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

A friend had the surgery with terrible results. She'd told me about all her complications and suggested St. Mary's hospital - she had been treated at a different hospital and was impressed with St. Mary's Gastric Bypass WARD that was specifically for Bypass patients.

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

I was in the hospital from Tuesday a.m. until Thursday p.m. The nurses were, for the most part, unfriendly and condescending. They seemed to be desensitized to the fact that WE ARE HUMANS FIGHTING TO LIVE!! The ICU nurses, on the other hand, were ASSETS TO THE MEDICAL FIELD and I have visited the hospital to see THEM because of their sweet, kind demeanor. They were very encouraging and had "CAREGIVER" tattooed on their hearts.... I am forever greatful to them.

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

No complications.

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 scared because i felt if i failed at this, i was truly a loser and destined to be a fat slob for the rest of my life... my biggest nightmare. Knowing what I know now... i believe it should be MANDATORY to continue therapy at least 6 months post op for EVERY PATIENT! But I had no complications.

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

My family was my support group. I should have continued the support group setting, but didn't. It's not just a PHYSICAL PROBLEM - IT'S MENTAL, TOO! So continuing the work on the psyche is NECESSARY, in my opinion, for complete success.

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

My scar is barely visible. I had Open RNY performed by Dr. Neil Hutcher. He used a glue instead of sutures. My scar is MUCH better than my Mother's scar, and she had surgery by Dr. Hutcher as well, approximately 10 months before I did.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None. I am stable at my weight and do NOT weigh myself. My main issues were my back and muscular damage from the weight. It has since improved and instead of taking 5 medications per day, i take NOTHING. I have had three episodes of muscle spasms since surgery, and have been on flexoril all three times for less than three days each. I'll take that ANY day over being in constant pain. I'm prepared to deal with the damage done to my back over the years - I may still have to have back surgery in my mid to late 40's. But i'll be a better patient and have a MUCH better chance at a successful surgery due to the permanent weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. Especially children. Kids are very honest... painfully so, at times. And going to my kids' school for ANY reason was embarassing and humiliating. But now, they tell me other kids tell them they think their mom is "pretty". That makes ME feel like a million bucks, let ALONE how it makes THEM feel...