6 days Post-Op

[appetite4life 2]

Good morning,

This is my story of my life pre-op and post-op. In January of 2013 I weighed in at 397 pounds at 6feet 2inches and I was 26 years old. I had gained more than 160pounds in a 6 year period. I had finished school and got a job that was much less active and had easy access to fast food. Fast food became my best friend. It was quick, easy and cheap. It gave me that feeling of momentary happiness, allowing me to feel happy after eating too much.

Skipping ahead to February 2014. I discovered through my family doctor that there is a program offered through my healthcare that offers WLS. Living in Alberta, Canada this surgery is elective and I was covered however there were 2 things that dissuaded me the most. 1, there was a waiting list for 11-13 months and 2 I had to attend classes and meet with dieticians, psychologists, case managers and working groups prior to being approved for surgery. For me I wasn't sure I was prepared to share my story so easily and openly.

After attending my classes and learning about the changes in your mentality and way of life pre and post op I was still sure I wanted to go through with it. The time came in March 2014 to sign my surgery papers and meet with my surgeon. I decided to go with the by pass(roux-en-y) as I felt I had done enough research to feel this was the best option.

After March 2014 was over and I had signed my papers is when I started to drop the ball and get back into bad habits with eating. In December of 2014 I had got the call for my surgery date and was scheduled for March 17 2015. I stepped on the scale and I had gained weight I was weighing in at 445 pounds. The clinic where I was attending classes was extremely concerned and told me I would need to prove I could truly lose weight before my surgery or they would pull me out of the surgery queue. So I started to watch my weight and exercise. They put me on a 4 week pre-op liquid diet which consisted of 6 high Protein ensures and 1 cup of 1% milk and 1 cup of clear broth and as many calorie free drinks as I wanted. I had lost 20 pounds in that 4 weeks with sticking to that diet. I even went on a trip to Mexico while on that diet(wasn't as enjoyable as I had wanted it to be with all that ensure in tow).

Anyways it was the final countdown to my surgery and I had a week left before surgery. I got a call 6 days before surgery and the surgeons office said they have to reschedule the dates due to personal issues and the next available date was April 28, 2015. So of course with a disheartened attitude I took the date.

Skipping ahead to April 27th it was the day before my surgery and I had to do my final weigh in prior to surgery. I weighed in at 413 pounds.

Went in for my surgery and it went great. It was my first surgery ever so I was nervous. I am 6 days post op and feeling the gas pains. But overall feeling great. They sent me home with pain killers in which I have hardly used and I am on a liquid diet until May 13th in which I can start adding solids into my diet. I am so happy my journey thus far has had its ups and downs. I feel as though my life is ready to wake up and I will be able to live my life.

Thanks for letting me share,

I will keep everyone updated. I also thought I would make some YouTube videos of my journey post op. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks again!

[James Marusek 5,244]

Congratulation! It seems like a long time coming. Let us know if you run into any problems. There are many people on this board that can help you through this transition.

[NewLife4Me7 110]

Best wishes on your weight loss journey! I think the YouTube videos sounds great!

[kempermorris 144]

I'm 5 months post op. I weighed 396. I've lost 102 lbs. Still have a 100 to go. I feel & look better. You will look back on this &-say it's the best thing you ever did. Good Luck

[Hjoel 36]

YouTube videos please! It's great being able to follow people's progress, super motivating!