number89fan
Introducing Myself
Apr 03, 2009
I am new to this site but when I discovered it I knew that it would be a good tool in keeping me on track with my weight loss. I am 26 years old and had Gastric Bypass surgery 2 weeks ago. Before deciding on this surgery I researched all my options extensively. I have always been overweight. But, in November 2008, at 292lbs. I was the largest I had ever been. I developed sleep apnea and severe GERD. When I started getting out of the bed, feeling like an 80 year old I knew I had to do something! I want a better life for myself. I was tired of walking up a flight of stairs and feeling like I was going to collapse! I lost 16 lbs on my own from November to March. Then March 5, 2009 started my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Let me tell you it was one of the hardest things I have EVER done! I soon realized that its not merely not putting food in your mouth. Eating can be so much more psychological than that. While I was drinking a boxed shake, everyone around me was grubbing on pizza and tacos. I soon began to see that no matter what surgery I do, I must treat the underlying issues surrounding my overeacting before I can expect to achieve the healthy lifestyle I desired. I lost 7 more pounds during this 2 week period and weighed in at 269 when I was admitted to the hospital for my surgery. I was so nervous but excited about getting the actual surgery over with. Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Immediately after surgery I developed a fever that went up to 101 degrees and my heart rate kept going up around 130. My oxygen level was also low so I was put on oxygen. Blood work revealed that my white blood cell count was high. Dr. Pender immediately scheduled me for exploratory surgery. He was worried that I could have a leak in my stomach. So the next day I went back in for surgery. This was a very scarey ordeal considering I had already been through one surgery and it was a pretty painful experience at first. He re-opened 2 of my incisions and tested my stomach for leaks. He didn't find any. To be sure, he restapled my stomach line and placed 2 drains in my abdomen to drain out any infection if there was any. Waking up from this surgery was even more painful considering I had been cut open twice and had all that gas and air they put inside of you to open everything up. My 2 night stay in the hospital turned into 4 days but after my second surgery my heart rate went down, as did my temperature. Whatever he did must have helped. I was up walking around a few hours after surgery and tried to walk as much as I could until I was discharged. Now, I am on week 3 and am thrilled that I had the surgery. I am now down to 251lbs., which is 18 lbs lost since being admitted! My first two weeks I drank nothing but 2 oz 3-4 times a day of Ensure. I started soft foods yesterday and am enjoying a different taste. I still dont find myself hungry. Anyway, thats where I am at this time. I look forward to conversing with you guys and helping each other with this process.
