Is any one ever really ready for what the road ahead brings? We can think and tell ourselves we are, but are we?
Many questions have gone through my mind on this journey and I would venture that a lot of those same questions and thoughts have been shared at one point or another.
For me personally, I have been contemplating this surgery since it was suggested by my doctor. Sure, she has always said you are overweight and there are risks and you need to diet etc....
I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Then I have had high cholesterol, then diagnosed recently with diabetes, next would probably have been a heart attack. I know this is about as perfect timing as it gets to get this done!
I would foolish to not be scared for the surgery, and I would be more foolish for not making the most of this tool and becoming a healthy individual for the first time in my life.
I am excited about the possibilities of setting up camp site with my family and not sweating so much that I have to take a cold shower, I am excited about cuddeling with my wife again with out the need of a c-pap in the way, I am excited about riding my bike again and making it up the entire hill. I am excited again to what the future brings!
So to answer my first question, I am as ready as I can be- I have lost 20 pds on liquid diet and I have the Love and support of my family and friends. I look forward to this journey and sharing it with everyone.
I started my solids this week with one egg on Wednesday, Thursday I had egg for breakfast and tuna for lunch, and today I have had a scrambled egg with cheese and shaved chicken for lunch. I hope to have salmon for dinner! I am telling you the amounts I was able to eat prior to the surgery would be gut wrenching and now I am only to put one egg down and feel very satisfied, 2 oz of shaved chicken ..... to me that is unbelievable.
I must warn those whom are thinking of having the surgery that please to keep your mind right and there is always going to be a battle of mind hunger and actual hunger. I do see and pass Mcdonalds and think I would love a double cheeseburger, but that is a battle I choose to win everytime and get past the moment.
My wife asked me last night how I feel and I said I feel great! I went home and grilled steak for her and the kids and have made many meals since the surgery. I told her just because I can not eat this does not mean I have lost my passion for cooking. I truly enjoy it and then get satisfaction of seeing their faces as they eat it. It is not that I will not be able to have a steak again, it is just for right now and it is about making right choices and exercise.
People have asked me why didn't you make the right choices before the surgery and save yourself the money (I paid for the enitre surgery out of pocket)? I say that because I have a obcessive compulsive behavior that I know I could go eat 2 double cheeseburgers, 2 mcckickens and large fries and apple pie and drink a diet coke, and two hours later do the same thing. The point is because I could. I have been a roller coaster my whole life and finally decided that the sleeve surgery is the tool to help me become healthy again.
I want to be around to walk my daughters down the isle. I want to set up a camp site without sweating so much I have to take a cold shower. I want to ride a bike up a hill and not have to quit. I was on my way to a heart attack.... I have sleep apnea for over 3 years and just diagnosed this year with Type 2 diabetes. I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure that were not being treated and I was following in my dads foot steps. It is unbelevaible, but I know genetics has a lot to do with obesity and sometimes it is choices and behavior, however I can not stress enough, that if I did not take this path and get my mind right I would probably would have continued down the destructive path of obesity for many years to come and eventually death. Instead I am 41 years old and still have time to enjoy the fun activities in life. Instead of finding the best burger joint I will be able to tell you where the best walking paths are!
These are some of the factors that went into that decision for the surgery and some will understand and others whom have never been obese will not! So make sure your mind is right and find the tool that will best help you down the road to recovery of a better healthier YOU!..... I DID!
I hope this helps all who read and thanks for doing so!
Dennis P. Clark Jr. (MU DOG)
So I figured I'd post a (hopefully) short note on what my life is like about 5 months after my lap sleeve, for any prospective sleevers.
First, the bad news -- this is forever, and it's not a decision to be made lightly. This WILL affect the food choices you make for the rest of your life. It's probably the safest WLS surgery around (when you total up operative and perioperative risks, long-term success rates, M&M stats, and so on), but that doesn't mean it's risk- or hassle-free.
Now, let me soften the blow: it's really, really easy. Every day, I take some multivitamins -- and I was taking vitamins before the surgery, so this is no biggy. Every day, I drink a protein shake for breakfast -- not because I have to, but because they're tasty and it's quick (I'm usually in a rush in the mornings) and that way I know I'm not getting protein deficient. I have changed my eating habits dramatically -- I've slowed down my eating and drinking, and I don't eat breads any more for the most part, because I find that bread gets "stuck." It seemed like an imposition at first, but now I don't notice because I've sort of been trained. I don't even WANT bready stuff any more, and that's a HUGE change from my pre-op mentality (I was a HUGE fan of doughy, bready stuff).
