25 years is enough

[MaggieMusic 2]

A lot of my friends have asked what my surgery entailed. I actually posted this as a Facebook note... cuz I am not ashamed of what I've done and I am proud of each choice I've made.

FIRST ---- WHY I DID IT: I have been "big" since second grade. Every time I've had "successful" weight loss, they were not diets that I would be able to LIVE on for the rest of my life. I'd peak at about 30lbs, and then stall. This surgery wasn't done because I was too lazy to work at it. It wasn't done for cosmetic, shallow reasons. It was done with a great amount of research, thought, and consultation. I saw how my brother's early death hurt my family - he was far too young to go. I couldn't do that to my family. My health was starting to be affected by my weight - back issues, hernias, breathing problems, high risk of cancer and diabetes, sleep apnea. At the age of 25, I had the health and body of a 70 year old man. I'm not looking to be extremely skinny. I'm not looking to walk around in bikinis and tight little dresses. I just want to be healthy. I want to live to a ripe old age.

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MY PERSONAL JOURNEY: I began by going to a informative meeting held by Dr. Rajeev Vohra in late September. I learned about various forms of weight loss surgery, and what would have to change in my life. The next week, I went in and met with his entire team. They assessed my personal health and goals, and the doctor and I decided - together - that a vertical sleeve would be the best option for me. Next, came the array of tests. An overnight sleep test. Pulmonary testing, cardiac testing, an endoscopy, blood work, multiple physicals -- the list goes on and on. I needed to prepare a diet journal, go in for weigh-ins every month, and show my weight from 2007-2011. All of this was necessary for my insurance to approve my surgery. Once I was approved, I was able to choose a date. I knew I had to be around for commencement at school - so May 24th it was. I also had to attend at least one support group meeting. So, the first Tuesday of April, I went to South Nassau and sat in on a meeting. So many people were willing to share their personal stories with me, and answer any question that my mother and I had. As I left the meeting, I knew that I was making the right choice.<br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; ">

• Presurgically - I had to go on a diet and lose at least 10 pounds, and shrink the size of my liver so that the laproscopic surgery could be done safely and easily. Five weeks before, I went on "Optifast Light." This included a Protein Drink at Breakfast and lunch, a Protein Bar as a snack, and one meal of 4-6oz of lean meat and 3 servings of veggies. Two weeks before - I was on pure Protein drinks, five times a day, and as much Water as I could handle. <br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; ">
• Week of Surgery - On the Wednesday before surgery, I went to South Nassau for final surgical testing. Basic blood work, vitals, rules and regulations, chest xrays, and received a breathing machine. The next day, final clearance from my doctor. The time had come... BUT it was too good to be true.
• We had a family emergency - my mom was really sick. And she only trusts North Shore hospital, so she was admitted to the hospital on the Sunday before my surgery. She had 7lbs of Fluid in her lung, and lesions on her chest wall. She and I were scheduled to have surgery on the same day. My brother was going to be with her, and my dad would be with me.
• Day of Surgery - Dad and I arrived at the hospital a little before 6am on Tuesday. I put on the robe, and had my vitals checked. Next, they inserted my IV. I can handle tattoos - but put a needle in me and I freak out. Various doctors came in and out to tell me what would happen. Then - they wheeled me into the ER. The connected a bunch of electrodes to me and suddenly - I was out.
• The doctors made four small incisions in my abdomen, and one large incision above my naval. They used small tools to go in and remove part of my stomach. One incision would later become "home" to my pain ball, and the other became the place for my drain.
• When I came to - I was in immense pain and nauseated as all hell. They started pumping me full of drugs, and let my dad come in to see me for a few minutes before they rolled me into a (PRIVATE) room. I was asleep again pretty quickly - and I was in and out of consciousness for the rest of the day. Tons of pain meds - vitals every two hours... and they even forced me get up to walk around once I was fully awake. HOW RUDE.
• I won't go into full details - there were some pretty bad reactions to the anesthesia - but when Thursday came - and the brought me broth and Jello - and told me I was going home that night- I was pretty stoked. The nurses and staff were AMAZING and attentive - they treated me with respect and kindness and were great comforts. When I explained to them about my mom, they would always ask me how I was, and then how she was. They sent no less than four people from local churches to bring me communion, healing oils, and prayers.

HOME LIFE - Each day is different. Some days I feel like a million bucks, and some days I'm exhausted and nausiated. I'm trying to get in as many fluids as possible, and do some walking (to the corner and back at this point). Once the drain comes on Wednesday, I'll be a little more relaxed. I won't be able to drive for a while. I get tired pretty easily. And I'm getting cabin fever. Mom and I are healing together now - and we will hopefully allow visitors pretty soon. I think that will cheer me up.

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In the end - would I change anything? No, I really don't think I would. I know this is going to be a LONG journey, and there will be plenty of ups and downs, but in the end - I'm saving my own life. And that's the most important thing.

[Candace2314 117]

Congrats!!! It's good to hear that you and your mom are healing together

[kellyw74 258]

Good for you!

Good luck on your journey!

Kelly

[swizzly 901]

Great story, thanks for sharing it here. Best to you.