over 2 hours... nauseated, sweating, weak, shakey... will NOT do that again!

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

wanting to eat more than I could and retraining myself to eat slower, and smaller bites, and to STOP when my pouch was full! but its definitely been worth it

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

we have a support group that is sponsored by our bariatric surgery department every 2 weeks. I find it very helpful and it IS important for success.

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

I have several very small, hardly noticeable scars on my abdomen and I have no problem with them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do, and it feels nice.