skay74
TWO Weeks.....and counting DOWN
Aug 18, 2010
It seems impossible to believe that in TWO very short weeks, I will be preparing for my surgery...the very NEXT DAY! I can't believe it. I know that this is what the calendar tells me, but I am having trouble grasping the reality of my decision. Don't get me wrong....I know that this surgery will give me back my life and I will be forever grateful. I know that I have to do this for my health and well-being. I know that I have made the correct decision.
I have fought hard to make this surgery a reality. I haven't given up when it would have been much easier to do so. I have read blogs and forums and websites and talked to people who have "gone" before me on this journey. I have a list of items that I need to pack for the hospital. I have a very solid understanding of nutrition and the effects of the DS on malabsorption and metabolism and restriction. I completely understand the entire process. I have made a very researched and informed and BRILLIANT decision. I am ready to be 100% compliant.
My surgeon requires a 10 day pre-op liquid diet. Because I have a lot of weight to lose, it was discussed that a longer pre-op diet might be helpful. I embarked on the "extended 10 day pre-op diet!" If only I would have known what I was about to undertake! I began my diet 24 days before surgery. Today is day 9. I am complying. It is HARD. I feel somewhat weak and my head has hurt for 9 days. My stomach growls. The good news....the scale is responding...I am down 9.5 pounds in 9 days. I am focusing on protein and water.
I feel like I truly understand everything that I can from a "pre-op" prospective, but I also understand that everyone's post-op journey is different. Even though I am well read, have researched, have spoken to other DS patients, I can't help but wonder....what will it be like for ME post-op?, what will MY surgical tool do for ME?, will I be successful?, will I feel weak with headaches?, will I have to work harder than I am working now with my pre-op diet? and the questions go on and on and on. This is where my head is having trouble with reality and attempting to understand what the future holds for ME.
Time will tell. I wish I had crystal ball and could see into the future. There is one reality that I know for sure.....it hasn't been an easy road to get here and it won't be an easy road afterwards either.
