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

My husbands cousin went thru WLS about 14 years ago. That's the first time I had heard about it. The last 2 years I have heard more and more but only thought the "stars" had it done. I researched it for those 2 years and talked it over with my doctor and we both felt I had exhausted every avenue known to man and this was just for me.

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

My stay at St. Vincent Charity was awesome. I mean you wanted for nothing. The staff was fantastic. I was there from Monday (day of surgery) until Thursday morning. I personally would recommend bringing a robe to walk the halls. I had a bunch of things to read but I never cracked open a book. I felt it was more important to get out of bed and walk and I visited other patients that just went thru what I did. I would bring a change of clothes for the way home and a pillow also for that reason. It helps just cushion the belly.

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

I (knock on wood) have had absolutely no complications from surgery. Praise God!

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 received my surgery date of May 15th. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt of what in the world is my family going to do if something happens to me. Then I snapped out of it and figured it I DIDN'T have this surgery, they would have to watch me die from either my diabetes or what ever would come up. I believe that God gave me this answer so it helped me alot. I coped with my anxiety by going to support meetings, chatting online with other WLS patients and meeting new people going thru or went thru this. That is the key!...also, I got a call on May 3rd to come in the 5th for surgery, so I didn't have a lot of time to think. That was a good thing..hehe

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

My aftercare support is great. I go to a support meeting everyweek (2 different ones) I have also surrounded myself with support either from family, friends or new people. The internet is great too.

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

My scar is almost completely healed. I just have a spot or 2 that is still healing. Actually it is about what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The first 9 day's I lost 20 lbs. and I stepped on that scale daily and it didn't move. DON"T DO THAT...stay away from it..by 3 weeks at my dr.s appointment I had lost 26 lbs and 5 weeks 36 lbs. So stay off it...heeh

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't think people are treating me any differently YET..although I think I am putting myself out there differently and you will. You will grow a confidence that is fantastic. and you should. Just don't get arrogant!!!..That's not who you are or who you should become!...I have a few people that just notice everything like me wearing toe nail polish or a toe ring and comment on that..but nothing too drastic...YET