So a lot has happened since my last post. I have been approved for gastric bypass surgery and I'm going thru with it on July 23. I am embarrassed to admit it, cause I feel guilty that I can not do this on my own.
Last year I began a journey that took me from 670 pounds, smoking a pack a day, drinking like crazy to a "svelte" 610 pounds, no smoking, walking everyday, going to church, no drinking new "me" in just a few months.
Then it happened, life. It came back with a vengeance and reminded me I had problems. I gained every pound back, I stopped exercising, I stopped going to church as often, began drinking more, ALMOST STARTED SMOKING again but thank God I never did (I know my sisters are glad to hear that).
Gastric Bypass is not a cure-all. It will not "fix" me. It isn't going to keep me from dealing with life or going thru struggles. What it will do is force me to use food as fuel. It won't let me eat a whole can of Pringles or a 16 oz steak whenever I feel like it. This surgery is going to save my life, I can feel it already beginning to change it.
On Monday, July 8, I began the pre-op liquid diet, replacing all of my meals with protein shakes and can have things like Jello, broth, sugar-free Popsicles. Also I have to stop all caffeine so that means no more tea and coffee. So far the hardest thing to deal with is the withdrawal from caffeine and carbs. I've had a constant headache, and I feel worn down all the time. I can barely keep my eyes open at work and am distracted, irritable, and impatient with everyone. I hope this doesn't continue.
For the win, I'm down 15 pounds since Monday, back to 651 and would really like to be 625 or under for the surgery; every pound I lose now is one I don't have to lose later, plus I understand it makes the surgery safer. I still need to get my blood thinners taken care of before surgery, will probably stop them a few days before but if my doctor doesn't call me then I dunno.
I will be out of work the week of surgery, they plan to keep me in ICU for 24 hours, just to make sure everything is OK then in a regular room for a day or two, SOP for the "morbidly obese". The doc thinks I will be out of work for two weeks but ain't nobody got time for that, I'm sure I'll be back on the Monday after, besides all I do is sit at a desk.
I promised someone close to me that I would keep this up, and do better about making more updates. We'll see how that goes, if I have something specific to share or whatever I will provide an update.
Dude, don't feel embarrassed. I'm ecstatic that you got approved and are going through with it. I wish I could. I've tried three times, but insurance always fights me on it. Stay strong my friend!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Charles, I think you're making a great choice my friend. I have also had trouble getting approved for that surgery. I tried to get it done about three years ago but I couldn't get the funding for it. So happy for you man! I look forward to hearing about your awesome progress, glad to see another post on the blog as well, and really glad to hear you're getting your life back together with the man upstairs. I'll be praying for you buddy.
ReplyDeleteDon't be embarrassed about doing what is going to save your life and work for you. We each have to find our own way, and there is no shame in that. Ever.
ReplyDeleteNever be embarrassed about it. The surgery is only a tool to help you get the weight off. I did it in Nov, 2013 and I will tell you it no piece of cake and not easy at all, but not bad if you follow the rules. And it's a great way to safe your life! Hang in there and go for it... :-)
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