Lisa_67
Getting Ready...
Aug 03, 2009
Yesterday, I started Optifast. Which is my last step before my Gastric Bypass Surgery. For the next month, I'm required to basically "fast" so I can lose 20 pounds or more before surgery. Some people ask why am I required to lose weight before my surgery. Well, it's because a person my size has a big liver that is mostly fat. A big liver can cause complications during my surgery due to the fact it lays on top of my stomach. The Optifast is designed to reduce the fat around the liver. I'm not real crazy about the Optifast, but I know that is for the best and I'm sticking with it. Every 2 weeks, I'll have a weigh in with my surgeon, and lab work done to see how I'm doing. It's not going to be easy, but I'll do just fine.I have also had to stop eating all my favorite foods. but believe me, I had a weekend of pigging out before I started Opti..lol My friend Jennie said something one day that made so much sense. She said that giving up all the foods that we have eaten all of our lives, is like giving up an old friend for a new life. And she is right. Food has always been there when I was sad or depressed, and there to celebrate with me when something good happened. All my life, food has always been a big part of everything I do...family get together, Holidays, Birthday parties, and it kept me company when I was alone. But, it was also a friend that did more harm to me than anything else. I am now starting to have health issues and I'm not allowing that to happen. With my new life after my surgery, I will learn to eat again, but I'll make better choices. One thing about this surgery that some people don't understand is it is not an easy way out. There are some foods that I will never be able to eat again. Especially sugar..And some foods that I like now, I won't like then, and food will get stuck which can cause me a lot of pain. My body will reject certain things now. Bread will be a big mistake, cause it gets stuck, sugar will make me sick, and milk will probably be a no no...most patients will become lactose intolerant. It's going to be a big change, and I'm ready. I have been going through the whole process of getting ready for almost a year, I have the best surgeon I could ask for, and I have the greatest friends and family supporting me. I'm a very lucky lady and I feel so blessed. I can't believe this is finally happening. I can't wait to start my new healthier life...it's going to be a struggle at times, but with the love and support of my family and friends...I can get through anything!
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About Me
Ravenna, OH
Location
25.5
BMI
Surgery
09/01/2009
Surgery Date
Sep 22, 2006
Member Since
