Plotting the Course

So I made up my mind to have the surgery. Now a lot of people think that what follows is for people who are too lazy to lose weight the old fashioned way and that people who have weight loss surgery just sit back and take it easy. Look, we have all heard the stories about people who have had gastric bypass surgery (or some other form of weight loss surgery) but put the weight back on. Herein lies the quandary. Weight loss surgery is not for the feint of heart. It is a terrifying ordeal meant to help someone who faces losing years from their life without it. It is NOT a cosmetic measure. And it is NOT pleasant. Once I made the decision to pursue the surgery, my ordeal/new life/adventure began. I met with a very talented surgeon who answered my questions, explained the risks, and asked about the sordid details of my weight gain and eating habits. Answering his questions was necessary though excruciating. But the fun would not stop there. To make sure I was a viable candidate for this surgery, I would need to undergo many tests. I had to go to a cardiologist, a pulmonary specialist, and a sleep center. It had to be determined if my body could withstand this procedure. Did I mention this is not for the feint of heart?

Fear already plagued me, but the tests fed the fear. However, once I made up my mind, I really felt it best to stay the course. The cardiologist's office put me through a stress test. The pulmonary specialist put me through breathing tests I didn't even know existed. And the always fun sleep study ("We're going to hook you up to ten thousand wires...now sleep! But only on your back! Go!"). Sure. And blood work...oh the blood work. For someone like me (notoriously bad veins - deep and roll), blood work can be like some weird form of torture

After all these tests, I had to undergo a psychological exam to make sure I understood the risks and could handle the emotional aspect of the surgery. About five questions into the exam, the psychologist deemed me mentally healthy (poor, deluded woman) and decided to then just give me some coping strategies and a pep talk. Something she said really stuck with me, though. "This is the absolutely hardest way to lose weight, and don't ever let anyone convince you otherwise." I thought she needed more psychological help than I did. I mean, wasn't that the point of the surgery to make it easier? The next couple of steps convinced me that she was right.

Tests completed, training came next. A one on one session with the surgical office's nutritionist helped me to understand what my new dietary needs would be. That was an eye opener. See, someone who has gastric bypass surgery suddenly has a tiny stomach pouch and issues with absorbing all the nutrients they eat. The human body's main fuel (though not the only fuel for sure) is protein. Body builders use protein bars and shakes to build muscle and burn fat. Bariatric patients use it for the same reason, but it's more important to their health. We cannot eat enough protein with meat or normal means, but must supplement our meals with protein rich snacks (bars and shakes). Luckily, the surgical group offered some protein products at cost as a convenience and had some suggestions for other good sources. I started looking at some options in grocery stores and vitamin/health food stores. I was pleasantly surprised by the options until I started actually trying to eat them. While addicted to sugary, fried, and super fatty foods, my body did not want these options - or at least, my tastebuds didn't want them.

Next came the extended group session for training. A nurse and gastric bypass patient led us through the gory details of what would be done to our bodies and what we could expect. She carefully explained what the first six weeks would require - pain and a liquid diet. The liquid diet would start with clear liquids like thin protein drinks, broth, and water. We could then move to full liquids like soup and thicker protein drinks. After that, the gastric bypass patient may begin to eat mushy, runny solid foods like oatmeal and thin instant mashed potatoes. No problem, I thought. I probably won't feel like eating anyway with the trauma to my stomach from being cut in half and sewn/stapled back together. Check out this video: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/MM00703. I had the Roux-En-Y method. If you can't view the video, the transcript is listed below the video. Anyway, I just knew the post op diet wouldn't be too bad. And I can be a sissy about some things, but plain old pain, I can handle. I'll describe the post-operative period in another post. It deserves it own attention.

After the training and my own research, I had nothing left to do but wait. I made the decision to have the surgery in January, 2008. In June, 2008, I found myself in the waiting room of the hospital to have a filter placed to help prevent blood clots. One month later, I sat at my desk at work and cried almost all day. I have never been so scared in all my life. Whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, hundreds of rollercoaster rides...nothing could compare. What if I stopped breathing during the surgery? What if my heart stopped? What if I developed a blood clot? What if the stomach pouch leaked or my intestines exploded? Every worst case scenario played out in my head. My co-workers and family members and friends were a true blessing that day. They all showed great patience and kindness to me. Finally, all the waiting was over. July 1st, 2008, I was plunked in a hospital bed, wrapped in a gown, and waited for my IV to be placed. I shivered uncontrollably the entire time. After six failed attempts to start an IV, the anesthesiologist finally got a small IV started. He promised to place an improved IV once I was unconscious. That is pretty much the last thing I remember from that morning. I don't remember being wheeled into the operating room the way I had remembered it from other procedures. I don't remember saying goodbye to my mom or other family and friends. I just remember being stuck 6 times to start an IV and then nothing until after the surgery.