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

I found out about bariatric surgery through an AD on TV. I didn't research it though until I found out about the DS from my friend who had just had the surgery. The impressions of surgery was at first, it was so drastic. But as I continued to gain weight, I felt it was the only way to save my life.

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

The hospital stay was great. I've never had such a wonderful, attentive staff care for me. I was there for 3 days. The most important thing for me I would have to say, was my husband.

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

My complication consisted of vomiting after surgery due to the morphine. Once it was changed to Demerol it was fine. I had some vomitting around my 3-4th week but I'm almost positive I had the stomach flu. I had a hard time getting in food, and because of that there was some nausea, but nothing that made me non-functional.

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 overwhelmed. HAPPY! SCARED! The way I felt about anxiety was nill. I really didn't feel anxiety more happiness and excitment.

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

EXTREME TIREDNESS!!! Some nausea. Did I mention Tiredness? It took me the full 8 weeks to recover. I was always tired.. that's all I really remember.

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

I traveled about 2 hours away. This has only effected me to the point I can't attend the support group meetings every month. But I have no problem getting to my follow-up appointment.

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.

Wow.. Ok, Tomato Juice was off limits for the first few months. After that I have been able to eat everything. The first three weeks of course it was "eat what you can". Now it's "eat what you WANT" it's GREAT!

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

Low. I couldn't do much of anything, I was always so tired. But I was able to do the shopping, and do things as they needed to be done for the most part. I was unable to do the laundry and dishes, but that was about it.

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

ONCE I've taken supplemental vitamins. I always forget these... I need to work on that.

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?

I can honestly say that I've not really had an "effect" overall that bothered me to the point of complaint. I have a combination effect with my hair. I received a bad chemical treatment shortly after surgery that caused massive amounts of hair breakage, which caused bald spots. Add to that natural hair loss due to surgery... and my naturally curly thick hair... well... it's healing itself.

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

The tiredness

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

Just my hubby and family. This is very meaningful to me. To have them behind me is more important then any outside support group.

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

It's about 6 inches long from sternum to just above my belly button. Some of it is already flat and some is Keloid, but getting better. I am not sure I expected anything... so I can't say this is abnormal or normal. But it doesn't bother me... itches occasionally and that's it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had two plateaus. Both lasted about three weeks and were very frustrating to me. I want all the weight gone NOW. However this is very unrealistic. Thusly, plateaus are virtually ignored now!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, most people that knew me before surgery are treating me the same. Except my mother. She's a little jealous I think as she struggles with the same issues I did before WLS. This isn't an option for her for the most part (WLS). But, other then that, people love me for me, and that's what's important. I didn't have WLS to make friends, or improve my social life/standings. I had WLS to save my life... and get a life!