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

Internet and a book looking for the thin person inside of you. It was perfect. I read it two years ago and my Dr. ask his patients to read it. I am there. I believe each one has to find the DR. He or She is very comfortable with that is the key. Do your reasarch find the Dr. you like. Find the procedure you like everyone has a preference of what they want. You must to your research. I did and I am very happy I watied I just did not jump in before I found what I wanted.

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

Meeting Dr. Valentine was the best I had met two other sergeons and I am so happy I waited to find Dr. Valentine. He is truly outstanding and his procedure Lap RNY is the best.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I found the Dr. I needed for me.

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

My stay was the best ever I have had several surgerys in the past and Mercey Medical Center in Namp was by far the best the staff was very professional and helpful. The nursers where outstanding I want to thank all of them.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

No complications They found Herrina and just took care of it first. Thank you Dr. Valentine. You are the best Sergion I have ever met. First three weeks good then tried solid baby food that came back up. But I think I eat way too fast and way too much. It is a learing process on my part.

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

Loosing weight left and right lost about 24 lbs so far. Feeling good. trying to learn to eat slow..That is the big change. and not too much. Pretty tired the thrid week out. trying to bet all my fluids in. Big challange.

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

30 min to hospital.

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.

Just drinking fluids right now. Tried egg whites and cheese did fine. drinking lots of juice and crystal light. Atkins drink for breakfast, protein drinks...Doing pretty good...

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

First two weeks very high I probley over did it. Thrid week LOW this week much better. Just tring to get fluids in..and protein.

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

Vista vitems and calcuim and nausa meds high blood pressure that is it.

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?

nausia, vomiting some just one day at a time trying to slow down eating and drinking. DO ing good today...4th week out.

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

Being home and being alone everyone eating around you and you do not even want to look at food. I think that the adjustment to eating slow is the hardest for me. I just shuvled my food in no thought..before and now I must think about it.

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

Dr. Valentine has support goup I will attedn will take my hari dresser and her mon this week..

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

very small 5 little scars..Lab RNY the best way to go.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

walking and riding bike and swimming soon. Looking forward to swimming.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OH yes everyone says how great I look hello it has only been three weeks.