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

I first heard of two identical twins friends I had who had it. They looked awesome! My first thoughts were that it was a very drastic way to lose weight. But I think that as soon as I saw their successes, whether I knew it yet or not, I had already decided that I wanted the surgery.

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 pretty good. All the nurses were awesome and treated me very well. I only felt really bad for about 2 days. I was in the hospital for 3 days. It was most important to bring something to do.

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

I have been blessed to have ZERO complications!!! Thank you JESUS!!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

For about the first 5 weeks after surgery I felt extremely run down and very sluggish. I didn't have a lot of pain, but the lack of energy really got to me. I felt cruddy all the time. And it took a lot to keep me out of depression. After about 5 weeks though, I started to feel much better. And better and better.

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

I live in an area where there is no support group for over 50 miles. So I have not physically gone to any support groups but have many friends that have had the surgery. I use them and as many online supports as possible. It is important to know that others go through the same thing as you do.

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

My scar is very long. It goes from right below my chest bone to my belly button. It is much much bigger than I thought it would be. I do not care though!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

In October 2004 it seemed like I hit a plateau. And in the 5 noths since then I have lost only 20 pounds. I get very frustrated at that! But like I always tell myself, NO ONE I know who has had the surgery is still fat!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everywhere I go it is discussion of how different I look and how much ihave chnaged. I do notice I get a lot more attention from all different kinds of people. I have gotten hit on a couple of times.