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I was only 2 months post op when I got the surprise of a lifetime!  I found out I was pregnant.  I could not believe it because I had  tried and failed for 4 years. I had PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) and was told it would make it very difficult for me to get pregnant. Well, apparently losing the 60 or so pounds that I had lost between the pre op diet and being 2 months post op cured the PCOS and I was now as fertile as a rabbit!  My surgeon and bariatric nurse did tell me I would become fertile after weight loss surgery but I took it with a grain of salt. I had tried so hard the last 4 years and was even on some fertility meds prior to the decision to have my surgery and nothing worked. I was always disheartened and disappointed with negative after negative.
 

At first I was worried though, I was only a few short months out of my surgery and still incorporating foods back into my diet.  I didn’t know how this would affect my pregnancy or if I would be able to eat enough. I also wasn’t sure if I had ruined the potential weight loss outcome of the surgery. While you are going through all the pre-op testing and appointments the staff tells you not to get pregnant until about 18 months out of surgery because they have to by text book context. When I met with my surgeon after finding out I was pregnant he reassured me everything would be fine and that they see this happen ALL the time now.  He also told me not to be alarmed because I would continue to lose weight during the pregnancy but as long as my OB is monitoring the baby’s growth and she is gaining weight I could expect a healthy pregnancy. I lost the majority of my weight during my pregnancy and my baby was on target for growth and weight the entire time – actually a few times she was a little on the larger side! I never imagined I would lose so much weight, especially while being pregnant!  I have waited so long for this and it was a blessing in disguise.   I had a VERY easy pregnancy, I never had the morning sickness, I didn't get pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and I didn't swell at all. I felt great my entire pregnancy. I was honestly shocked by how amazing I felt the whole time because from hearing about pregnancy from friends and family members - I fully intended on feeling like poo the whole time! I ended up having to be induced at 39 weeks 6 days because I had low fluid which had nothing to do with my Gastric Bypass. I was in a Pitocin induced labor for 8 hours which was not in my plans because I planned on doing it completely natural, but despite having to be induced I still did it without an epidural or pain meds and I'm so proud of myself for that. I only pushed 3 times and brought my beautiful baby girl into this world! Not bad for a first timer huh?
 

On October 8, 2012 at 8:30 PM I gave birth to a happy, healthy, beautiful baby girl :) She was 5 lbs. 15.6 oz. and 19 inches long. We named her Shiloh because it means "His gift" and she is the best gift I could've ever received.   My surgery was by far the best thing I ever did because not only did it allow me to achieve my life long dream of becoming a mother but now I am healthy and will be around to watch my little girl grow up. Plus I will be able to keep up with her - chasing her all over the place haha :)   I was 369 lbs last November and here I stand today, a year later & 3 weeks post baby weighing 198 lbs and I've never felt better in my life. I'm truly on cloud nine!

 Well I'm officially a member of  the century club :) I've lost 103 lbs.  I also got the surprise of my life and found out I was pregnant.  Yes, I'm only 4 months post op and I know I was "warned" about becoming fertile but after so many failed attempts I took it with a grain of salt. My gynecologist has treated and is treating others that are in the same boat as me so I have 100% confidence in her.  My surgeon and bariatric nurse said even though they tell us not to get pregnant so soon after surgery, they personally feel it's better because we have protein and vitamin stored up that we might be deficient in further out from surgery.  Plus, I don't have any problems with eating. All of my doctors are confident that I will have a safe and healthy pregnancy. I'm pretty excited because I've waited 4 years for this and can't believe it's finally happening. The opportunity to get pregnant and fix my PCOS was one of the big reasons I decided to go through with this surgery in the first place.  I feel so blessed to have this 2nd chance at life with the weight loss and now to achieve a dream of mine, becoming a mother! :)  My surgeon and gynecologist told me I will more than likely continue to lose weight during pregnancy but my baby will gain weight. I can live with that!

 Today is exactly one month since my surgery!  I am doing great. I haven't had any complications - thank God! Most days I am getting all of my protein and fluids in. I am down 36 lbs! :)

Wow it seems like time post op is flying compared to pre op!  Tomorrow I meet with my surgeon for my "2 week post op" appointment. Hopefully I get advanced to the next foods stage! I have to tell ya I'm so over pudding, popsicles, and broth. It would be too soon if I ever saw them again in my life lol.  I also never realized just in a short period of time watching TV how many dang food commercials there are. Probably more noticeable to me now since it is the forbidden fruit lol.  I have lost 22 lbs so far and couldn't be happier! People are starting to tell me that they are noticing changes in me but I haven't noticed any, then again I look at me every day.  I can't wait until I start seeing the changes though and I can't wait to see what the rest of this journey has in store for me :)

I can honestly say in the beginning I was scared to death. I was 100% convinced I was going to be the one unlucky one that died on the table.  I have had a SUPER easy recovery, no problems with foods or anything. Slight nausea here and there but no major complications. Thank the good Lord! He has really been watching out for me! :) Life is good. God is great!

