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

I learned about it through a friend and was very eager to learn more

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

I went into the hospital on Monday morning and was discharged Friday morning. The staff were wonderful and very courteous to me. I was in alot of pain but I knew that would happen.

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

I had several complications starting about 5 months after surgery. I had to have gallbladder surgery 5 months post op, then had to have several more surgeries to remove scar tissue and to unknot my intestines. I was very sick for several months and got very depressed but with a good support group and a wonderful surgeon i recovered

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 very excited. I dont believe I ever really got nervous about the surgery

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

I moved very slow. The first few weeks was more adjusting to my surroundings and having other people adjust to your new lifestyle

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

I traveled 3 hours away for my surgery because I found a very skilled and courteous physician. After care was difficult because of transportation problems but it was definitely worth it

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.

In the beginning I ate very little..a nibble here and a nibble there. Foods high in sugars are definitely off limits. After surgery I gained an intolerance for dairy..which made it rough cause thats how i got alot of my protein. each week i was able to tolerate a little more. now that i am a year post op i can tolerate almost anything except milk,high sugar foods and chinese food. I still eat very little but at least I know I can eat now.

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

Walking was a struggle at first but I forced myself to do it daily to avoid blood clots and after eaching passing day I was able to do more

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 worst was the vomitting, stomach cramps and hair loss. Food which was always what i thought to be as my best friend suddenly became my enemy. I kept very little inside of me. At the same time my hair was falling out in clumps. I used special shampoos and alot of prayers but I got through both problems

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

Like I said before I had some complications which made it difficult. It is still difficult at times cause we all use food as a tool, a friend and a weapon and now that is not possible so we have to find other things to make us happy. The lack of understanding from the public is difficult also. You really do find out who is a real friend and who is not after a surgery like this.

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

We just started a new friendly support group which is held in Gastonia, NC monthly. It is important to know that you are not alone in this, that there are others with the same problems, questions and concerns as you. It is also nice to be with people who have had or are having the same surgery cause most people who have not experienced this first are relatively in the dark and as supportive as they try to be its not enough. Family support is important to because your life will change completely after this surgery and you need people to be there with you every step of the way

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

I had lap rny so i only have a few tiny scars..barely noticeable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been at the same weight now for almost 4 months. It is frustrating but with the propoer support I realize this happens

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes...people are friendlier to me..they dont just stare at me when they see me.. they actually talk to me...I also saw someone that i hadnt seen in a long time the other day. This person wouldnt give me the time of day before but was all smiles with me now