Carolyn62
My case manager at Kaiser in Richmond CA told me that weight loss surgery is like a marriage. She explained:
The pre-op stages, dieting, making behavior changes (no snacking, no sodas, no caffeine, etc) are all like dating. Hmmm - do I like living like this? Can I commit to living like this forever?
Then comes the wedding day - surgery. Forever changed. For better and for worse!
Then, the honeymoon. Ahhh! I'm losing weight and life is so good, and everyone is saying how great I look and how well I'm doing. This feels great!!!
The REST OF MY LIFE - MARRIAGE - ok. Here the rubber meets the road. Can I maintain the attitudes and habits from my dating period? I'm done losing weight, so I may not get all the compliments as before - life has returned to the normal grind. Oh no - what about that cute guy (substitute cheesecake!) who is winking at me from across a crowded room!!! I need to remember my commitment to this process just like I'd need to remember my marriage commitment. Interesting - the more I travel this road - the more I see how this analogy is really dead on! Just thought I'd share it with you.
I started this journey years ago, when I was joking with my doc about having my stomach stapled - and he immediately replied - do you want to? It took me a couple of years to be able to say YES. I went through Kaiser, and they have a marvelous education program that took me about a year to complete.I had my surgery on 4/26/06 at Kaiser Richmond with Dr. Park. It was a great experience, although I wasn't expecting the pain to be that high, although by 5 days after surgery (Lap RNY) I didn't even need tylenol anymore. I've felt pretty good, although I wish my energy level was higher. I live in Petaluma with my husband and my two teenagers from my first marriage. I love my family, and although the last year has been tough, I trust that God will keep us in His care. My relationship with the Lord is a huge part of my life, and everyday I'm grateful for who He is and how much He cares about each of us.So - for now, that's about all I've got to say. I hope that everyone is doing ok.~CarolynOrientation weight 252Surgery weight 222
