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Hey everybody, I thought I should post and give an update to where I am on this journey. Since I've been home things are much better than while in the hospital. I just had to get out of that place, I was starting to hate the smell and even though everyone there was pleasant, they were all getting on my nerves. So coming home Sunday July 1st was a delight. Now after a few days of being home and going nowhere except outside to walk, that became tiredsome. I guess as much as I like being alone and being home, I need people more than I realized. It's been real good when some of my family members would come over, that would be fun. They make me laugh which is not only good for the soul but it also helps clear my lungs. But my highlight was probably going to the mall. It was absolutely lovely looking at all of the people and just being in the mix. I really needed that at that point. So now I ask my wife just to drive me around town sometimes. If she goes grocery shopping, I go and just sit in the car, but atleast I am out of the house. It's all good.
My wife has been absolutely awesome through all of this. I don't know what I'd do without her. Every man needs a wife like mines, she is a gem. Maybe I'll talk more about her later. My children are also very helpful and looking out for dad. They make sure I don't cheat while on the liquid diet and do anything for me, walks with me. My son even gave me a shot (13 years old). He volunteered a little too quick. I am grateful.
Today I am going to chuch. Sunday July 8th, 10 days after surgery. Some have said that I am rushing it a little, but I think it will be good for me. If I get tired or have a problem I'll just leave. But I think I can make it through one service. I'll try to remember to let you know how that goes. Oh well, that's all for now, I have to get dressed. I definitely don't move as fast as I used to right now, so I need to give myself more time to get dressed. Oh, and I drove for the first time a few days ago too. Those bumps in the road...............ooowee! Bless ya!

I thought thatI'd posted since the surgery, but I guess I didn't. The surgery was Thursday morning (6/28) and it went well. They had to convert my Lap RNY to an Open, I was a little disappointed about that, but it's alright. This is my first major surgery so I am not used to having to recover like this. They say my recovery is going well, I am walking pretty good and doing my breathing treatments. I've been kept pretty comfortable with minimal to no pain. When I went for my leak check, it was discovered that I had swelling at the top of my pouch. So I couldn't start straight drinking, I could only suck on ice chips. The next day I went for another upper GI and I guess the swelling had gone down, because I was told that I could drink.
Right now I don't know how I feel about having the surgery. A part of me is wondering if I did the right thing and another part of me is saying just hold on Darwin, it's going to pay off after while. I am scheduled to go home tomorrow (Sunday). I am a little concerned because here in the hospital I have a bed that allows me to pull myself up without using my stomach muscles. At home I don't have this, so I have to figure out the best way of getting up without straining myself. Well, I have to go back to my room, my nurse is telling me I have to take some Ensure. It's my first "meal" since the surgery. I don't even know if I like ensure, but I'm about to find out. Bless you all!

Well, I've finally made it to this point. Many people are asking me if I'm nervous. The strange thing is that my honest answer is no, I'm not nervous at all. Actually I am kind of excited and looking forward to it. I had an appointment with my surgeon yesterday and it went really well, I felt real good as I left his office. I lost 12 pounds since my previous visit which was just 3 weeks ago. So I am down to 436. Another interesting thing is that people are now asking me how I got to this point (concerning my weight). I am wondering why they are asking me this now. I've been a big boy for a minute, so there has been plenty of opportunities to ask that question. None of that stuff bothers me, it's just interesting. So here we go, I am spending today tying up all loose strings and prepping for tomorrow. I will try to log my thoughts while in the hospital and then share them once I get home.

My only concerns, if you can call it that, is that I don't want the surgery done open. The doctor says that he plans to do it lap, but will convert if needed. He talks about converting rather quick, hopefully he won't have to. But if he does, that's cool, I'd just rather he not. Bless you all and see you in a few days.

