Alan H. Brader Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

4/2/03
My journey continues as does my awareness of the total ramifications of having choosen this path for my life. I am very positive that this surgery is the way for a better quality of life, my goal. I am, however, hitting several "bumps" in the road. Not unlike others who undergo this procedure, I'm sure, I do however feel frustrations with my own expectations, pain management, and my drive to want to "be back" and feel "normal" again. Eating and drinking anything more than 2-3 oz. is still very challenging. Therefore, I am not getting the nourishment I need. I am trying to stay on the strict time schedule for meal/drink, so as not to "confuse" my pouch. The weather has been beautiful this week, I am reminded of the many blessings we all have in our lives. My daughter, 8, left today for 3 days at camp near the coast. Lucky girl! I am so proud of her. I went with her last year and what fun and great learning they have. I am still experiencing a lot of pain from the site that was manipulated the most during the surgery. I have shared this concern with Dr. Brader, I have undergone appropriate tests and all is "radiologically fine." My coping abilities are exhausted at times, I know my body and the presence of severe pain inhibits healing in my opinion. I know I am having pain that I didn't have last week, it is different and more of a "stabbing" sensation. I am pushing forward, will meet with Dr. Brader tomorrow and will "keep on keepin' on." I want to be strong again, feel better, and get back to living. Patience is always a challenge, I may have pushed myself too much in the past 2 weeks. I also think I may have had a touch of a "bug" that has left me feeling a lot of this discomfort and fatigue.
As my mother used to say, "This, too, shall pass." I pray that my health will always be important and that the weaknesses or shortcomings that we all face at times in our lives will simply not return. I know that I have the desire, support, and the expertise of a fine surgeon. Unique as this surgery is to WLS candidates, I hope that others are fortunate enough to work with people who genuinely care and who are committed to their wellbeing. I am so very thankful to those who have gotten me through these past 3 weeks and who have put up with my complaints and worries.

I am just in the beginning stages of getting approval. Dr. Brader has been wonderful. He spent over an hour going over the program and answering my many questions. He has a very structured after care program and has included free exercise visits to keep us motivated. His nurse Christina has been awesome also. She has always been availbe to assist me when needed.