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So, now I have things to update!

Preop was long, but relatively uneventful. I was told that I could keep my nose rings, so I was psyched. :) Minimal risk of burning, but everything has risks :). I had my final weigh in, and found out I had lost another 7 pounds!! I was 313 and ready for surgery!

Monday I arrived at the hospital for surgery...scheduled at 7:30 AM. I arrived at 6:15, and got hooked up to IVs and more. I was nervous, but excited too. I don't remember anything after being in the waiting area and telling my doctor that things were getting a little blurry.

Surgery should have been 2-3 hours, but apparently mine was 5 hours. My liver was really big and fatty. Yippee. I had done so well in my presurgery diet, I was disappointed to hear this, but I had heard another doctor tell me this years ago. Dr. Yood said it was fine, and it was probably smaller than it would have been if I hadn't pre-dieted.

I woke up 7 hours later in recovery. I barely remember anything. I felt a lot rougher than I thought I would in the day following the surgery. I barely recall Monday evening, but it took me a while to get into a room. I have really bad chemical allergies and I needed a private room.

On Tuesday, I was hooked up to a drain, two IV's, oxygen and a catheter. The pain meds made me super nauseated. I was not very pretty. By Wednesday I was off the catheter, and I was on a new pain med that made a world of difference. That night I got the drain removed, and then the IVs. Phew!!

Thursday morning found me in better shape. I walked a lot. I sipped a LOT. And I came home.

It was nice to sleep in my own bed. I am on a strict schedule now...drinking and eating. Still on percocet. Still on liquids and really soft things. Cottage cheese was a no. Peanut Butter yes.

More to come soon...

A lot to update

So, I have been noticeably absent lately... I think that I have been anticipating and waiting and it was almost just too much to write about it.

Well, I went to Newton Wellesley and I have loved it there. Aside from an annoying and ridiculous therapy session, everyone has been great. I really like my doctor. He had me meet with him in September for my first major appointment. I was told to come back a month later and see if I could make some dietary changes.

From that moment on I cut out carbonation, sweet teas and more. I wasn't perfect, but I lost 10 pounds. I went back last week...and I have a surgery date!!!

This Thursday I have my blended diet meeting. Next Tuesday, preop. In 13 days...SURGERY.

I am so excited...nervous, and excited. I can't believe that my life as I know it will be ending, and I am so excited for what is to come.

Surgery Debates...

I ahve just joined the support group on obesityhelp.com and I am glad that I did. There seem to be a lot of great, supportive people on this site.

I am debating between the RNY and the VSG. Both of merits. I need to talk to be Gastroenterologist and see what she thinks. Hmm! I guess I'll find out soon when I speak with the surgeon!

I started my vitamins and calcium today!

Moving quickly!

Wow...so I have my first consultation already!

I am going to go through Newton Wellesley Hospital. I have heard excellent things about them, and I really liked our experiences when Catherine had Hank there.

I called and left a message on Thursday, and the secretary called me back today. I have to go to the informational session there, and I can do that on the 27th. I have my first appointment on September 3rd!!

At this appointment I will meet the surgeon, the nutritionist and the psychologist. I am so excited to get these all done at the same time.

I have to start a multivitamin and a calcium supplement now.

Surgery can be as soon as 2-3 months after my 9/3 appointment.

WOW!!

An introduction...

Hello! My name is Danielle. I am just beginning to consider WLS and so I started this blog to document my journey.

I weigh about 330 pounds right now. I have vacillated from 300 to 330 for over 12 years. I am relatively healthy, with managed asthma, mildly medicated high blood pressure, and good cholesterol. I have an auto immune disease and a bunch of fascinating allergies, but I live well and I love being who I am.

I heard about WLS ages ago and discounted it. Last year my PCP mentioned it to me, and my wife and I considered it for a few days. She was very much against it, and I was too. It seemed too much, too big.

I have really conflicted feelings about being fat. Mostly, I love it. I love myself, and I am fat, so I can't hate it. I like being big. I like proving to people that I can defy their expectations of me. I don't like being fat when it means I can't crawl with my one and a half year old son.

Recently, my back and hip started really hurting. I couldn't even walk. I went to a doctor who explained it was due to my bi-sized hips, and that weight would only hurt it more. The pain was unbearable, and I decided to look at WLS again. I vowed to keep an open mind.

I met with my PCP. She said she supported me, and it would help me. She said, bottom line, it will make me live longer. I was stunned to be talking life spans at 32, but I knew she was right.

I went to an informational session at a hospital, and I listened to gastric bypass vs. lap band. I went home, did more research and called around. A 6 month wait for an intro appointment with a surgeon greeted me everywhere I called. Ugh. I looked at a smaller, local hospital, with excellent reputations in many departments. The reviews were glowing, and the wait was far less. On Tuesday I will learn when I can see someone...maybe as soon as 1 month.

I think this is what I want to do. I need to talk more, and get more information. I need to keep control of my diet now so I don't panic eat, or eat thinking I can lose it later.

This is my blog where I will share the experiences I have. I am just looking down the road, but you are welcome to come with me...