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

My step-sister said her niece that the band done. I started looking on the internet and found alot of helpful sites. It has been a real eye opener. I wish I would have known about them sooner.

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

My hospital stay was great. The doctor seemed to be there around the clock. My nurses at KUMED Center in Kansas City, Kansas were very helpful and there for me.

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

I was in ICU for 4 days with a respirator due to my oxygen level was 62. It wasn't actually a problem from the surgery, my level has been low for the previous year.

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

I stayed at my inlaws for the first 3 weeks. My mother-in-law was great. She made sure I ate and just took really good care of me. I was very tired the first few weeks and really didn't want to eat. I guess the main thing was to make sure you get the protein and moving is really important.

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

It was about an hour drive. The aftercare hasn't been bad at all. I feel I made the right decision as for my doctor. The ride home after having surgery was pretty uncomfortable even though I was really medicated.

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.

My first month after surgery was all pureed. Protein shakes was a must. I really didn't tolerate much food at all within that first month. Pretty much stuck with egg, yogart, cottage cheese, tuna and applesause. Sugar has been off limit is it is 3rd ingredient or better and I do no fried foods or soda. It has been 15 months since my surgery now and I still do no soda or fried foods. There has been times that I do eat sweets.

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

My activity level was very low the first couple of weeks after surgery. It continued to get better weekly. It was 3 months before I can actually say I was really feeling myself.

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

I took flinstones vitamins and did MT-Rex protein shakes for the first 3 months following surgery. At 3 months post I took Womans one a day,Tums and protein plus sf protein bars. I also drank the MT-rex protein shakes. At 12 months out I continue taking the Womans One A day. I started using MGF1 and MGF3 and also use protein bars, have done several... the MT-REX, PROTEIN PLUS and ADVANT EDGE. At 15 months I am still doing what I have been doing since 12 months out.

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 had substantial hair loss between 3 and 6 months. I added a little fat and more protein to my diet per doctors orders and it did get better. My surgery has really been a pleasant experience overall.

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

Honestly nothing!

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

I go to support group in Kansas City Kansas every month. I also go into the chat room on AMOS. Both have truly been rewarding and motivating. I also have joined a gym in the last month and it is very important to me.

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

My zipper is about 4 to 5 inches long. It is what I expected and I look at it often to stay on track!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 15 months out and have steadily lost weight. I have lost almost 100% of my access. I believe this has a lot to due to extensive exercising.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very much. It has been a whole new world for me. I have really had issues with this because I haven't changed who I am! I notice though people are kinder and acknowledge me.