Where Am I Now?

As of today I have met all the requirements the surgeon set forth save one.  And I sort of met it but it was ill-fated.

> I met with the physical therapist.

> I've been to the two required nutrition classes.

> I've been to not just the one but two support group meetings.

> I saw the psychologist as well as did the nutso testing.

> I'm 2/3 of the way through the book he wanted me to read.

> I had the endoscopy.  And here's the sort of.  My dinner hadn't digested so I have to go have that done.  Again.  I'm excited.  Not. And I followed all the rules and did exactly what I was supposed to do.  Just sayin'.

I'm psyched!  I feel like I'm cruisin' along with the food guidelines I'll be following.  Crazy low fat diet for two weeks before the surgery and then liquid, moist then mushy for 12 weeks after!  And even though it isn't an exciting diet, I am so excited.  I've said it before, there's no place like hope!

The newest addition to my "Once I'm Healthier List" is: 

• Being able to go into a regular bathroom stall without becoming a contortionist!

And some long term goals I've been thinking on:

• Walking or biking for a MS "athon" fundraiser
• Learning and possibly teaching at some point Holy Yoga
• Taking ballroom dance lessons with Mark
• Playing racquetball with Will and Mark

I also found a quote my friend Lena Towles posted on Facebook that I love:

"Discipline is just choosing between what you want now 

and what you want most." - Augusta F. Kantra

My repeat Endoscopy is scheduled for August 21.  I've booked the party package.  For the first one it took three tries and an ultrasound to get an IV in.  I'm hoping for a less eventful "party" this time.

If you stumble across my blog and have questions I'd love to hear from you.  If you are a loved one and you have questions or concerns or words of wisdom, I'd love to hear from you as well!

"He must become more, I must become less." - John 3:30

Be blessed y'all!

Decisions Decisions

So deciding to have surgery and choosing the gastric bypass ... things we should talk about.

I think that right after I talked to my April (BFF in Atlanta) I felt certain I was headed in a surgical direction.   With every mile closer to home I was becoming more and more convinced that this could be my saving grace.  

Statistics that quieted the negative voices and made me sure I wanted surgery:

• Without surgery I am 50% more likely to die of heart disease.
• Without surgery I am 90% more likely to die of diabetes complications.
• Less than 5% of the morbidly obese manage to lose their excess weight and keep it off permanently.  That's sobering.
• 95% of WLS patients confirm improvement in their quality of life.

Gastric bypass became the front runner when I researched its safety record and its SUCCESS record. 

Safety wise:

• It is as safe as gall bladder removal which I had done (while pregnant with my son!) in 2004
• It is as safe as knee replacement surgery ... which I am going to be looking at if I don't get this weight off and fast!

Success wise:

• Patients lose weight fast.  Let's face it, that's a huge plus!
• Patients lose more of their excess body weight with this one.  No brainer.
• Patients maintain weight loss better with this one.

Weight loss surgery comes with two properties: restrictive and malabsorptive.  The lap band is restrictive.  The sleeve is restrictive.  The duodenal switch (which isn't being done in my area yet) is malabsorptive.  The gastric bypass is currently the only one that does both.

The size of the stomach is reduced (restrictive) and part of the small intestine is re-routed (bypass) which is the malabsorptive part.  It reduces how many calories are absorbed.  It also reduces absorption of nutrients and vitamins as well (which is a negative for it to some).

I decided if I was going under anesthesia and being cut on, I wanted to set myself up for as much success as possible.  Why go half way?  To me it was a no-brainer to go with the gastric bypass at that point.

I will be on vitamin supplements for the rest of my life but the idea of this does not bother me.  I take 20 or so pills a day now.  Half prescriptions, half OTC supplements.  To end up taking less and ones without side effects ... this is not a sacrifice.

Another decision I made early on was to keep a lid on what I was planning.  WLS has such a bad rap.  People are so judgmental about it.  I can say that because I'm sure I was for years.  And perhaps those of us seeking such surgery are the most judgmental of all.

My inner sanctum has been told.  The people in my house, my April, one of my sisters, my mom, my preacher's wife, our youth minister's wife (both of whom are friends too), my two best local friends, my oldest friend (since Kindergarten), my mother-in-law, and another close friend who lives away.

I've told a few others I'm having surgery but not what kind.

I'm warming up to people knowing.  At first I wanted to be sure myself before I had to discuss with others.  I only told those that I knew loved me and would be kind with their questions and concerns.  I recently wrote my dad to tell him, which was hard because I knew he had significantly bad feelings about the bypass in particular.  I'll have to post once I hear back from him.

I'm closer to announcing it.  I want prayers and support from all who are willing.  I have to pray about it some more.  I'm worried I won't be understanding for people who say dumb things.  That's more a me problem than a them one.

"He must increase but I must decrease." - John 3:30

Be blessed y'all!