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

A co worker had the surgery and I was so impressed at her recovery and weight loss. I had heard of the surgery before and never thought It was for me until I saw my co worker go throught it. then I said "this could be the one thing that could finally help me lose this weight"

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful. the nurses and Dr's where so kind and understanding.I felt very well cared for. I have no memory of being wheeled into the OR or any memory of the recovery room. I woke up in my room only slightly uncomfortable but very thirsty. The pain meds helped when it was time to get up and walk around. I had an IV, a catherter and a drain tube when I woke up. The cath was taken out the next am. I had a barium swallow the day after surgery to check for leaks. (all was good) I also had blood work done ever 12 hours to make sure no levels droped (all was good) My blood pressure and vitals where taken every hour at first (all was good)two days after the surgery I was drinking broth and eating jello. I was kinda scared to consume these though. It's a weird feeling knowing all of a sudden your insides are different. I had one more blood test that should my potasium level was kinda low so I had a PICC line put in and was administerd some potasium ( the picc line is better than and IV becuase the potasium hurt going into a regular vein) on day three I had the IV out and the drain tube out an then I went home. I was nervous about going home and being "on my own" but I was also looking forward to being in my own bed. I am very please with the care I recieved in the hospital and SO VERY pleased that I didn't have any complications. I feel blessed

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

low potasium. I had some administered through a PICC line they put in specificaly to give me the potasium pain free.

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 alot more sore than I expected. I heard so many people talk about how they bounced back so fast. I was alittle disapointed in myself until my doc reassured me this is very normal. Luckily I didn't have any nausea or vomiting (as of 16 days out) for the most part I feel pretty good. I get tired real easy and I am getting so sick of soft liquids. The fisrt week or so I didn't even want anything else but as I am feeling better I am craving "real" food. If I was on a regular diet this is where I would give up. Because of the surgery I cant give up so I'm sure down the road I will be grateful I have to stick to it. I worry I'm not getting in enough water or calories because I get full too fast. but I keep telling myself as I heal I will be able to consume more. I LOVE watching the scale move.

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

I have support groups once a month at the hospital I had the surgery at. this is critical to keep me focused. It helps to ask questions to people that have had the surgery. I am seeing my surgeon on regular visits (one week out, three weeks out, six weeks out,three months out etc..)I am also see my nutritionalist regularly. The physc doc has a program where we have five group/classes before surgery but If we dont get them all in by the surgery we continue after. that is where I am.

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

I have five 1/2 inch incisions because I had Laporscopy. I didn't have stiches, just tape. as of today day 16 the tape is still on cause I am supposed to let if fall off on its own. One just below my belly button, two on my left side, one on my right, and one centered just below my chest. This is just what I thought I would have.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far no plateau's because I am only day 16

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.