9 Months Post-Op, Gall Bladder Attack and Thoughts from NotoriousBig!

[Notoriousbig]

Gall Bladder
Driving in the Express Lanes I thought the pain was passing...then it got worse and worse. Pretty soon, I was breaking out in cold sweat and the world began closing down. I was thinking "Leak...shit... How do I get myself to the hospital?" Luckily, I work in a unique job where my co-workers tracked me down through my phone, called Fire, and got me treated before I was transported to the hospital. My Gall Bladder didn't have stones, but had sludge. Surgeon doesn't want it removed after just one episode, but wants to wait and see. This happened last Thursday and Sat morning, I was back in the gym=) Here's whats interesting for me:

1) After reading all these forum posts, I somehow missed the gall bladder issue? Damn, I need to pay attention more.
2) Gall bladder attacks friggin suck folks!
3) Even though I was woozy, I heard the medics say "This guy is very lean and has nice veins for this IV"...I admit I giggled inside=)
4) My guys found me when I was in crisis....I love what I do and those folks who I do it with. I also adore Firefighters...nicest pros ever!

[B][U]9 Months
Last Feb, I can remember walking to my mailbox a block away and trying to jog to it and back. I got winded...and disgusted. On Sunday, I ran 5.2 miles listening to Earth, Wind and Fire radio...enjoying the cold morning and tuning out life. My "weight-loss" journey is done as far as "goal-weight" is concerned. I'm probably 205 pounds (133 pd loss), am still gaining muscle at 55 yrs old, and have never been this lean and muscular in my life. I eat little meals constantly and have found that I'm a "routine" person.
1) Up at 5 am for the gym.
2) Pack my meals daily--Protein shakes, Yogurt, Cashews, Granola, Kind Bar, Salad with either Turkey, Ham or Tuna, two cases of water in trunk of car.
3) Grab my banana and non-carbonated Monster Re-hab for workout
4) Workout
5) Work
6) Soccer-three to five evenings a week--College, High School and Club--90 mins of running

It seems like alot maybe to some...but I've been doing this schedule for years. The difference is my workouts and my food...damn...how many of us have heard about those two critical things in our lives. Diet and Exercise! So....after 9 months I've taken away this:
1) I love being a 200 pound man in great shape
2) I still have body issues...I look at my 32 waist wranglers before I put them on and think that theres no way in hell I can get these on
3) I don't realize how different I look...people who haven't seen me for awhile either dont recognize me or get taken aback at first glance
4) I've changed my lifestyle with my sleeve...clean eating, consistent movement and exercise and positivity
5) Everyone is different, everyone has different goals and values. Embrace yours and be the best you can be. It saddens me for those who struggle after having someone remove 85% of your stomach. Reach out for support, love yourself and maintain your dignity...you are loved and valued.

Thanks for reading. Its a great support system here with lots of good information passed around. I've been slated to talk to future patients at my Surgeons seminars on my journey and exercise regimen. Blessings to you and yours...until next time...Al

[Donald G]

Congrats on all your success.

[Muchomedic]

I will have my sleeve surgery on May 9th and looking forward to the same type of results. You are so inspiring to us newcomers as to what our life can be. Thank you.

[Notoriousbig]

I will have my sleeve surgery on May 9th and looking forward to the same type of results. You are so inspiring to us newcomers as to what our life can be. Thank you.

Kevin, I'm excited to read about your journey brother. Reach out for us when you have challenges and embrace all the positives as they occur. I must admit...i miss sandwiches...hahaha! Food for me now...is fuel...and this fire is stoked!! Blessings...Al

[Linda51]

Love reading about your journey and your insights into life after surgery. Thank you and please keep on posting.

[Shirl]

Aho!

[Notoriousbig]

Love reading about your journey and your insights into life after surgery. Thank you and please keep on posting.

Thanks Linda, good folks around here and everyone needs some lovin now and then. You'll definitely hear from me��

[Tommy1969]

Very inspirational! Thank you!

[Christie13]

Congrats on all your successes Al! As for the gall bladder...that had to be scary. So glad your work and the firemen came through for you and you are safe and sound. My dad had gastric bypass back in the late 80's and they removed his gall bladder. My sister had the sleeve 5 1/2 years ago and has not had any gall bladder issues. Guess I never thought about the gall bladder issues either. Guess I need to research the symptoms just in case. Thanks for sharing what you went through.
Your routine is what is making you so super successful and I am sure will lead to long term success. Thanks for all your inspiring words!

[Diane55]

What an inspiration!!!
Thanks for sharing.

[ghost_ryder]

Great roadmap to success. Very well said not very easy to implement but if you want success-this will guarantee success for most.

[Lorna Doone]

If you've been watching Mama June Shannon from Not to Hot, June had the sleeve. Last week's episode she fell over in pain and went to the ER. The new episode this Friday will reveal the cause and I suspect gall bladder will be the issue. If you have to have it out in the future don't worry. It happens commonly with WLS. My brother had to have his out a couple of years ago. He has no problems and doesn't miss it. When I go for revision surgery I'm going to ask the doctor to remove mine. I have had many friends who had gall bladder problems after tremendous weight loss. It happens frequently with WLS for some reason.

[bigdogluver]

Thanks for sharing your story and letting us newbies know that the future is definitely bright. I had my gall bladder taken out years before my surgery but I hear that a lot of people have post-surgery gall bladder issues. It's a painful thing to endure, my friend. I had stones and boy was I miserable with pain. It hurt every time I ate.

All the best with your gall bladder and your continued journey to excellent health. All the best!