GSV 9/14/17

[Eufreeze 1]

So, I decided to get the surgery done back in July after seeing the before and after results of an employee at my wife’s job. He and fiancé had gotten the VSG done about a year earlier, and given my numerous failed attempts to lose weight and keep it off, I decided that this could be my solution. I went to my primary care dr for a consult and a physical. Per usual, all of my labs came back normal with the exception of my glucose screening. This was something new. My labs were always good or “normal” over the years despite my weight. According to my glucose screening, I was considered “pre-diabetic”. My blood glucose level had never been above 70, and after a 12 hr fast, I tested at 102. When discussing the lab results with my pcp, I mentioned to him that I was considering having weight loss surgery, specifically the GSV. His response was, and I quote, “good Idea, that’s very smart thinking.”

I never needed his approval, as I had decided to get the surgery regardless of the lab results, as I felt I had no choice. I felt my life was in danger as I had surpassed 400lbs almost 18 months prior and had been unable to get and stay below 400 since. My work/travel schedule isn’t conducive to adhering to a healthy diet and a consistent workout regimen. So, the surgery seemed to be the best option for me to get true and long term results. My health, I believe, was deteriorating. I was having chest pains, swollen ankles, felt sluggish after sleep and overall just felt like crap. I remember several nights while sitting in my hotel room, I would begin toi imagine what it would be like for my loved ones if I had suffered a heart attack and died. The pain I felt imagining the agony and hurt my loved ones would undoubtedly feel if they had to take that phone call, tore at me and often had me crying myself to sleep. I had to do something. That in itself was enough for me to make the decision to have the surgery. I want to live and be here for my family who needs me.

My surgery was originally scheduled for 8/25, but I had to reschedule due to last minute work plans. After some juggling and planning, it was scheduled for 9/7, but had to be pushed back to 9/14 as my sleep study had indicated that I had moderate sleep apnea, which if not addressed, could cause complications with the surgery and anesthesia. I had to have some time on a cpap to help prevent any complications from the anesthesia. After all that, the surgery happened on 9/14 and went off without a hitch. i stayed in the hospital over night and after being able to walk around my unit ten times per hour the next day, I was discharged.

After three weeks of pre-op Protein Shakes and veggies ONLY, I had lost 16 lbs prior to surgery. I was 406 at my initial dr visit/pre-screening, and had gotten down to 390 day of surgery. I won’t bore anyone with the usual and likely common struggles with the full-liquid and puréed diet stages post-op, as I’m sure we all had some challenge in that regard. Today, 11/18/17 I weigh 344lbs. My diet consists of mostly Protein foods, per the post-op guidelines. So far, so good. Of course there’s been some challenges with eating enough of the recommended protein amounts (70-80 grams per day) and liquid intake, and don’t forget that dreaded acid reflux/GERD bullshit. Thankfully, Prilosec does the trick for me. However, the results thus far speak for themselves. I am sub 350lbs for the first time in probably 10-15 years and I haven’t ramped up the work-out routine yet. I should be going to the unrestricted stage soon and I’m very confident in my continued success as I haven’t had any cravings for the bad foods or eating habits that got me up to 415lbs at one point. I have my 2nd chance and I will not blow it.

Edited November 19, 2017 by Eufreeze

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

Sounds like you off to a wonderful start. Welcome and keep posting.