scarlettmagnolia86
I've struggled with weight all my life, so its no secret that even after gastric bypass I would still be fighting my addiction. At the age of 21, I weighed over 400 pounds and was told by doctors that if I didn't change my weight and eating habits I would not live past 25. By weighing over 400 pounds I could barely walk to my own car let alone begin an excercise routine; I had gotten to the point that my last resort was bariatric surgery.
After attending seminars held by surgeons and patients I decided that gastric bypass was my best alternative. Of course many doctors were hesitant to perform such a drastic and permanent anatomical procedure on someone as young as 21; but due to the state I was in a surgeon decided he would perform the surgery. I had to go through extensive physical and mental evaluations in order to qualify for the surgery. During that time in my life I had just left an abusive relationship, was dealing with grief over losing a beloved grandfather, and suffering from severe depression due to my quality of life.
My surgeon ordered that I begin therapy and secure psychological clearance before he would perform the surgery. Along with therapy I was put on a liquid only diet for a month prior to surgery so that I could not only prove I could stick to some sort of diet but so that the procedure could be done laproscopically. While participating in the physical examinations, along with my many already present physical issues and problems; I was diagnosed with a genetic heart disease that would only worsen due to my weight.
To me this surgery was my last resort, either I die on the table or I die within a few years because of my weight. So I took a chance at the surgery. Before heading to the hospital I needed to come to terms with the fact that I may never return home. Against my mother's wishes I prepared a last will and testament, claimed my mother and sister as beneficiaries, left access to my home, my car and my finances for burial. I'll never forget that morning, I left a note for each of my loved ones saying goodbye to them, I laid my will and all other documents on the dining room table so that my family would find them. At the age of 21, you never expect to have to mentally prepare yourself for death; it was the most terrifying feeling.
When at the hospital I tried to remain positive as my mother instructed but knew there was a chance I'd never see them again. In no way was I being dramatic about the situation, this was an extensive surgery and it would remain unknown until attempted whether or not the procedure could be done laproscopically. Due to my already present health problems such as sleep apnea, PCOS, hypoglycemia, anemia and the newly found heart disease I feared the worst. As I was being taken to the pre-op room I remember saying my goodbyes to my family. I wanted to hold on to my mother's hand until the very last second. It was evident that she, my sister and grandmother were terrified that I wouldn't come out alive. They refused to say goodbye to me because they wanted to remain positive and not allow me to think I wouldn't come out. I cried as I told each of them how much I loved them and always would and I held on to my mommy until the last possible second. I cried while waiting for the surgeon, I truly believed I would die.
Obviously I did not die, the surgery went quite smoothly and was able to be performed laproscopically. I remained in the hospital for nearly a week until Dr. G decided I was ready to head home. My mother moved in with me for the next three months to care for me and insure I obeyed doctor's orders about my vitamins. She stayed with me from the beginning and has yet to leave my side.
It has been nearly 4 years, I've lost over 200 pounds and still have a way to go. But I know that as long as I have my family by my side I'll make the sacrifices worth it.
I celebrated my 25th birthday this last March and I'm still here.
