This is a little long, but it is something that will be shared with pre-ops in my area that would like it. If it helps someone out, excellent.
Things I did to prepare for my journey
The thought of weight loss surgery occasionally popped into my mind for several years. It was the summer of 2006, that it became a mission for me, rather than just a thought. I had enough of the battle with myself over the weight: it was time to take my health back into my own hands. It is by no means a decision to make lightly. I did a lot of research on Gastric Bypass surgery. The more informed and educated about the process I could make myself, the more confident I felt about making the right decision. Knowledge gave me strength to know what was right for me. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seek out others whom have had the surgery, talk to them. Research your surgeon, the more comfortable you feel with him, the easier your decision will become. I spent countless hours reading the internet to find out as much as possible about Gastric Bypass. Keep a notebook available to write down any questions you have that you want answers for. The only dumb question is the unasked question. Call your insurance company to see if the Gastric Bypass Surgery is covered and what the other requirements are. Sometimes they will require you to go through a supervised diet for anywhere from three months to a year before you can get approval. Talk to your family and friends, a great support system is key to healthy recovery. Be prepared to hear something you might not like. If you are truly serious about this, you will succeed.
Here’s a few sites on the web that I found extremely helpful:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...elwyn+ntq.html
Excellent background info on my surgeon
http://www.obesityhelp.com/
Lots of good information
http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/
My personal favorite. Super information from people thinking about it, preparing for it, and who have gone through it. Offers something for everyone.
http://www.webmd.com/hw/weight_control/hw252819.asp
Great source of information as to what exactly Gastric Bypass is.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/007199.htm
Gastric Bypass information
After I felt I had all the information I needed and felt comfortable with going through with the surgery, I made the most important phone call I’ve made in my life. I called the surgery department and told them of my decision. I went through several appointments including: psychological testing, nutritional counseling, a basic health check with my primary physician, and the consult with my surgeon. Then it was time to submit all the information to my insurance company and the wait began. It can take a couple of weeks to several months to get insurance approval. All insurance companies are different and have different guidelines that must be met. Be persistent. You have to be strong and firm in your decision at this point. All in all from the start of my appointments to getting the final insurance approval was about three months. During those three months, which seemed like forever, I started second guessing my decision, all the what-ifs came into my mind. Due to all the reading and research I did, not too mention how lucky I was to have the surgeon I did, and the wonderful coordinator I have, the what-ifs quickly diminished. I knew I was making the best decision for me and my family.
It’s time
November 9th, 2006, surgery day, my re-birthday, a new lease on life has begun. I was very anxious, nervous, scared, sad, excited, and happy all at once. The emotions I felt on the way to the hospital that morning were overwhelming. It was a roller-coaster ride like none other. My husband reminded me of the wonderful things to come and proud he was of me for having the courage to follow through with my dream of getting myself back. By the time I got to the hospital, my best friend was there waiting for us. Together the three of us spent my last moments together dreaming of all the wonderful things that could be possible in the time to come. My mind was at ease and I was ready. They took me into the surgery prep room which once again my mind wandered into the unknown, how will I feel when I wake up, will I be different, and am I strong enough to get through the healing? These are definitely real feelings and they are normal. We are undergoing major surgery that will change our lives forever. It was time for the IV’s to be put in, the time is getting closer. They also gave me a little something to calm my nerves, what a blessing. It was time, they wheeled me into the surgery room, and Dr. Selwyn talked to me for a minute, I felt much better after seeing him. Before I knew it I was getting sleepy. The last thing I remembered before waking up was my grandpa standing by me, telling me not to worry, that everything would be ok, and that I was going to love being a grandparent as much as he did. Then it hit me, I was awake, the surgery was done. The pain was so unbearable at that moment, I wished I was dead. I was never so scared in all my life; I thought it would be like that forever. What seemed to be just minutes later, I was being brought upstairs to my room and my family. I was okay. I made it through the surgery, I was on my way to getting myself back.
My stay at the hospital
I will not lie and tell you there was no pain, there was some but it was bearable. Later in the afternoon on the day of surgery, I was up and walking the halls. Some may think oh my gosh, I won’t want to get up. It is very important that you do. The pain you feel when you get up and move around is much less than the pain you could feel from complications if you don’t. It actually felt very good to get up and move around. The pain I felt was more like a strong pressure. I was in and out throughout the night. The next day lots of rest. More walking to keep the blood circulating. The hospital staff was very sympathetic to the gamut of emotion I had. Throughout the stay, Dr. Selwyn, Pat, and Michelle, checked on my progress regularly. My surgery was on a Thursday, I went home on Sunday.
Finally on my way
My first two weeks at home, I felt like I was in hell. It was very had to get my protein and fluids in. I did however enjoy getting outside in the fresh air to walk. They were a lot of doubts in my mind about having the surgery; I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. This is where I had to dig deep inside myself to find the emotional strength to pull myself through. This is really where the research came into play. I knew it was gong to be a very rough road for a while. I also knew that each passing day would get better; I just had to keep reminding myself of that. By the end of the second week, I felt a lot better. I was starting to be able to take a bite here and there of blended mashed potatoes, I felt human again. I went for the next two weeks being able to tolerate some blended very soft foods, it was wonderful. At about one month post-op it came to a screeching halt, the food wasn’t staying down. I was back to feeling like a freak again. So back into the doctor’s office I went to see what was going on. Nothing was wrong; I just wasn’t tolerating food, so back to liquids I went. I am now two months post-op, 48 pounds gone forever, and feeling great about my decision. I still am having issues with holding food down, but as I know, it is getting better every day.
Personal thoughts
I feel absolutely blessed to have met Dr. Selwyn, Pat, and Michelle. They have been more than just a surgical staff for me. Without them, the journey to finding myself would not be possible. They have the utmost concern for our success at heart. They are people I put my faith and trust in to give me the tools necessary to complete my journey. It is very important that you feel that faith and trust in your staff, it makes the journey a lot easier. I feel very comfortable sharing with them as I know they will always be forthright with me. They will not tell you something just because they thinks it’s what you want to hear. They speak from experience and with the conviction of the knowledge they have. I know this sounds like a plug for them, but truly it is not. I love them all and can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me. My family and I are truly blessed to have them as part of our lives. They gave my kids there mom back, and my husband his wife back, and for that I am eternally grateful.
The journey to finding myself
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