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

My friend was reasearching it and I took an interest. That was 7 years ago. I let my Father talk me out of the surgery then. He didn"t feel I needed it. After he died I finally started to look into it again. Of course I had added another 155 pounds to my body. I was never scared to have the surgery because I was desparate. I wanted to live. I never had the impression it was the easy way out either, I respected those who went through it before me.

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 2/15/05. I was discharged on 2/18/05. The only thing I bought with me was my C-Pap machine and my glasses. The hospital supplies everything else. I would advise bringing your own soap and lotion though.

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

I was fortunate, I had no complications, Thank you God & Dr. M.!!

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 calm, I didn't worry because I knew either way I had made the right decision for me.Even if I died, I knew I went out trying to do something about my weight.

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

If you can, have someone there with you. I had my beautiful sister. She was great!! I also invested in a recliner because it was easier to sleep on than a bed. I was on a liquid diet for the first two weeks and I can't say I was in pain as so much I was uncomfortable. I was allowed to shower. I had my RNY done lap and my drain was removed in the hospital prior to discharge.

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

N/A.

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.

I have been lucky. Since being on solid food I have tolerated most things well. I can eat chicken and fish, although I can't eat white meat chicken, it's too dry. The only thing I can't tolerate is low fat cream of mushroom soup, go figure. I stay away from whole milks, opting for the carb countdown milks and yogurts. I tried beef and it became stuck so I'll leave that alone for awhile. High fat and high sugar food are a no-no. I stay away from carbs also. Protein is always first!!

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

Six weeks post-op I'm allowed to do light exercise, ie, walking. My exercise level will increase as time goes by. My Doctor also said I could do the treadmill or bike.

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

ight now I'm on a chewable multivitamin and a chewable calcium supplement. In May, after my bloodwork, we'll see if I need more than this.

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?

So far I have had none of these.

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

The liquid diet and getting enough water and protein in.

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

My Doctor has a support group every month. I also have a relative who is a year out and very supportive. I also joined many WLS groups online.

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

I had lap, so I have five small incisions. It's better than I expected. They are fading well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

N/A.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.