OT:rough couple of days

I've had a rough week.  My dad had two heart attacks on the weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday (his 63rd birthday and Father's Day).  He is now awaiting a triple bypass.  He is stable and they have moved him out of critical care. 

My dad is not obese, nor even overweight, but years of smoking, not eating right and generally abusing his body have taken their toll.  I take good care of myself (for the last few years) and I don't smoke, but am likely to suffer the same fate due to being obese...

Really reinforces why I am on this path.

One good thing that came from all of this is that I called my brother to tell him (he and my father haven't spoken in over two years) and he has been to see our dad and they have talked on the phone every day.

Also made me think about how I will handle situations like this post op.  Planning meals seems to be key...but it is hard to plan for an unexpected trip out of town, staying in a hotel or with friends/relatives and eating takeout. 

Tracy

So sorry about your dad. Not to worry about the meal planning while traveling. The planning becomes very natural. You can easily take or buy ready to drink protein shakes for early out or anytime as back up but you will also develop a short list of "go to" foods for on the road. Wendy's chili is an easy, cheap fast food pick and a small dish makes 2 meals..cheap date for sure!  You will also likely find your own favourites like Source 0 yogurt or cottage cheese, which you can buy anywhere and store in your motel room fridge.

It is great that your brother is back in touch and family ties have been mended.  I am also glad this has helped you see it is important to try to get healthy and stay that way. Good luck on your journey and I hope your dad does just fine.  My brother has had bypass surgery a few times now, the first time was over 20 years ago, and although each time takes longer to recover, he is still around to enjoy life with us.

Thanks for the travelling tips.  Yes, the surgeon reassured me that heart bypass surgery is almost a routine procedure now...most people recover quite nicely.  Now we are just hoping that the necessary lifestyle changes will follow!

Tracy

(((Tracy)))  I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's heart attacks and can imagine how scared and worried you and your family must be right now. I just want to say that I will say a small prayer that he receives his bypass very soon and makes a full and swift recovery.  Thank goodness that he and your brother have been able to resolve their differences - what a bright light in a dark moment. 

I'm an ex-smoker as well as being super-obese so, like you,  I also worry about a heart attack if I don't lose weight as I've had some cardiac problems already.  Your dad's heart attacks certainly make you glad that you're on this path I'm sure.  Stay strong Tracy, your dad is in the best place he could be right now. Sending you a hug.  

Deb

Thanks for the prayers and the hug!  Much appreciated!
Tracy

 I know what you are going through,  My husband had a heart attack on Wednesday and is currently in the Ottawa Heart Institute.  He will be having bipass surgery sometime this week. Being at the hospital most of the day is hard enough but having to worry about when and what to eat is definitely harder.  

Well, I will say a little prayer for your husband at the same time as my dad.  My dad is at Trillium Health Centre (I think that is the new name) in Mississauga, a hospital well know for heart problems, so I know he is in good hands.

Tracy

Tracy sorry about your dad , I know what its like to care for a sick loved one . eating out is hard ,but
doable even at a hospital .look for things with protien , like chilli . if you can have things like protien bars in your purse , in the summer have a cooler filled with water,protein drinks and  fat free yogurt . If your eating out bring a friend and split it with it, or have the restaurant box up the left over you will find that you will have a meal for 2 days
hope that helps

Anna

I am so sorry to hear about this Tracy. I too have many fears that I will follow in the footsteps of my parents re health. My father, 2 uncles on mom and dad's side, grandmother on dad's side and grandfather on mom's side are/were diabetic. My mother died of breast cancer at the young age of 56 - I miss her deeply and desperately wish she could have known her only grandchild. Many others in my family have been lost to cancer. One of the main reasons I decided on WLS was because of my family history of health problems. My mother and father both suffered from obesity, heavy smoking and terrible eating habits for most of their adult lives - I often wonder how much of an effect this lifestyle really had on their health.

Although we love them, we will not follow in their footsteps. *hugs*

 Tracy,
I'm so sorry about your dad.  He is getting great care and I'm sure he'll recover nicely.  My dad had quadruple bypass surgery and he did make the required lifestyle changes.  If there's anything I can do, give me a call.  Gail