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

thru a friend the surgeon did her hernia operation, my first impression was ho no that,s not for me, but after reading all i could and really being honest with myself,i knew it was the only way for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It took about two years to make a decision but at almost fifty yrs old nothing had changed,and i realised i needed help,i am not the sort of person who finds it easy to admit when i am defeated but after fighting my weight all my life i knew it was time for me to hold out my hand and except the help.

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

i was in for 5days. my stay was really very nice the staff were wonderful, most important thing to bring -- a scence of humour !!

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

I had to have a 4 unit blood transfusion and spent 4 days in ICU but the surgeon and staff were fantastic and took care of everything.

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

when i got my date the level of anxiety got worse as the date got closer i kept thinking something is oing to go wrong, and they wont'be able to do it. i did what i had to do EAT !!!

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

well my first few weeks were the worst i have ever had in my life,not so much with the pain of after surgery but depression, i never expected it to be so severe,i slept in our spare room for weeks and would not allow my husband near me,i felt so bad.but after about a month i started to feel better and as the days went by it lifted more but really the first month is not to good.

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

my surgeon was only about 10miles from my house so it was not a problem.

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

have not been to it yet,but iam going to the next meeting,it really is important to be with people who can understand where you have been and where your headed also for friendship.

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

the scars from laprascopic surgery are minimal and in time will look like small cat scratches.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

no plateau yet but i prefer not to weigh myself at all because i know it would make me crazy,so i go by my clothes they tell me a lot,and i get my weight at my follow up appts.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes i do and i feel what a shame i am still me but smaller.