MyWayWon
5/20/07 It all started a month ago, when my daughter asked me to go to a seminar on Bariatric surgery. To support her, I said yes. By the end of the speakers, I was determined to have the RNY along with my daughter, Nicole.
As a matter of fact, we are doing all this together on the same day, same doctor and are even going to be
room-mates in the hospital. Diabetes runs in my family and I want to get rid of it, and Nicole wants to ensure she doesn't get it.
When I weigh the long term effects of diabetes and high blood pressure against the possible complications of bariatric surgery, I know I am far better off getting my energy and life back. My weight and diabetes has taken over my body, and I am going to take my life back. On vacation to Disney World in April with my daughter and her family, I fell flat on my face and couldn't get up without the help of my son-in-law. It scared my daughter and son-in-law so bad to think if it happened when I was alone and it brought back some very painful memories for my son-in-law, who lost his mother to diabetes.
So we have gone for all our evaluations (psych & nutrition) got our primary care referal, done all our lab tests and have a surgery date for June 5th.
I being older with more medical problems had to go for EKG and ultrasound at the cardiologist and must go for a stress test (this Tuesday) and have a endoscope.
This mother / daughter team will do it and be healthier for it.
We already are taking plenty of vitamins for protein for possible hair loss & dry skin, which some people told us happened to them. All in all everyone we have spoken to who has had the surgery say: It was the best thing that happened to them.
Although I am mainly doing this for the diabetes don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind going from 265 pounds and a size 24 to something smaller. But weight alone is not why I am having this done, it is for HEALTH = MINE.
Will keep you updated and my daughter also has a Blog and will make updates.
Wish us luck!!!!!
Update 5/30/07
OK, we both have had all out tests, except PAT's
Surgery is Tuesday 6 days from now.
I had to have a stress test and an endoscope, which my daughter did not have to have. But due to my age and health problems, Dr. Atkin wanted Clarence for the surgery.
Last Friday I started coming down with a cold and was terrified it would mess up our together surgery date. I got antibiotics and went home Friday and stayed in bed for the long weekend till Tuesday morning to go to work. It cleared up!!!!!! But..... now my daughter has come down with a cold and we are again worried about our surgery date together.
All I am wishing for is less weight = more energy and the elimination of my high blood pressure and diabetes. We got our vitamins and I ordered our Protein supplement (Profect) flavored protein beverage. Got our chap stick and heating pads....we are ready to go.
June 3rd
Had my first grandson's Graduation & 18th Birthday party at my house. I am so proud of him.
Today was my last day to eat, husband, sister-in-law and old friend went to Perkins for me to get blueberry pancakes and eggs benedict. It was wonderful.
Tomorrow morning I have to drink the fleet to clean me all out for Tuesday surgery.
Just ordered on the Internet my last grocery order to shop-rite for delivery tomorrow. Also getting a lift recliner chair delivered , rented it for 4 weeks. My sofa is low and over cozy = can't get up from it.
Still didn't tell my Father or his wife, as she is very ill right now and I don't want them to worry nor say anything negative from it. My brother, son & his family and my daughter knows along with my husband and 3 close friends and my staff.
so in 36 hours I should be in surgery or recovery........
June 4th
Tomorrow is the DAY!!!!!!
Today was a real "Shity" day
You know "cleaning out".
My daughter is so excited to have this done, I on the other hand am a little bit skeptic. I just want to lose this diabetes and have more energy, although a smaller body and dress size would be nice.
Will update after surgery.........
