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

My PCM told me about it after being on LA Weight loss for 4 months and no luck!

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

The stay was not all bad. They try to make it nice for my hubby and I he stayed with me I was there from Monday out on Friday. I brought comfie jammies warm socks and slippers as well as a lap top to keep in contact with... I had a good time and it was nice for the most part.

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

I had to have Lap after Dr. Carter tryed to do lap so I had gas and a big cut... was a bit hard to move and losts of back pain. Pain meds every tree hours the first 3 days helped me work very well! And getting up and moving 3 hours after surgery.

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

Well I it has been about 2 weeks and I am doing well, I am still sore but move alot better now and walk walk walk. I start to work out my arms and legs tomorrow as well as getting my staples out. I look forward to getting back on my bike!

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

You will think you are hungery before you do something stupid and end up dead. Drink some water, Or broth. You may want to chew get some sugar free gum but don't swallow it! Walk walk walk move around don't be stationary. And find time for your self. Also care about washing, use vitamn e on your scares.

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

2 hours away is my Docters office and He wants me to come to him for my after care so you do what you have too.

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.

I am doing the diet the docter tells me to. I would say do the same. You docter will know what is best for you to do. I can handle most liquids and havn't interduced much else.

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

High but it was always High!

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

I took B-12 liquid and 4 Gummy kids vitams a day helps a lot!

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?

well I have not had any of that But I am lucky!!!

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

No food, and I had surgery to close to the holidays. I would not change having surgery. The worse part is the scare healing.

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

Friends and family that have had the surgery.

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

It is very long and very red but I have been to a plastic surgen, they have said once I am one year out I can have laser removal of the scar,,,, they take a laser and go over the scared area and it will decrese the scar tissue like they do to remove discolor skin tattos and freckles.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only had one scare about gaining I was sick and had to take some steroid and gained 13 up and droped it in 72 hours after coming back off of it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes Some friends are not happy with the new me Others are so excited for me and want to be around all the time! My husband is very happy never really knew me tiny like before cancer. And is very sexual more then he ever was!