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

Carnie Wilson...need I say more. Hey, I could do that...maybe just maybe that is my answer too.

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

I was there from Thursday until Sunday. I had no complications and no real bad experiences. bring a pillow to put over your incision for the ride home. My husband stopped at Wal-mart and bought one for me.

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

I had no problems what so ever.

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

terrible. I thought "what the hell have I done?" but it got better...and better...and better and now I think it is the best thing I ever did. My advice, don't watch TV. Read or rent videos...too many food commercials.

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

Just me and my family and friends... I have a wonderful friend who did this about 6 months before me, so that helped. I didn't have a support group or anything like that...but I don't really seek out things like that.

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

It is very large. But I knew it would be. It is no less attractive then carrying around 200 extra pounds. I can deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I ahve plateaued several times...this last one has been the worst, but you just up the exercise and water and you get back on track. They do happen and the key is to NOT get discouraged. It is normal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

VERY! but it is in a positive way. I never realized how bad people treated me before!