5 days post op

[dwheeler44 4]

Hi all, Well, I am here 5 days post op. Surgery was April 30th at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown CT. I guess my surgery was pretty much textbook according to my doctor. Had the robotic assisted surgery gastric bypass. I don't consider myself obese by any means. I was 6'2" and at my heaviest I reached 298. That was at 44 years old when I had my heart attack. Love my Dad but that's one thing I didn't want from him. I have thought about this surgery for about 2-3 years now but never pulled the trigger. Last summer, after 7 knee surgeries and being scheduled to have major back fusion surgery due to a motor vehicle accident, I was sent to a second opinion with a neurosurgeon at Hartford Hospital in Hartford CT. THis appointment let me know what my later years may be like due to a severely degenerative back. I decided at that time I would get back into exploring gastric bypass. My cardiologist and gastro doctor had both said this surgery was made for people like me. Again, I never thought of myself as obese but did knew I was overweight.

A little about me. I have always been active. Been a volunteer firefighter since the age of 14. Worked my way up thru the ranks to Deputy Chief. My back got so bad I had to leave 3 years ago. Coached my boys in baseball thru little league, Babe Ruth and travel baseball. Involved with my sons high school and youth football teams. Now I coach my grandson in youth football. I am also a 7 year high school baseball umpire doing 75-100 games per year. Plus work a full time job. I don't sit around but I like to eat. Never a buffet I didn't like.LOL

I attended Dr. Jonathon Aranows conference back in September of 2013 at Middlesex Hospital. My wife came as my support. My wife who is also 100lbs overweight, type II diabetic and in need of knee replacement came out of that meeting wanting to do it also. We went thru the process of doctors, nutritionists and psychologists appointments together. Debby had the gastric sleeve surgery on Feb. 28th. Due to my back, it was suggested that I have my back surgery first and wait 12 weeks before the bypass. Debby has lost 41 lbs and looks amazing. So back to me.

I received insurance approval with a BMI of 37 along with my past medical history. I had my surgery Wednesday April 30th. I'm not to sure how to feel yet. Yesterday I asked to have someone take me out back and put me down. I attribute this to seeing in my literature that Tomato Soup is a food you can eat. So I mixed it up with some soy (yuk) milk and tried it. Got about 1/4 teaspoon down and wanted to die for the next 8 hours. Just couldn't drink anything and was plain old miserable. Finally I decided to have a yoplait 100 cal vanilla yogurt because since I already wanted to die it couldn't get much worse. That was a life saver. Today somewhat nauseous but ate a couple yogurts with half scoop of powders? utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein Powder mixed in. Took about half to 3/4 of an hour to eat but all in all I'm doing ok. I don't move anywhere without something to drink in my hand or within arms reach. Hard to get 60-70 grams of Protein in yet and 48 oz. of fluids is tough but I'm close. I know I am not supposed to but I got on the scale. Down 10 lbs. I have 5 children, 3 of the most loving grandchildren you could ask for. At 48 years old, I wanna watch them marry and have their own kids. That's why I did this. Maybe slow the back degeneration down some to. Me and the wife got big together. Our 2nd half of our life together is going to be healthier. To much to live for. I don't want to have another heart attack or any more surgeries. I have put far to many doctors children thru medical school as it is. I know this is a lifestyle change but with my life partner doing it with me together we will do it right. Would love to say to everyone who reads this that I feel great especially those who have yet to have it done, because I don't. This was done for the long haul. A better day tomorrow. A different road we will travel together and maybe not so many co-pays anymore. I hope this helps someone.

[Tgarden 76]

Welcome, and congratulations on taking a huge step towards a healthier you! I enjoyed reading your story and your past struggles. You will find a lot of support here. My first 10 days post opp were not a wall in the park, but I promise things do get better. Hang in there and don't loss sight of the reasons you choose this surgery. Baby steps each day. Blessings to you!

[jodie1961 77]

Thanks for sharing, and best wishes to you and your wife on this journey.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

Sounds like you have a very realistic view of the surgery and how hard the work is going to be. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to you and your wife.