cathyp83

I decided to get surgery after years of struggling with my weight. I have 2 young boys and have yo-yo'd all my life. I never seemed to be able to lose a significant amount of weight and each time Id lose a little then gain a lot! I have a serious food addiction. It consumed my life! My husband and I separated a year ago and my eating obsession spiraled out of control. I no longer had an adult in the home to feel embarrassed about my over eating so it wasn't uncommon for me to eat a ridiculous amount of junk food while in bed watching TV. In January I decided to look into surgery so I went on the Lap Band website. I searched for a surgeon and was advised to find a doctor with tons of experience. I figured since my insurance covered this surgery I would settle for nothing but the best. I found Dr. Von Rueden who was voted the #1 bariatric surgeon by his peers for the last several years. I attended his seminar and knew I found my match. I was so impressed that Dr. Von Rueden wanted what's best for you, not his pocket. His staff is amazing and they all spend time getting to know you personally. I met with their nutritionist for a few sessions, had my psych evaluation and before I knew it, I was scheduled for surgery April 9th. I was thrilled it happend so fast because I was so excited and motivated for this life change. I was surprised I never got nervous. Everything felt right about this. I took a nutrition class two days before surgery where I learned I was to have only clear liquids 2 days before surgery! That was tough finding out at the last minute. I went in for surgery at 5:45am and was well taken care of. I got my IV and a shot of heparin (blood thinner). The anesthesiologist also gave me a patch to prevent nausea which must have helped because I never got sick. I had a wonderful nurse. Next thing I know, I was being rolled out of the operating room to recovery. My abdomen was a little sore but nothing unbearable. I was given great pain killers and dying for a drink. Eventually I got an x ray and had to drink the most god-awful drink Ive ever had!!! WAY worse than barium! They said everything looked great and I was home around noon. the recovery was not bad at all! I only had a pinching feeling at my port site that hurt if I rolled over in bed or bent over that went away after a week or so. I had my surgery on Friday morning and spent the weekend at the zoo and the mall with my 2 and 4 year old boys. I was back to work Monday where I am a hair stylist and stand all day. My first day back I worked 12 hours non stop. it was a little much but I got through. It just goes to show how easy this surgery is! The liquid diet was a little hard but I followed it perfectly. I ate a lot of fish when I good to the pureed stage. I found chicken in the crock-pot is great too. I joined the gym about 2 weeks post op and it has become my new obsession! I now workout everyday and can do the elliptical for a hour straight, usually followed by a half hour on the treadmill and some arm exercises! I am a completely new person! I am active and happier than Ive ever been in my life. I went last week for my 6 week check up and mentioned I wasn't feeling restricted but was doing great (25 lbs lost) so my doc did a 2cc fill. I was more nervous about it than the surgery but he didn't give me time to think about it. It did not hurt at all. I was a little disappointed to learn I had to do the liquid diet for another week after the fill but it mad me lose another 5 lbs in 3 days so Im happy. I presently have lost 30 lbs. I'd like to lose 100 all together. I am so pleased with my decision to get surgery!