When I decided I wanted to have weight loss surgery in March of 2012, I knew there were going to be challenges. My first challenge was the grueling 6 month weight loss trial that my insurance company required. Once a month for 6 whole months, I had to see my primary doctor and discuss what I was or wasn't doing to help my diabetes, borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol. Well, the first thing my primary doctor did was put me on a hunger control medication called Phentermine. Right off the bat, it worked. I dropped 20 lbs during my trial, which only wound up being 5 months because the month before (February) I saw my doctor and we discussed my options for surgery and reviewed my medications, and the insurance company accepted that as month 1 of my trial.
So, after my trial things moved super fast. Before I knew it, it was the weekend before my surgery and I knew I was never going to be able to eat my favorite foods ever again. I binged big time, I ate pizza and cheesecake and ice cream and whatever else I could get my hands on. I had only one day of liquids before my surgery, and that one day was a killer. I had bad headaches and I was generally in a really bad mood. Finally, the day of my surgery came. August 28, 2012. The day that both saved my life and prolonged it at the same time. I was my surgeon's first patient of the day, myself and my family had to be at the hospital at 5:15 am. I can remember being so scared, but anxious at the same time. My husband kissed me goodbye as I was wheeled down the hallway to the OR.
The next thing I remember was waking up in recovery, and not being able to breathe deeply which scared me and evidently it scared my nurse because she told me I had already been in recovery for an hour and a half....they don't usually keep a patient in recovery that long she said. I couldn't get my oxygen level to 100%, it kept dropping off at 90% and that wasn't good. Finally, I mustered up my strength and sucked in a good deep breath even though it hurt. With that breath, I was allowed out of recovery and into a hospital room where my friends and family were waiting to see me.
I was discharged that afternoon at 1:15 pm, and when I arrived home the first thing I wanted was something to eat....hahaha. I guess that's my inner "big girl" that won't go away. Anyway, I sipped on broth and water the rest of the day until that evening. I combined the Any Whey unflavored protein powder with my broth to ensure I got my proper amount of protein in for the day. I dropped 4 lbs in my first couple of days home, and it was wonderful. I spent my entire life trying to lose a couple pounds a month and was never successful. I dropped 25 lbs my first month, to the amazement of my surgeon. I also had my first menstrual cycle in over 10 years, it started on September 28, exactly one month after my surgery.
Since my surgery, I have lost an astonishing 56 lbs! There are others who have lost way more than me, but I keep chugging along....one pound at a time. I hope that my journey can inspire someone who is considering weight loss surgery, or has had the surgery and lost control of their tools....you can do this. If I can do it, anyone can. I know that's a cliche', but in this instance: it's true, believe me. I love food. I struggle every day because I want to eat the things I used to. And sometimes, I fall off the wagon. I eat cookie dough ice cream, pizza, and yes I even drink the occasional diet soda. I'm not perfect by any means, I'm human and I make mistakes. But I realize what's important and I always get right back on track.