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

The first time I found out was by my family doctor back in 2000. I instantly knew that was one of my callings. I was ready for anything.

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 not so good. From 1-10, 10 being the highest I rate it a 4. Harper hospital in Detroit MI, was pretty bad. I wated forever for everything. Thank God I wasn't having any major problems when I did ring for help. I was in the hospital for 7 days. Most important things to bring with you are pajamas, underwear, brush, toothbrush, paste and heating pad for your back because the bed's are horrible.

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

Well, during surgery my doctor and her team almost didn't finish my surgery being that I was so compact. I'm only 4 ft 11 inch. My doctor told me after I was her worst patient and if she knew now what she knows, she would of never done my surgery.

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 felt very nervous and scared. I was a bit excided. I coped with all the worried by praying.

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

My first week was pretty good. My mother stayed with me while my boyfriend was at work. The second week was good to. My boyfriend had that week of so he took care of me. What to expect, well just be careful of over doing it.

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

About, 25 miles there. Not to bad.

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.

Of course I couldn't eat no soilds only clear liquids. I had no trouble with the clear liquids. I stepped up to full liquids 2 weeks after and that was fine to. I'm just now eating fish, chicken, breads, fruit, veg's, and splenda ice cream. The foods I have trouble with are chicken, and bread. I toast the bread and that feels alot better.

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

My actvity level was okay. I walked as much as possible. Could'nt do much bending over and no lifting.

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

chewable centrum.

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?

First, sleep disturbance, and nausia. My sleeping is still awful and the nausia isn't to bad but still occurs.

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

The worst part was the diarrea. The second was battling with the food. I wanted to eat what ever I wanted and enjoy it. I went through 2 weeks of complete depression.

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

I don't have a aftercare support group. But I do have a friend that had the same surgery done in Sept. 2003. Also I have the website.

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

My scar looks pretty good other than its loapsided.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well, the first 2 weeks I lost 27 pounds and I have not lost any since.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!!!!! Everyone wants to talk to me now. They want to know everything.