And so it begins....

Dec 09, 2011

Well, the road has been long, and hard.  Not that I expect that to change, but I've finally done it.  I was banded 4 days ago, at Maples Surgical Center here in Winnipeg.  My highest weight in the last 10 years was 293 lbs.  My weight prior to going for my first consult here in Winnipeg was 252.  I started my Pre-op diet at 250.  Today I am 236. 

My journey started in 2004, when at my highest weight, and lowest self-esteem, my referal for baratric surgery went out to the only Doc in the Maritimes who was doing it.  Dr Beausoliel.  It didn't seem right, to be overweight, and be in the military.  At that time, it wasn't covered, and I was desperate enough to consider taking out a loan to pay for it.  5 years passed.  During those 5 years, I had a year of hell, where I wound up losing almost 100 lbs.  I was down to 205 lbs.  It was stress induced, and although I manged to keep it off for a couple years, it gradually started to come back.  When I finally got my call, in 2009, I was back up to 260lbs.  By then though, bariatric surgery was covered by provincial health care, and thus, also covered my the military health care provider.  Although it took another two years for me to be approved by the military, as they require a few more hoops to jump through vs provincial health care.  During those two years that I waited, I developed  hypertension, and went on meds to control my blood pressure, which was spiking at 170/110.  Plus I had elevated glucose, borderline diabetic.  My mom is diabetic, I didn't want that!!  I've seen the genes I've got to look forward too, my dad who had his first massive heart attack at 44, and my mom who is diabetic, ostoarthritis, ostoperosis, with holes in her knees, hips, and can barely stand up today.  That was my future if I didn't do anything about it!  I wanted to be able to dance at my daughters wedding someday, hold and play with my grandchildren!  I'm only 38 now...but at that age where things get harder.

Finally, approval came from Ottawa in Feb 2011.  However, I found out about it in May, when the doc's office called me.  I had been posted from NB to MB, my house already sold, and the movers booked to come in for packing, ect.  I was soooo disappointed!  To have to go back to another waiting list in another province!  But I was resigned too, and told myself it would give me a year to get adjusted, and settled.  I was surprised when I got a call from Maples in October...and was told I would potentially get scheduled for end Nov, early Dec.  WOW.  I was so excited, yet scared to death at the same time.  I had second thoughts, I mean, it was christmas!  I'd be on purreed foods for xmas dinner!  Was I really ready????  Then I thought about my mom, who was coming to spend Christmas with me, and after talking with her, realized that I am indeed ready.  So what I will miss goodies this Christmas!  I will be able to eat a small dinner next year...I'm not giving up food completely!  This too shall pass!

Maples was wonderful, the anathesiologist was a little rough...lol...but they fixed a hiatus hernia while in there (that would explain the reflux I've had the past couple years too!) and although I've been really sore the first few days, I'm glad too.  A new journey.  A new road.  A new life.  A new chance. 

Still on liquids the first two weeks, managing a whole bottle of ensure a day, plus water always handy, and I try some V8 Splash juice for extra fluids.  I gave up the Tylenol 3's during the day, and just using advil.  I plan to walk my driveway today, to get moving and start healing faster.  I also get to shower today and take off the bandages! 

New me...here I come!!!!

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