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

I have a friend that had this surgery done and she is doing great. At first I didn't want to have this done for me because I was scared and I thought that I could loose the weight on my own but then I found out that I wasn't loosing the weight so I checked into the surgery more serious.

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

I had My surgery on a Monday morning and was sent home on that next wednesday. My stay was real nice the hospital staff was so nice they took real good care of me. I brought my own bathroom items like hair brush,toothpaste and toothbrush, things like that I didn't bring this but it might be a good idea, your own pillow if you have one you realy like. That might make you more confortable

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

I didn't have any complications with the surgery. The only thing I can say is use your breathing device after surgery. I did get a chest cold and maybe if I used that more It wouldn't have been so bad.

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 feel pretty good after the surgery, The first night home I couldn't sleep in bed so I slept on the couch. A recliner would of been nice easer to get in and out of. I slept on the couch for 3 nights. I was kinda scared about my new stomach I think because I didn't want to screw things up. I ate little bites and drank little sips at a time.

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

That you might not be able to sleep in bed right away and if they have a reclianer that would be good to sleep in. Be careful not to bend down to pick things up because that hurts. Be sure to hold on to a pillow if you cough. Try and get out and walk when you get home alittle at a time is fine just try and walk everyday. This helps to get rid of the gas that is in your stomach from surgery.

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

About 1 hour away.

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 first 2 weeks after surgery I was on a liquid diet things like Jello, Broth, popcycles. Then for 2 weeks after that I am on a Pureed diet. Things like cottage cheese, pureed fruits and baby food meats, mashed popatoes, mashed squash, protien drinks. Then after 2 weeks of that I go on a soft diet, things almost like the pureed diet. All these things are suger free or with very little suger. That is one thing that I can't tolerate right now is alot of suger It makes me naushish.

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

I got aroud pretty good, I went walking and went to Church that week. I did sleep alot and got worn out if I did to much but was doing good.

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

I take a multi vitamin, B12, B1, calcium, Iron, and vitamin C

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 think the only thing that I had a problem with is the sleep disturbance. I slept on the couch for a while because I couldn't get comfortable on the bed. The couch helped suport my back. When I would go off to sleep I would get woken up by my stomach because it woul make all kinds of noises and they were loud. I guess that is normal.

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

Coming out of surgery I was in alot of pain but then the pain meds kicked in and then it wasn't to bad.

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

There is a support group at the hospital that meets once a month. I haven't started going yet but I will. I think that this is important because you have people that have gonr through this and they can help you.

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

I only have 5 little incicions because they did my surgery lap. then I have one little scare from the drainage tube.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet.