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

I had a friend who had it years ago. I was afraid to try it and did not lose that fear until I was able to research on my own. My confidence started to build and finally I was ready.

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

I was hospitalized the first time for 3 days (my first surgery was not successful). My second time, I was hospitalized for 6 days, this was a correction. It was not easy but I believed in God, my surgeon and myself.

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

not from the 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?

I felt like I was dragging at first and didn't understand why I didn't feel better. But I talked a lot with my family, my friends and myself. I had to reassure myself that I was going to get healthier no matter what I was going through at the time because nothing in Life is easy.

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

My support came from family and friends. They have been wonderful and very helpful. I had my surgery on the Buddy plan so to speak, my girlfriend had her surgery on the same day, the same doctor and the same hospital.

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

My scar is very ugly but I am proud of it because it reminds me that I had the motivation, nerve and confidence in myself to get healthy.