It's really interesting to see the changes I am going through. I've been on a liquid diet for the last 14 days. I understand that it is to shrink my liver to help make my lap RNY a little easier. But it is hard. I know it will be that way after surgery, but according to the people I've talked to, you don't have much of a desire to eat right after the surgery. Right now I have a great desire to eat (my wife made fish tonight). I have fell off a few times during this liquid diet, but overall I think I've done very well. The strange and disappointing thing is that I haven't lost any weight during this time. I do feel more pep and energy I guess. I sing and found out the other day in reharsal that my voice is clearer and my range is a little higher. So I guess the diet is having an effect on my body. Nonetheless, I want to eat NOW! But I won't, as a matter of fact I'm about to go to bed.
I am looking forward to the surgery and looking forward to taking control of my life (as much as humanly possible). I joined a health club that I think is going to work for me. It's open 24 hours and that's going to be perfect for my life style. This way I can plan my workouts around my life as opposed to planning it around the gym's schedule. I'm going to do well, I have to. I am looking forward to being off of work for a while. I work a physical job, so I'll have to take off quite some time to insure I don't injure myself. That's a good thing, I can spend more time with my family. Well, I guess I've expressed enough for now. I'll return soon. Blessings to you all!

My surgery is June 28th. I'm feeling pretty good. I'm not nervous or scared, just trying to get through this liquid diet. I've let most of my family and friends know what's going on with me. I'm not keeping it a secret because I want as much prayer as I can get. Everyone seems supportive, maybe a little concerned, but supportive. I really would like to eat something this weekend, not much, just something. I've been doing pretty good on the liquid diet, so I'm thinking a little bite won't hurt, after all, I haven't had the surgery yet. I know it's purpose is to help shrink my liver, but I think my liver has shrunk LOL. Anyway, here I am. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for me.

I went to see my doctor the other day. There is a threat of my surfery being postphoned if I don't change my eating habits and excersize habits before surgery. I defnitely plan to change that, I don't want to prolong things any longer. Six meals a day is very difficult for me, but I am working on it. The last couple of days I've been able to do five meals. So that's an impovement.

I just found out that I'll need to have a catheter installed. That's a scary thought to say the least. I'm not comfortable with that. I've never heard anyone talk about that part of it. So either that means it's no big deal or it's too personal for anyone to discuss. Trust me, I'm gonna get some info on it before surgery. I'll write more soon. Blessings!

I am no longer scared. I think the initial shock of knowing I was approved got the best of me. Tomorrow I go for my psychological evaluation. I am kind of looking forward to that, I've always wanted someone to analyze me. The date of the surgery is pending. June 20th is available, but I and my group have a singing engagement on the 24th and I really want to do the engagement. Of course my reasoning is kind of whack. You see, I understand that there are risks involved with the surgery. The ultimate being death. So just in case I die while in surgery, I want the people to have something fresh to remember me by. So, June 24th would be my last performance (if I died). Of course if I don't die it won't matter. I may seem a little preoccupied with death, but I am not. I am just trying to stay as focused on reality as much as possible and I've chosen the worst case scenario to do that. Certainly I realize that everything can go perfect and I could lose 200 pounds and have no "skin issues". Never get sick or dump and never go into any type of depression over what foods I can't eat. All can go GREAT! And hopefully it will. But I make sure my family is aware of the worst. Anyway that's all for now, I'll be back later.

Well, I just found out my insurance approved the surgery. I must admit that it made me a little scared. I'll tell you more later.

Hello everyone. My name is Darwin and I have begun my journey to weight loss. For the past few years I have been doing research on wls and talking with different people who have had it and it has taken me this long to decide to do it. At times I said I would and then I would change my mind. What has made me decide to finally do it? I'm not sure, I guess a number of different things. Tired of back hurting, tired of knees hurting, tired of not fitting into chairs, just tired of being tired I guess. 

I have done quite a few tests and only have a couple that I haven't done. I have met all of my insurance requirements (United Health Care), and hopefully will not have a problem getting approved. I currently weigh around 440, almost 6 ft. tall. I call my self one of the finest fat men you'll ever meet (my own opinion). Over all I am a happy, content, confident man. I am married to Tracy, she is an amazing woman. Besides my commitment to make Jesus the head of my life, she is the best decision I have ever made in my life. She is not comfortable with the surgery, but she is supporting me. I need to lose this weight, we have three wonderful children and I would like to watch them grow up and start their own family. I am looking forward to getting old. By the way, I am 39. Of course there is the possibility of death due to the surgery that rings in the back of my mind. I pray that doesn't happen, but I must say that the thought of that is my only reservation. I guess I'll stop now, I'll tell you more later. I enjoy communicating. I may not write often, but I have plenty to say when I do write. I look forward to communicating with many of you. Blessings!