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

I had a VBG at 17. It was revised to a RNY which failed at age 32. I was very down on any surgery after that. But the Duodenal switch is wonderful. I am normal in my eating habits for the first time ever. I am down 118 at 14 months and it is amazing. I think that WlS is perfect for someone who has so much to lose that 10-15 lbs is a drop in the bucket. I know I would lose on a diet for a few weeks, then plateau, and see so much ahead of me that was left to lose that I would just give up. I think it is some people's only chance to control their weight.

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

I was in Delano regional Medical center. It was a small hospital. Very clean and the unit is especially for bariatrics. The nurses were nice. The town is very small.

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

Yes. I had a small gastric post op leak. As a revision I had a feeding tube in place. I was placed NPO for 4 weks where it healed. Only big problem was I was not allowed to leave Delano until cleared by Dr Keshishian. Without a friend's assistance frm my online support group it could have become very expensive. Today I am fine. It healed with no further surgery completely.I also was told that i had mentriere's syndrome. It was caused by the atrophy of the excluded stomach from my RNY. It was considered pre cancerous.

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 excited. Kind of scared but knew this was my last chance at normal.

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

I am on an online support group with Dr. Keshishian's Pts. It was a life saver during my complications when I was confined to Ca over the Christmas holidays and away from my kids. They called me, visited and some even took my hubby out to eat and made us feel very welcome. I couldn't have made it without them.

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

Exactly what i expected. App 6-8 inches and pale in color. I havs smaller punctures from the drains and feeding tube.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh Lord,The first plateau scared the crap out of me!! As a failed Revision I was so sure it was going to happen again. I have developed a pattern of holding until the first day of my cycly then dropping 5-6 lbs. Until i got used to this it really annoyed me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! Especially men...they hold doors, and treat me nice instead of avoiding eye contact. I never realized this before I had surgery but have noticed it since.