MrsSugarbabe

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]My bariatric surgery journey begins…….[/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]In June 2013 my PCP suggested I consider having bariatric surgery to help alleviate some of my health issues, i.e. fatty liver, high blood pressure, diabetes, edema to name a few. Because he knew my habits and the way I exercised and how my husband and I practiced portion control (my husband is diabetic), he felt like I would be a successful candidate for the surgery. Surgery seemed like such a drastic thing to do to lose weight. I’d lost large amounts of weight in years past (40, 50, 60 lbs.) at different times in my life, so why couldn’t I do it on my own again? Considering my age and the amount of weight I’d need to lose to make a difference, esp. with the fatty liver issue, he felt that surgery was the best way to go, even though a few years ago I’d lost 50 lbs. and have kept most of it off. He suggested I at least attend an information session at a local hospital. I told him I would go to the information session and think about having the surgery.[/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]When I got home that day I told my husband about my doctor’s recommendation. We decided to go to the next info session together and at least learn what we could about the different types of weight loss surgeries. We also talked about how me having the surgery would change both our lives and our routines, and any fears we had related to these changes. My husband had been extremely supportive of me and whatever I decide to do and not do. He loves me just as I am, inside and out. [/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]Since the information session, I have read everything I can find on the different surgeries (from reputable sources, of course) and determined that the gastric sleeve surgery made the most sense to me. I also talked with several co-workers who have had weight loss surgery in the past to learn what their life was like before surgery and what their post-surgery experience was like, how successful they were in keeping the weight off, who their surgeon was, etc. One common statement from every one of them was that they would do it all over again.[/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]After doing all the research, reading, talking, etc., in November 2013 I decided to try the Center’s medical program first to see if it was any different than anything else I’d done to lose weight throughout my life. The only thing that I was told to do differently, besides tracking my food, limiting my calories, and exercising was to be sure to get 100 grams of protein a day. As I started tracking my food again (more religiously this time) I realized I was barely eating 50 grams of protein on any given day. I started looking for ways to increase the protein, and, boy, was that hard to do! I eventually got to 60 or so grams per day. [/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]After a few months of going the medical route, I decided to meet with one of the surgeons and talk about possibly having the surgery; that appointment was in April 10, 2014. The surgeon’s PA gave me a very thorough exam. The surgeon answered my questions and we talked about everything that was a concern to me and I had additional blood work done that was needed. [/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]After that appointment I decided to try harder and be more diligent about watching the amount of food I was eating and exercising more consistently. Eventually, while talking with a co-worker about how hard it was to get all the protein in she suggested I check out Unjury protein powder, which I did. All the reviews were great and they guaranteed their product – if I didn’t like it, I could return it for a refund. I ordered a variety of all the protein powders they offered. As soon as I got the product, I began drinking a protein shake for breakfast and having the protein chicken soup for lunch. I slowly began to lose weight and discovered that any cravings for carbs were pretty much gone, and my hunger was satisfied. At dinner I would eat a regular meal. The weekends were a little more relaxed in that I typically would drink one shake a day on Saturday and Sunday. [/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]During these months I found I couldn’t quite say “yes, I’m going to have this surgery.” I still couldn’t/can’t seem to accept that going this route is an acceptable method of weight control, despite everything I’ve read and all the conversations I’ve had with my co-workers. It still seems an extreme option because it is so life changing. Even though I was having trouble with going this route, I still moved forward with all the appointments required to have the surgery.[/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]I’ve since had a second appointment with the surgeon (July 2014) to discuss more questions I had and my concerns about my diastolic dysfunction and any risks related to it. When I had made that appointment I also made the appointment for my psych evaluation the same day. So when the doctor and I were finished, I had my psych evaluation and passed. The doctor put me down as choosing the gastric sleeve surgery and the social worker said she would recommend me for the surgery, felt I was an excellent candidate for it. Before I left their office that day, I scheduled my appointment with the surgical dietitian which will be on August 15[sup]th[/sup].[/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]I’m continuing to drink my protein shakes or eat my protein chicken soup, but have increased the number of servings after reading that having 2 per day would maintain my weight, but to lose weight I should have 4-5 per day, so that’s what I’m doing now.[/color][/font]

[font=georgia][color=rgb(0,0,205)]To date, I still have not told any family members other than my husband what I’m considering, and only the co-workers who have been on this journey and my boss know that I’m considering surgery. There’s still a part of me that hesitates to say “Yes, I’m having this surgery. I’m doing it to improve my health.” So, if I’m so reluctant to say that, as if I’m not sure I’m going to do it, then why have I spent all the time and money to go to all the required appointments? What’s holding me back from saying unequivocally “YES?”[/color][/font]
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