11/7/2011 (Surgery Day) - 340 lbs.
11/14/2011 (1 week post op) - 322 lbs.

Down 18 lbs since surgery.. totally blows me away!

I'm home! I've been home since November 8th, the day after my surgery. I had minimal to no pain! I didn't even get stitches, I have steri-strips for my 6 tiny incisions.  So far my recovery has been very easy. I transitioned to liquids only to full liquids easily. I've already lost 13 lbs. which is exciting for me :)  No problems with anesthesia or surgery.  

It was pretty funny when the Anesthesiologists came out moments before my surgery to give me the "happy juice" I don't remember much. My family said I was squinting my eyes and said you guys are getting "burl early" instead of blurry Lol. I don't remember that part! I vaguely remember going through the doors to OR and them asking me to scoot onto the OR table. Once the oxygen mask was on I was out and woke up in recovery saying "I'm alive?"  "It's over?" Then it was off to my hospital room. I saw my family for about 20 minutes and then I went to sleep for awhile. I only had a one night stay! My surgeon is amazing and I couldn't have picked anyone better. I knew going in the only way I was having this surgery is if he was doing it.  The nurses that took care of me were great, even the day nurse that was a bit more like Nurse Ratchet, my night nurse was phenemonal! My pain was well managed and I couldn't have been happier with the entire process. I made sure to thank them repeatedly.

So anyways, I'm also discovering that I think I had pretty bad Sleep Apnea pre-op. I just never had to go for the sleep study because I sleep on my stomach and when I do, I don't snore. If you don't snore they don't send you for the sleep study. I've been home to sleep for 2 nights now and am forced to sleep on my back because of the incisions. Both nights had problems sleeping ESPECIALLY last night. I would wake myself up because I would stop breathing and need to catch my air! Scary stuff. It happened atleast 6 times last night. I finally got sick of it and piled my pillows up so high it was almost like I was sitting up in bed and then no more problems. I called my Bariatric Nurse about it and she told me I was allowed to sleep on my side or in a recliner - problem solved!

All in all, I guess all the pre-op worrying I did was not necessary, but what can I say I'm a hypochondriac and a worry wart! Not to mention my anxiety did not help at all. Surprisingly I was very calm before surgery though and that was BEFORE they gave me the "happy juice" Lol

I hope the rest of my surgery mates are doing as well as I am, I've been thinking about you all. I've just been so busy concentrating on sipping and adjusting to all the new things that I haven't been on the internet much!

 Here I sit, counting down the hours to my surgery and bowel prepping so I'm too scared to leave my house lol.  What an emotional rollercoaster this has been and the ride is coming to a stop finally! Only to get off and jump on a new ride of course! :) I'm really excited and also nervous/scared.   Wonder if I'll even be able to sleep tonight!  Oddly enough, Saturday I went to dinner with my family at Olive Garden and lo and behold my surgeon is there and my family was seated next to his table lol What are the odds? I think that's a sign ;) Wish me luck & say some prayers for me for a successful outcome! I know I will be praying for the rest of my "surgery mates."

 

It's all real now - all of my pre admission testing out of the way other than the urine sample they will need the day of surgery! I made my pre-op weight goal. The surgeon and dietician were really happy - said my efforts were phenomenal :) I lost a total of 38 lbs. The dietician said I lost 14% of my excess body weight :) After all of my appointments I went to the pharmacy and picked up my Vicodin ES & all the lovely bowel prep items lol. Sooo not looking forward to that part haha I'm still fairly nervous and scared, wish those feelings would go away so I could just be completely excited. I can't believe as of tomorrow I'm ONE WEEK away. Wow.

 Just a quick update, I'm 3 lbs. away from my pre-op goal my surgeon set for me. I'm thinking once I do the "cleanse" that will be my 3 lbs Lol. I meet with him tomorrow, October 28. After I see him at 9:30 a.m. I will make my way to the hospital for my pre-testing and because I have to fast for the pre-testing. The last time I will be eating or drinking anything is before I go to bed! Then I won't get to eat or drink until 2 p.m. *cue cranky Kara* Oh well it's ALL worth it in the end. My surgery is only 11 days away. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by! I'm still nervous but I know I'm in good hands :) Sometimes I have found myself asking what the heck am I about to do? The anticipation is killing me!