I exercise, but I haven't been to a gym since my surgery, and I'm not sure I'm going to be. What I've discovered is that my activity level (or lack thereof) has NOTHING to do with my weight loss. Now, don't get me wrong -- I still do a fair amount of exercise, but that's because 1) it helps in so many OTHER ways -- I sleep better, I think better, my sex drive is better, and my occasional spells of anxiety or mild blues are pretty much gone when I'm exercising, and 2) now that I'm 70+ pounds lighter, exercise seems so EASY. I can easily run up three flights of stairs without getting winded! At 330 lbs, that would have (possibly literally) killed me! So, when exercise makes me feel so good and doesn't HURT like it used to -- why WOULDN'T I exercise? But again, my exercise "routine" consists of some push ups in the morning to keep my chest and shoulders from getting flabby, some arm curls while I'm sitting reading the news in the morning to keep my arms strong, and a 30-45 minute fitness walk at lunch every day. Honestly, it doesn't feel like I'm having to "work out" at all -- it's all so EASY -- and yet my stamina keeps going up, my arms and chest are getting very muscular. It almost feels like I'm "cheating" since there's so little work involved, but I wanted to show you that this is not like you're used to! You don't have to sweat for hours and hours in a stinky gym just to "maintain" -- post sleeve, you just have to do enough to be healthy, and honestly your body WILL reward you.
I still eat sweets -- just not very much. I still drink an occasional bottle of beer or (more likely) a mixed drink or two -- just not very much (volume or frequency). I still have days or whole weekends where I just lie around on the couch and do NOTHING at all -- no fitness walk, nothing -- and mostly munch on snack-y foods. It's not like I'm some slave to my sleeve.
And the net result of my hard, hard life? I've lost over 70 pounds with little to no effort. My weight loss shows no signs of slowing. My doctor is amazed how healthy I am at 40 -- my last blood test showed that ALL of my numbers were "within range." My sex drive -- which vanished in my 20's-30's when I was so fat -- has returned with a vengeance. My face looks much more lean and angular. My bones and muscles now show where fat used to bulge and roll out. I can easily walk over 5 miles without getting winded or sore, and could probably walk 10 miles or more -- in the right clothes and shoes, I think I could walk for days. I don't get tired. I'm already out of the "morbidly obese" category; I'm looking to be out of the "obese" category near the beginning of next year, and by the middle to end of next year -- if my weight loss progress holds steady at about 1-2 pounds per week on average -- I should be near or under 200 pounds. I started this at 330, and I haven't been under 250 in my adult life.
And all of this without any real deprivation, any really hard work (aside from meticulously following the doctor's orders), and any real cost aside from the up-front cost for the surgery.
So, I don't want to make you think this surgery is completely cost and risk free. Like everything in life -- especially everything worth having -- it has trade-offs and consequences. But as someone who has literally struggled with his weight his entire life -- 30 years, probably, and I'm only 40! -- I can tell you that this is the best medical decision I've ever made. I would do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, my only real regret is that I didn't get a chance to do this when I was, say, 20, instead of 40. But still, I'm so very glad I made this choice.
Hopefully that will help some folks who are on the fence realize just how "normal" life after sleeve is.
Source: Life After the Sleeve
This is what I am looking forward to
Dennis
Since having this surgery October 13th I have lost 63 pds and feel great. People that did not know can not help but ask how I have lost the weight. I have no trouble explaining to them the struggles I have gone through my whole life. Those of you that have had the surgery and those thinking about it all have let FOOD control us and our lifestyle.
It is crazy to look back and see how our everyday lives were centered around food; what we ate, when we ate, when are we eating next, and how hungry we are. The only way to become satisfied was to eat and eat and eat some more. Post op the same questions are asked but different amount of food is needed to become satisfied and full. Sometimes it is even a struggle to remember to eat, because I do not find myself thinking about food like I did pre-op.
At this stage of post op, I am excited about adding in different proteins and vegtables and fruits to my diet. I know how full I get on the little amount of protein, but I am still looking forward to trying new things.
I have recently started adding in Bananas and Peanut Butter to my Whey Protein Shake. This is so satisfying with that ice and Skim Milk. It is more satisfying then eggs that I alternate.
I have started to eat few different soups also - mostly chili for protein and still enjoy beef and chicken bouilon. I love shrimp and immitation crab meat, and all of the frozen fish.
I have only had a two problems with " throwing up" and that was due to drinking too soon after finish eating and or not chewing food good enough. My Dr. says it is okay to drink fluids (Water) until you eat, but to wait 30 minutes after before drinking again. I must remember to chew well and slow. Really not too big of deal as you are retraining yourself on how to eat.
One of the struggles is just to remember to take the vitamins. I am taking the fusion berry vitamins and my taste for them has become better. At first I felt like gagging, but realized I will need these for the rest of my life and it is a good thing, and they do start tasting better.
I guess before I get to far off of track I want to explain the header of this "Are you ready for this lifestyle".
I struggled enough with weight issues and being a "yo yo" my whole life. I came to the realization that this surgery is not a "cure all" but a TOOL to help me succeed. I know myself well enough that being compulsive, as most of obese people seem to be, that I would eat and still eat and eat some more. It did not matter if I was hungry or not, If I was bored, watching TV, or drove by a McDonalds, or just felt like it I was going to eat.
