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

from my doctor, she told me one day that i needed the wls or i was going to die. Thats how she put it to me. I just had surgery on both my knees, I couldn't walk across the room with out stopping to catch my breath.

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

Oh my gosh, i had Moved to Kansas City, Mo for Walmart. And i didn't know the area that well. So when i had met Dr. Ali I didn't know about the hospital that he does surgery at. TURMAN MEDICAL HOSPITAL. IT WAS THE WORST TIME IN MY WHOLE LIFE. Its were they take the prisoner for treatment. The nurses didn't care about you. They wouldn't come when you needed help. I didn't have any help to the bathroom, nor to take a shower. when i would ask for help to walk well just forget about that

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

I had lots of problems, even from the beginning i was sick. I never was able to drink anything. and not able to eat any thing. It was so bad, i would pass out all the time. Dr. Ali would put me in the hosptial almose every time i went in to see hom. I remenber once i couldn't stop throwing up for two weeks. i was so weak, my daughter took me to ER and i had to wait for 9 hours, can you belive that.

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 getting sick my the day. Dr. Ali, let me stay that for months. I got Ivs every time i went in to see him. I can't belive he didn't do the scope thing on me. and when he did, it was complete close, he couldn't get in.

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

I went to dr. ali support group meeting every month until i had to quit my job that i had for 15 years and move back home to ky. They don't have any support groups here. So my support group is the OBESITYHELP.COM chat room. they have help me so much. Thank god for this room and all the great people there

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

i was cut open three times and each time it would get so infected. i had a home nurse that would come out every day to take care of it. i have a great big scar

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I love the wl. when i tell everyone how much i have lost that can't belive it. then i get out the pic. and wow they don't know what to say

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

oh yes, they treat you like a real person. I hate the way they think you are different when you a thin, i am the same person i was when i weigh 369 .