mc3978

So, in doing my research about gastric bypass, I came across this website, and was nothing short of blown away. I am addicted to reading the various posts, and feel as if I know some of you already. What an amazing thing you are all doing for each other. I would like to join the family!

My name is Mike, and I am a 31 year old father of a beautiful 2 year old little girl. I am married to a woman I have known more than half of my life. She has been a wonderful companion for me, and these two ladies are the absolute loves of my life.

I have struggled with my weight since 2nd or 3rd year of high school, though I have always been a big man. In high school I made some bad choices, got away from my athletics, and this is where my weight began to get out of control.

Without boring you all with the details, just know that the turning point for me was two life changing events. Three years ago my father died suddenly at 55 years old, and almost immediately after that, my wife and found out we were having our first child. I am certain you can understand the emotional roller coaster this put me on...and why these two events caused me to take a good hard look at myself.

Anyway, this brings me to the present. For years I had been against any type of surgery...but this was mainly because of my sometimes irrational fear of anything medical, and I didn't know anything about bariatric surgery, other than the sensational stories you hear on TV.

A chance meeting with a friend of mine from high school, sparked a conversation about the procedure that he had (this literally just came up in conversation)....he gave me the name of his doctor, I went to see him, talked it over with my wife....and low and behold my journey has begun.

It's been about a month or so since I became committed to getting the gastric bypass, and not a day goes by, where I dont look for stories of others that have done it, write down yet another question, or think of what my new life will hold for me.

Anyway, while I do have the support of my wife, it would certainly help to know that there are others out there who share similar struggles. Having the ability to share our sucesses, as well as our failures during this time in our life is truly a gift. I would love to be a part of this wonderful support network, if you'll have me.

Lean on me, and I'll lean back.


Mike
"No matter how long the journey, it starts with a single step."

Thinthingirly

Welcome Mike,

I just had my surgery on Monday. I am not going to lie to you it hurt... or I was in pain when I woke up, and I am still in some pain now. But I have already lost 16 lbs and I am never going to be sorry that I did this!

I am so sorry to hear about your father and I am sure your daughter and wife are going to be so proud of you.

I hope that everything goes really well for you and that you are a huge success!

__________________
Missy
Starting Weight: 331 (6/13/09)
Current Weight: 298
Date of Surgery: 6/29/09
Type of Surgery: Gastric Bypass
Mood: Glad the surgery is done!
Goal Weight: 150lbs

FatBeGoneStacy

Thanks so much the welcome. Your sig line and stats are amazing. It led me to your blog which is as equally impressive. I hope you don't mind if I link up to yours on my sidebar. I have a few folks that I think would just love reading yours.

__________________

Stacy
Highest Weight: 332
Orientation: 326
Current Weight: 312
Day of Surgery (7-22-09):
Goal Weight: 185

Twitter: OhSoStacy

mc3978

Missy, thank you so much for the kind words. I certainly hope that your discomfort goes away quickly, and I am so encouraged to hear about the rapid results you are already experiencing. That is very reassuring. Keep updating the progress, and shooting for those milestones.

Be well

Mike
"No matter how long the journey, it starts with a single step."

FatBeGoneStacy

__________________

Stacy
Highest Weight: 332
Orientation: 326
Current Weight: 312
Day of Surgery (7-22-09):
Goal Weight: 185

Twitter: OhSoStacy

Crimson Kittie

Hiya Mike!! Welcome to the family

Crimson Kittie

If you were referring to me ... I don't mind at all ... If you weren't referring to me ... carry on ....

Beth in Texas

Good to meet you, Mike! Welcome!

Bear_2009

To all that replied, thanks for the support. You just proved why i'm glad that i joined TT. To come home from the hospital, and login, and see supportive emails, comments and thoughts speaks a lot about TT.

Well, as i posted earlier, i had my life change experience, a.k.a. surgery, on July 1. My surgeon, Dr. Alvarez, Kaiser, said everything went very well. My stomach was on empty, and my liver was small enough and not in the way. (I was really nervous about my liver being too large).

The morning of my surgery i had a slight delay. I checked in at 6am, with a surgery start time of 8am. While waiting, an emergency patient arrived at the hospital and i got BUMPED!!! I watched the clock, but it was like time stood still. I swear the batteries were low in that clock because time crawled!!!

They called me in at 7:00, and surgery was for 9:15. During Pre-OP, i really tried to stay relaxed because i did not want my BP to rise. My surgery lasted approximately 3 hours. It took about 2 hours for me to wake up from anesthesia.

Well, I don't the proper "Blog Rules" so i'm going to sum things up quickly, but if your interested let me know and i will gladly continue to share.

Okay, all in all, i was in the hospital 2 days, 2 nights. What i do want to share is that my experience was not bad at all. No complications! I'm glad i went through it! I'm glad i followed the Pre-OP rules from my Surgeon, and the helpful hints to better my stay at hospital from TT.

Now that i'm on the other side, my plan is start researching great advice regarding POST OP/Recovery from TT, and sharing my experience to others that are interested or need support.

Thanks again for all the support TT. I look forward to more in the near future.

Bear

Bear_2009

Welcome Stacy and Mike!!! This is a great family/community. The support is second to none. Welcome.

Bear