I'm finally home!

Sades · April 25, 2008

Welcome home Jen. I'm sure with the right therapy you should get the use of your arm again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

soontobethinner · April 25, 2008

Hi Jen,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fiona, and I was banded on the 7th March by the same surgeon you had. Before my surgery I was eagerly reading everything I could. When I came across your profile, I read everything you had written, so I could try to get to know a patient who had been through what I was about to do, with the same team.

I was absolutely devastated to learn about your stroke, and began to question my decision, but then I realised that your story is so inspirational, and I thought - hey, if Jen can do it after her awful ordeal, what is my excuse???

I'm so pleased you are home, and well on your way to recovery. I will pray for your continued improvement and long term wellbeing. Thanks for being so honest and inspirational!!

HUGS,

F

:rolleyes2:

mojo479 · April 26, 2008

HI Jen

Good to see you are finally home, and things are getting better for you. After hearing what had happened to you I did question myself as to weather I was doing the right thing. I was really worried about not making it thru the operation. However I got over that and went ahead anyway.

Banded on 31st March, I am going ok. have lost 6kg and now I am at a stand still, can't seem to budge anymore.

I do wish you all the best for your future recovery, I am sure with the will power you will get better and things will be back to normal soon. You may be a little slower in things that you do now, but remember you have to walk first befoer you can run. i am sure your arm will get better and you will speed typing very soon.

Once again glad to see you back on here.

I will always remember you, as you were banded on my birthday.

keep up the good work.

greeneyez · April 28, 2008

Hey there,

Thanks for your replies. I just wanted to clarify something - please do not think that my lapband caused all my problems. It is only through having a stroke that I discovered I have a rare bloodclotting disorder and an abnormal heart rhythm, both of which may have caused the stroke independently of my lapband surgery, or at least in conjunction with my surgery. The truth is, none of the specialists know what came first - the chicken or the egg.

I could have had a stroke any time, regardless of my band. Both my sister and father have had significantly sized clots in their legs - my dad's was from groin to ankle, like mine!

What I realised while in rehab and occasionally regretted surgery - without it, I am a walking time bomb and without my weight loss, rehab would have been a hell of a lot more difficult - it's hard enough without an extra 22kg.

I would probably do it all again, but would have been thoroughly investigated prior to surgery so that more robust prevention of DVT could be instigated and treatment of my disorder could have started - I would have gone in with a more informed opinion and eyes wide open.

Hope this inspires you - do what I can't and exercise. I always complained about walking but now I'd love to be able to run to the phone, bus or toilet and feel guilty for taking these things for granted.

Sades · April 28, 2008

Thanks for your post Jen. It is definitely a reminder that we can and should. My older brother had a stroke (cerebral haemorrhage) when he was 41 and ended up partially paralysed and has a problem with his speech. He ended up having 3 more over the years but was lucky each time. We help him with things, eg, tying his shoelaces and sometimes I get a little tired of it but you have reminded me how hard it must be for him. Thanks again.

greeneyez · May 21, 2008

Hi all,

Well, I've now lost 24kgs, but have stopped losing and I'm eating way too much food - there is now no restriction.

My continued rehab is going well, even though I am home. Physio is hard work, but I am getting better each week. My arm is still not that useful, but I'm trying a new electric shock treatment to increase the strength in my hand. I've come a long way, but I still have a long way to go.

Luscious · May 21, 2008

You are so courageous... such an inspiration - with everything you have been through you still manage to be ALMOST HALF WAY THERE with your weight loss.

josnjos · May 21, 2008

Jen,

You are a totally amazing person. You have proved to all of us that you can beat anything! You are a total inspiration. Please keep your chin up and take every challenge with a fresh breath of life and think "I CAN DO THIS"! You rock!

Joshie-Boo.