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

My PCP first mentioned it to me because my health had gotten progressively worse over a period of 10 years. At first, I would only consider lapband...then after 2 years of research and a lot of praying, I made that initial call to my surgeon.

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

I had my surgery on a Monday at 1 P.M. and left the hospital on Thursday at 12 P.M. All you need to bring with you is a determination to walk, walk, walk after surgery, a positive attitude and chapstick. Everything else was taken care of for me.

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

The only minor setback, and I don't classify this as a complication, was 2 weeks after the surgery - I "sprung a leak" so to speak from my incision line. It was only about 1/4 inch long. My surgeon checked and snipped a stitch that was sticking up a little and within a week it was healed. I have a pretty good sense of humor, and tried to call on that during times of concern or fear. Coming off of all of the medications that I was on pre-op was a little nerve wracking, but I got through it.

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, nervous, anxious. I had very little patience when it came to certain things, but I received some really good support from my closest friends and loved ones. Coping was difficult at times, but I tried to keep a positive thought. There was an initial fear of not making it through the surgery or dying from complications. But those fears disapated when I got to the hospital and saw my surgeon. He is so down to earth and never sugar-coated anything. I knew going in what my chances were for success or failure. I felt that if I wanted to live, and I sure did, I really didn't have any other choice but to chance the risks of major surgery and go for it. I have never regretted my decision to have the surgery or my choice of surgeon and hospital.

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

I was informed by Fern {my surgeon's office manager} that they had an "Angel" program if I wanted to participate. I asked for my own angel and Joanne came into my life like a breath of fresh air. Joanne has a group support meeting twice a month, my surgeon has a post-op meeting once a month and another WLS friend has his own meetings once a month. I am so grateful for these support meetings. I have learned so much from them and it's so great to be able to ask questions and get honest answers from people who have been on their own journeys. These meetings have been a source of comfort and peace to me and are so helpful to me while I am navigating my own journey.

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

My scar is about 8 inches long and not as bad as I expected. I am only 8 months out as of this writing, and use Mederma twice a day at the recommendation of my dermatologist.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had the surgery on August 30, 2004. I consistantly lost weight until the end of December when I got the flu. I was sick for about 2 weeks, and didn't lose a single ounce for about 6 weeks, but noticed that inches were still coming off. My doctor told me to increase my calories a little and increase my excercise about 10 mibutes a day, and that sure did help. So now whenever I seem to be "stalling" I make sure that I eat 3 healthy meals a day (sometimes I forget to eat when I lose track of time) and increase my excercise a little.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely...I am constantly amazed at people's attitudes. People hold doors open for me, executives at my job actually listen to what I have to say now, a family member is treating me with more respect. The one constant, and I am blessed to be able to say this, is the gentleman who has been in my life for through all the years when I was 235 lbs, when I was at my peak of 327 lbs, and now at 180 lbs, and has treated me lovingly and with respect as a woman and as a professional throughout that time.