Thee-O

A little over a year ago I started on a journey. I had decided to get the lap-band surgery. My surgery date is fast approaching. On May 9th, 2011 I will be having the procedure done.
I am excited and nervous. I guess that having those mixed emotions are somewhat to be expected though. This surgery is really changing a lot of things in my life.  In 2005, I was diagnosed with Diabetes. It runs in my family. I remember going to “Living with Diabetes” classes when I was first diagnosed. I was the youngest person there. Quite disheartening.
I have always been a “Big Guy”. I have been healthier though. In 1997 I had given up red meat, worked out regularly and lost 75 pounds. Since then, the weight has fluctuated. I had never felt “unhealthy”. I had never really felt that my weight stopped me from doing anything I wanted to do. I was kidding myself. After my diabetes diagnosis, it was quite clear that my weight was affecting my health.
I was put on different drugs to help control my blood sugars.  There was a lot of trial and error. I finally found the right drugs to help. I had to take 5 pills a day and inject myself 2 times a day. Fun stuff. I am in my 30’s. I shouldn’t be taking as many drugs as my grandfather was plus some. I had to do something about this. I had to make a change.
Now, I will admit, I am a foodie. I love food. It is one of my pleasures in life. It also was a crutch for me for a long time. If I was depressed or down, I would turn to food to make me happy. It was my drug of choice. Diabetes changed all that. I couldn’t consume sugar the way I did anymore. I tried to give it up as much as I could but sugar is in almost EVERYTHING you eat. After eating healthier, I did see my blood sugar come down. Still not enough to make my doctor’s very happy.
So this is where the lap band comes in. In February of last year I started on this journey and finally the day is here. I had to get several tests, bring my blood pressure down, get signed off by a psychiatrist and a nutritionist. It took over a year, but I have my date set. In preparation, I started going to the gym regularly in January. I have lost 35lbs already. I am ready to lose anymore. Yes I am changing a lot in my life but I am also adding years to it and that is everything. With this surgery and the weight loss I can expect to stop taking my pills. I can finally get my blood sugars in check and for some the diabetes actually disappears. That is what I am hoping for. This surgery is not for vanity at all. In fact, I don’t mind being a “Big Guy”. But the truth of it is, I need to be a “Healthy Guy” regardless of my size. And I will admit, I can’t wait to go shopping for new clothes!