Hello hello, fellow friends! I know it’s been some time since I’ve posted, but I had a good reason: I’ve been hospitalized for pancreatitis.

Yep, I originally went to the ER on the evening of my surgery date (1/11). I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and they thought it had resolved enough to send me home on the 14th. Sure enough I was okay for a few days, but then started to feel wonky on the 18th.

On the 19th, I begged my primary care doc to give orders for blood works and a CT scan. I got them both done that Friday and went home, only to be contacted by my surgeon and my PCP that I needed to be back in the hospital ASAP.

So, back I went— this time to a hospital I preferred which was a bit further away from the ER I had initially visited.

I spent the next 8 days alternating between pain, frustration, anger, regret and depression. I couldn’t get comfortable, I felt alone (hubby had to care for the kids), and the worst part is that there is NOTHING THAT I COULD DO TO FIX IT. In case you aren’t aware, Pancreatitis can only resolve with time. The pain can be managed, but there is no medication that will fix it.

So the big question remained: What caused the problem to begin with?

The surgeon I was fortunate enough to find at the hospital (Dr. R), happened to be a gastric surgeon. The surgeon who actually performed my procedure (Dr. U), was located two hours away in Illinois. I cannot express how happy and thankful I was that these guys worked together and handled my care seamlessly. No egos, no territorial behavior, no passing the blame. I was VERY lucky and am so grateful.

So here I sit, after my first night at home...trying to get into the swing of the post-surgery diet. Dr. U suggested that my stomach will have healed enough to jump straight into the full-fluid/soft food phase, which is what I’m trying to do. After not eating ice chips for almost two whole weeks, ANY food is a blessing.

I started with applesauce and chicken broth, both have settled well. I’m also using the protein shakes recommended by my physician. He maintains that my weight loss will actually progress faster and beyond expectations because my stomach shrank while I was admitted.

My starting weight as of January 1 was 202lbs. As of the date of my surgery (after the two week liquid diet), I dropped to 192. As of this morning, almost three weeks later, I’m down to 182.

Would I trade a healthy recovery for the additional weight loss? HELL YES. Pancreatitis is a serious and evil condition and it could very well make a return visit anytime. I’m FORCED to avoid high fat foods (even as a one in a while treat), or risk ending up back in the hospital. The time I lost with my family, the fear they had to deal with...none of it was worth it.

But now I KNOW what I’m up against. If I do have another bout, my gallbladder will most likely have to come out and that’s enough of a reason to toe the line.

If any of you have been warned about impending problems with your gallbladder or pancreas, DON’T IGNORE THEM. By having the surgery, you’re already taking a positive step in improving your odds, but don’t take anything for granted.

Anyhoo...I’m back from the “grave” and ready to party, so bring on the chocolate shakes and soy milk, y’all. My new life begins today .