Gastric Bypass

I finally had gastric bypass on April 7, 2009. It has been a long time coming plus a long time to make a final decision that I probably could not lose all the weight I wanted without an extra tool to help me. The adoption of these last three younger children pushed me over the edge as I have aged to a point where I started to feel these extra pounds in my joints and movements as well as my energy level. Since I want to be around to see them grown as well as have the energy to play with them when given this opportunity through Alaska Air Group insurance I took it. I had finally started to move like a "fat" person with some waddle and I needed to go down the stairs one step at a time. I had pain in most of my joints but especially my knees.

Having given that small background getting to the surgery was also a challenge mentally and emotionally for me as I feared the death complication more than any others. I really enjoy my life and my family (all of it) so didn't want to miss out because I was trying to get healthier. Anyway, as the time drew nearer one of the suggestions was to write letters in the event that anything should happen to me. Well, that was too much for me...every time I sat down to write I cried so for me it was easier to tell people when I talked to them or emailed them or commented them or whatever what they meant to me and how much I loved them. For the most part this worked...for my own children it was a little too much focus on the death side but they supported me anyway especially after I got a blessing indicating either decision would work out.

With the support of my family, especially my awesome husband, and so many friends as well as the management at Horizon Air I headed to this new journey.

On the day of surgery I reminded everyone over and over that I had 9 children and lots of family that I am important too because I was so freaked out and I wanted to make sure they knew I was important to somebody. The doctor made a little bit of fun of me afterwords because he could tell how anxious I was before the surgery. I believe I was also given a little extra calming elixir in my IV because of these nerves.

I had a little nausea on the way to my room after surgery and one other time, which I can't quite remember, but know it happened but other than that have had no physical side effects so far. I did not have any physical pain and was able to get up and move around the same night of surgery. It was able to be completed laproscopically which probably helped with the lack of pain. I ran into an emotional wall the first Friday I was home because we were watching a movie and I was bored and realized that I could not change this decision like Weight Watchers or any other diet I have done. I had to stick with eating as prescribed because food eaten too early could seriously harm me. Once my head and I came to terms with this I have been pretty positive and excited about the changes. The other side effect I have had is my head telling me I must be starving. The first two weeks are all liquid so I do miss the chewing but know that will come back in time. I am looking forward to what I look like and how all this will end but for now wanted to post an update and let everyone know what has been going on with me.

I want to thank everyone again for the support, emails, calls and posts I have received to support me through this. It really helps me stay motivated and positive. I thought I would post pics every couple of weeks so people could keep up with the changes and it would not be quite so dramatic when you see me in person...at least that is what the psychiatrist says.

Love to all.