aliplanes
2/8/07: SURGERY DATE FEBRUARY 28, 2007
My journey. I need to do this because it is important and therapeutic for me to share like everyone has and maybe I can be an inspiration to someone else as many of you have been to me. I have been thinking about weight loss surgery for a few years now and my insurance back then did not cover it. Finally now in my current job it does cover. I finally got the motivation to start acting on it and began researching. Everybody I know knows about Dr. De La Cruz, and have been succesful. Everybody loves him. I called and inquired and they were really quick. I got approved right away and was making appt. for the nutritionist and therapist. I attended the seminar and was totally for the lap but the seminar made me switch my mind. I chose gastric instead. "Yuri you are the BEST!!!!!!" I attended the seminar and they were so nice. The surgeon looks young and so confident. He was caring and nice and really, really wants to help people. I felt good. Still I was nervous about anasthesia and PE, never had surgery before he assured me to follow what his team says and everything will be just fine. I saw him the next day and felt so welcomed and safe and he remembered my concerns and again reassured me. Still I had insecurities and confusion as days passed and they were so nice and patient....Yuri you are the best!!! and Gloria is a sweetheart and so understanding. I did my sleep study; i have apnea, labs are all cleared and ok results and UGI;waiting for that and the apnea results and just saw the nutritionist. Last night I got scared, really scared and just the thought of death kills me but it was bec. i heard of a story of a girl who died of a heart attack while getting a nose job. I felt really scared wrote to my support group and called my surgeon the next day..this morning I felt so guilty for losing my faith in God and letting fear take completely over my mind. Posiitve thoughts only...I kept telling myself. I called the staff and once again they made me feel good. Now I understand why people choose not to tell about their surgery. I am happy and keep envisioning being healthy, being able to walk and not run out of breath. Not have apnea, acid indegestion all the time no waste pains or foot pains. To be able to wear a regular size and look more pretty to feel good about myself and not so complexed. It's all so psychological but I am determined to beat this and being able to get a second chance I really don't want to mess this up. It is a lot of damage that I have done to myself. I am so happy to have chosen such a great surgeon with such a caring staff. I made the right choice and hope everything turns out ok for me. I am asking to please pray along with me so I can get through these next 20 days in peace and faith. Between my support group on line gastric bypass losers, you guys and the surgeon's office and my friends and family I thank you.
alexandra
February 20, 2007 [Edit Post]
1 day ago
Published
8 more days, it is getting closer. my blood pressure is doing well and I feel good. I am excited and would like to get this over with already. I have been going to church and praying a lot. It has made a difference in my life. God is Awesome!
At this point just waiting.
February 21, 2007
today I have a headache...but I feel good...excited...I have lots of support...I have lots of headaches all the time...I wish I could take my meds but I stopped over a week ago taking medication. I am tired...keep thinking of that day...keep picturing myself in recovery with my mom. I am so happy she will be with me and take care of me. I feel so blessed. God is great and I give him thanks and praise as much as I can. Just want this over with. I am not on any strict diet until 1 day before which I will be strictly liquids...then fast from midnite on. Still waiting on my CPAP machine. don't think it will make it on time.
alexandra
February 25, 2007
Today I purchased my vitamins and caltrate lots of liquids (approved juices), broths and jellos. still need my protein and b-12 vial. I was feeling a little sick and took 2 tylenol cold. Started my milk of magnesium treatment and picking up my mom at midnite. I started the cleansing process and won't have a last meal. Because this milk of magnesium treatment has me going to the bathroom lots....i will stick to light stuff. I went to church today and the message was well recieved. God is definitely with me and I am thankful to everyone supporting me. I am happy.
alex
February 27, 2007
well i am just hours away from my surgery and i have been calm all day. i went to work and that helped me stay occupied..i am home and on liquids and doing fine. i have a little headache but it will pass i need to be at the hospital at 530 am surgery begins at 730am. I have recieved so much support and I am happy and humbled by this experience thus far. I thank everyone involved for their support and God Bless
alex
April 05, 2007
Ok I have been super lazy and not kept up with my journey, so here goes...My surgery was a complete success...It was like nothing...literally. I checked into the hospital and the staff was wonderful all the way through. My surgery did not take long and before you know it I was in recovery...I remember going to the room and in and out of sleeping...great sleep..lol...
my family and some friends were there and I was happy to see them. Started walking that day and never felt pain...no morphine was needed and kept walking but no hunger...felt disgusted actually. Next morning went for my leak test...passed and early evening sent home. Dr. De La Cruz-Munoz was a sweetheart. He spoke to me told me what to do and went home. The only thing that was bothersome was the drain but doable. I was tired the first two weeks. Then after I felt better. I was at work 2 days later just visiting and walking around. Started eating chicken 1 week later. Lost 23 pounds first week. WOW!! I was happy my stomach seems to be disappearing at this time.
april 22, 2007
Well 2 months have passed and I am still feeling great...the one thing that I still have a hard time with is swallowing gulps of liquids..I forget that I can't do that anymore and practicing small bites...but I love that I am not hungry all the time and I am proud of myself I make good healthy choices. I am down 40 plus pounds and have gone from a 22 almost 22 to a 16 in pants and a 14 in shirts...I feel so good and love going to the gym and doing 1 hour a day...except sundays and wednesdays...this is the best decision I have made. I feel so good and they pics speak for themselves.
JUNE 22, 2007
WOW!!!!!!!!!! I haven't written in a while but what I can tell you is "LIFE IS GREAT" It has more meaning more purpose. Just yesterday I was looking through my old pics and I couldn't believe I was that overweight. One doesn't see it. I showed my friends and they couldn't see it either. Now I feel better. I still want to lose more. Like 50 to 60 pounds more. I don't want to go back ever!!! I like the new me and I am currently wearing a size 9/10 from the old sizing chart 12/14 from the new sizing chart. This was the best life saving decision in my life. I don't regret 1 second. I can tolerate all foods just not greasy foods or high sugar content foods but I am satisfied. It's amazing. My hair is now starting to shed but that is ok. It definitely is a small price to pay and worth every strand. My self-esteem is high again and I feel good about myself. Don't get me wrong I am still concious and have moments of doubt and insecurities, these things just don't go away by themselves and take time. It's only been almost 4 months vs. years of self doubt and feeling not that great about me. I am so blessed with the family and friends and support groups because it just keeps me motivated. I hope my story can help someone else. Since my surgery I had a friend at work so impressed she got it done to. She is now 3 weeks out and is losing. It makes me happy to inspire someone to get it done.
