vlstone
I started looking into WLS for my youngest daughter several years ago not realizing that I would sometime being doing the same for myself. I will talk about our journey for her later, but for a change this about "me" and taking care of myself for a change. Before I knew it I had gained weight then before I new it I was the one who was needing WLS to get my weight under control. I have not felt well for several years and everytime I would go on a diet I would loose weight then gain the weight back and then some. Next thing I knew I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, then diabetes, then a cardiologist wanted to put me on mild dose of a heart medication. I was on my way to having the same problems as many of my family members. Although many people told me I did not look like I would qualify for the WLS, I knew the scales did not lie, my health was deterioating, and I knew how I felt. I did not want to wait until I gained more weight, my health be worse not to mention how much more I would age when I did eventually have the WLS. I wanted to "nip in the bud" before things got worse.
I began to start the process for myself in May 2006, had all the tests all the while questioning whether to have the Lap Band or RNY, going to 2 different facilities trying to decide what and where to have my surgery. Untimately, I decided for the RNY (a big "sweet tooth") and before I knew it the Dr's office called in July to schedule me. I had to tell them I would not be available until October because of some commitments I had at work. I had a very important presentation and a trip scheduled in September to Washington, DC to accept an award for our company. Also, I had another appointment in early October with another Dr office to discuss the Lap Band further. Anyway, I scheduled it for October 17, 2006. I went to Lexington to stay with my daughter on Monday and found her very sick, vomiting uncontrollably, which has not been uncommon for her with her Lap Band over the past few years (she has had the Band 2x), I took her to the hospital that night and she was admitted at 3:30 am and I was scheduled to be there to have my surgery at 7:30 a.m. We were a few rooms apart at the same hospital. Of course, it did not go as planned, she wanted to be there for me and to help me, but she was not able too. While I was still in the hospital she was released and my husband took her to Norton Hospital in Louisville and she was admitted there. The saline was taken out of her band and then released. She is doing okay now, but this has happened to her many many times. The doctors can not explain what is going on.
I have done great so far with my surgery, I have not had any pain, dumping or any problems. I am not about 3 weeks out and still feel great about my decision. I do find myself eating a lot of choclate fudge popsciles. Also I have a hard time getting in my fluids - I didn't like water and I still don't.
On my first week visit I had lost 12 lbs, I had lost a total of 18 lbs from the time I started this journey, so I take credit for those 6 lbs as well. And according to my scales at 3 weeks out I am down 30 lbs. I will see when I go back on November 20. I am looking forward to staying on the loosing side.
I have heard so many stories about complications with this surgery I am just hoping I don't experience any of them. My family did not want me to have the RNY, they tried to convince me to have the Lap band, even my daughter that has trouble with her lap band. They were just worried about the serious complications. But so far so good.
Will post more later....