I came to the realization that I have lost the weight before but it was too much of a struggle to try again, when I already new the end result; I would gain it all back and plus 10. I could not do the exercise as I was too out of shape and not motivated. I was diabetic, high blood pressure, high choles, fatty lipids disease, sleep apnic, and one step away from a heart attack! Something had to be done and my Dr. suggested lap band or some form of the WLS. I checked into it researched it and went to seminars etc... To me it was all about timing and a GOD thing. Don't get me wrong I had second thoughts, sought out counseling, talked with many people and had many opinions, but ultimately this was decision I prayed about and felt it needed to be done, so I would have a future. It was the Sleeve I felt was going to work best for me.
Right now I have lost 63pds. I started @ 330 on October 13th and weighed earlier this week 267. I was in size 48 pts and now in 40 and 42's. I have started exercising and doing P90X and amazed I can make it through an entire work out. So the lifestyle change has advantages and I was ready for the physical change, but pre-op I was also ready mentally.
This surgery is a tool that has helped me and could also be the answer for you. One must research, ask the questions, follow the guidelines of the diet, be ready mentally, and do it for the right reasons. I am writing this to share so others can have a better understanding and know that if obese you are not alone. There are many choices for you, but you have to find what will work best for you.
To let you know, although I am still in the early stages post op I am excited about the future and the benefits from this surgery, # 1 reason is being HEALTHY! Now I can spend the next 40 plus years of my life, GOD WILLING, doing things I was not able to do the previous 42 years because of being obese! Each day is NEW and I LOVE IT, and MY WIFE and DAUGHTERS do too!
Thanks for reading!
Dennis P. Clark Jr.
Wow! I try not to get too excited each time I check my weight. As those who have struggled with weight loss we ask ourselves, when is the other shoe going to drop and the weight stops coming off? Well I am sure at some point I will stall and have doubts, but it is my peers and support group and this site that will help me move on.
Just a little back ground I started my liquid diet weight 328 pds on October 13th. I tipped the scales the day of surgery at 307. Today, and to my amazement, I weighed in 283 November 15th. I started in size 46-48 paints and depending on the fit I can now fit comfortable in 40-42 pants. Heck it was exciting to have to buy a new belt last week. I even got to do a morning happy dance for my wife and kids when I was able to button my size 40 jeans for the first time in years.
I keep telling everyone that this surgery was, and is, a tool to help me succeed. It is not the cure all and will never be, but a chance to help me become healthy!
What am I doing to succeed? I am following the plan, staying positive and have the right mindset. I am on the first phase still of the post op diet for Dr. Hoen. It is basically, Eggs, Baby Bell Cheese, Tuna, Protein Drinks, String Cheese, Soft Shelled Fish, Refried Beans and lots of Liquid. I have also been able to use skim milk instead of water for my protein drink.... which is a blessing. I have also been able to drink tea which I was happy about, and I still am getting a lot of water in.
Last week and Today I had clients come in, which meant entertaining lunch and dinners. At first I was scared, but decided to share with them my experience and decision of the surgery. That way I was not uncomfortable when only eating a few bites of food and them thinking what is wrong with this guy.
I had choices at the restaurants, before the surgery and always chose wrong. I had to always go for the gusto and get the biggest steak or the most food for the bucks. Now it is totally awesome to order fish at this point and baked, grilled, smoked etc... and enjoy the taste and be satisfied after a few bites is a totally new and awesome feeling. It also does not hurt knowing I will be having good left overs for lunch and most likely dinner the next day.
Today I am blogging to help those who are struggeling and doubting. I know there are doubts about this decision people have gone through, or are going to have; however focus on the positive and know that in the end our goals should all be the same and that we have done this to be healthy! I am already rid of diabetes and am looking forward to my blood work follow up next month to see how my high chol, blood pressure, and all is doing. I am feeling more energy every day. I am walking 30 minutes daily and looking foward to expanding my workouts even more.
Be on the lookout of before and after pics in the upcoming weeks.
I appreciate you reading and following along on my blog!
Dennis P. Clark Jr. ( MU DOG)
My surgery was last Wednesday and Dr Tim Hoen performed it www.kcbariatic.com I am telling you it could have not been easier. I was up walking a few hours after surgery and really could have come back to work Friday, but took the weekend and transition was even better. I am both mentally and physically better.
The worst part for me was gas pain and not being able to get any fluids down. As a matter of fact I really had to force myself to try and get 12-20 ounces of fluid down the next few days. However I took liquid gas reliever Malox and did walk 15 minutes 2 x a day. The walking help relieved the gas pains and each day was better.
I am back to work today, Of course I am in sales and on the phone quite a bit so nothing to difficult or strenuous.
Just an update on my weight. I started the liquid diet at 328 and pre surgery I was 310 and since surgery I am now under 300 for the first time in over 2 years. The really cool thing is that I will never be over 300 again and each time I step on the scale it is something to look forward to instead of regretting.
Thanks for reading
MU DOG (Dennis Clark)
