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

There was a seminar postage that came on our e-mail at work.My co-worker and I went to this seminar and I was inpressed.I started paper works,dr. appointments,everything that needed to be done. Took a year,but it was worth the wait.

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

My stay at the hopsital was a good one.I was there three days.The only thing that bothered me was my legs.I thought I had a blood clot in them.They hurt so bad.My huisband would have to pick my legs up and put them in bed.It hurt to walk.The only thing my Dr. thinks happened is where I was on the operating table for three hrs.,my arthritis made my legs stiff. I also had about two weeks after the surgery my legs to have numbness in them. They still do somewhat. The most important thing to bring with you is your support person.(husband,wife,friend,etc.) If it wasn't for my husband,I don't know aht I would have done.He was there day and night with me.He helped me walk,get me into bed, gave me a bath.He was my hero.

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

JUst my legs. They felt like they had blood clots in them.I basically walked the soreness out.I walked all the time after surgery. Also, my legs, both of them, they have been numb.I don't know what to do about that.It seems like they are getting some better.

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 escited.I told everyone.I got nervous the week of the surgery.I got very nervous the day of.I was even late for my surgery,and I was in the same town.

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

I have started a support group here in McMinnville Tn. We meet on the first Thursday of each month @ 6:30pm at River Park Hospital. It was a very successful the first group meeting last month(Sept.) I feel that a support group is very important.We need each other through this because we are new people in a way. Others don't understand what we are going through.It is very easy to backslide from the rules of eating,that we need each other to help say"NO".Need encouragement from one another.Like one lady said in a message.We need to love one another help each other.

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

I had the laprescopic. I have very little scaring and yes that is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now I have lost 77lbs. I am at a stand still. It don't bother me. I am very happy with what I have lost and where I am going.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Every day I get complements.My new nickname is "skinny" or"slim" sometimes that bothers me,but I know they mean well.