June 7th
Update on Nikki & My Gastro-by-pass Nikki needed it as her weight was scoring up and with MS, and a Titanium hip, the last thing she needed was to become immobile and become a diabetic. I simply needed the surgery to cure my Type 2 diabetes, lower my blood pressure and give me more time and energy for my wonderful grandchildren. Today is Friday, surgery was Tuesday. Nikki's surgery went like a charm, she is in pain and still has to get the gas out, oh ya and poop. But all in all she did fine, THANK GOD! All in all the doctor said my surgery went "Normal" and we were supposed to be room-mates but in recovery everything went "Wildly Wrong" Fist my lungs filled with fluid (had to call in a cardiologist) and I started screaming I am drowning and started coughing franticly, which in turn ruptured the large incision and popped arteries (shooting blood all over my doctors then street clothes. The I stopped breathing for half an hour and the had to get a pulmonary specialist in (Sleep Apnea he said) So after a hour and 15 minute totally normal surgery, it took another hour and a half of 4 doctors in chaos to settle me down. I ended in ICU and Joe brought us both home yesterday. But, who ever said I was normal? I feel weak but fine, very sore but glad to be alive and I owe my doctor a shirt. I have 4 - 2 1/2 " staple strips in my stomach and One large gapping whole, where they had to cortorize the artery and leave it open to heal from the inside out. I have a home nurse coming everyday to change the packing & bandage. My doctor still says my diabetes and blood pressure will certainly go away in 3-6 months so therefore it was all worth it (except for the almost dying part. Just glad that the Tougher Old Goat had the slight problems and not the one with 4 children and MS. At least I can stay still and heal up.
7/2/07 We have 3 days til our one month post op doctors visit. I hope that my daughter and I both lost the expected 10% body weight. For me it would be 26 pounds.
Not hungry, eat only a small portion of what I used to eat. Tried ice cream, fried chicken finger (one) a McD cheeseburger without the top. Only had ONE dumping incident (Thank God) from tuna salad on a plate at home...go figure!
Miss my carbonated water, which I drank everyday.
Feel good and my hole from the surgery complication is healing nicely.
All and All I an glad I went through with the surgery and can't wait for more significant weight loss.
7/5/07 One month check up = 29 pounds lost and
can now exercise. The "Hole" is healing but still has a little way to go.
Now Dr. Abkin said 10 pounds a month is the average loss to expect.
I have got to stop weighing myself 4-5 times a day!!!!!
Going back to work in one week and actualy looking forward to it.
Next doctor visit in 2 months. My clothes are getting much looser and my wedding ring is nearly falling off. But I don't want to buy clothes while I am still losing.
7/16/07 Back to work day!!!!! 35 pounds!!!! Almost everyone said I look great and it was nice to hear. A bit tired at 2PM but glad to be back to work. Eating nearly anything I want and if I don't over stuff myself and chew, chew, chew I am fine.
35 down and 65 to go!!!!!
8/5/07 Two month anniversary!!!!! Down 42 pounds and my clothes are hanging on me. Feel "Outstanding." But, I don't really see the weight loss on myself. Although I can notice it on my daughter Nicole, who is down 42 pounds as well. Doing this together because we are so very supportive of each other. Unfortunately my blood sugar has not dropped so my diabetes remains the same and my blood pressure is still a bit high. I am on all meds for both as I was prior to the surgery. I hope this changes in the near future.
11/5/07 FIVE months since surgery. Down 80 pounds~!!!!!!
Had to finally givce up my size 22/24's wearing 14/16 now.
Having blood work done next week and hope to be OFF blood presure Rx's and maybe diabeties pill (I am down to one a day)
Can eat almost anything I want, but just a few spoonfuls.
I don't crave sweets and ice cream. I am happy with a yougert for breakfast most days. Eat maybe a half of a sandwich for lunch. Always consume my protein and vitamins.
Feel Great starting to look Great and everyone says I am looking 10 years younger.
My daughter is down 60 plus pounds and is a size 8 from a 14/16.
12/22/07 It is now 6 1/2 mos. since surgery and I am down an amazing 96 pounds.
168 pounds and I feel great. Size 14 regular, no more Womans Plus for me. Blood work all good. Hair still thining. Hope this stops soon. It's not too bad, but have to tease it a liitle and use hair spray. Happy Holidays.
