Monday, August 13, 2012

Pre-op Is Good!


            Pre-op appointment was a success!  I lost five pounds, so I have lost a total of 21 pounds since February and my first appointment.  Not a huge amount, but it is progress! The doctor requires a loss of around 10% of your weight before surgery to show that you have the discipline to follow an eating plan and begin to exercise.  I started at 258, and today I weighed 237.  Wow, did I just post that on the Internet?? J  I signed all of the releases and forms to get ready for surgery and was able to go to the Quik-Draw center downstairs from the Bariatric Center to get the pre-op blood work, EKG, and Chest X-ray.  Now, I begin the full liquid diet on Wednesday -- which will be the blog for tomorrow.
            After sharing my blog last evening, a friend asked how I made the decision to have gastric bypass versus lap band.  It was an easy decision for me, really.  At the informational meeting in February, the surgeons detailed each procedure.  After listening, I quickly made the decision to have the bypass surgery.  First, I didn’t like the thought of something being inside of my body forever with the possibility to slip and move around.  Secondly, weight loss is quicker with the bypass procedure.  Finally, if I was going to do this, I was going to DO it. 
            I know that there are huge changes ahead, but I know that a majority of those changes will be lifestyle changes worth the sacrifices now.  Some people become lactose intolerant, but some don’t.  I will not be able to drink regular coffee as much as I did, but I will be able to drink it.  Carbonated beverages are not good, but I didn’t drink those too much anyway.  It will be up to a year -- maybe -- until I can eat a 1,200 calorie diet again.  I have to take my multivitamins, iron, citrate, and B12 forever.  What do I get in exchange? A better chance of a longer life.  Less arthritis pain.  No more blood pressure medication.  The ability to shop in a store that is not for plus-sized women.  These are all positives, so there is nothing that is going to be too hard for me to get through in the next few weeks. 
            Until tomorrow. . .

P&L,
Lisa

2 comments:

  1. Lisa -- Wishing you the best of luck as you go through your journey to an improved you! You are a beautiful person inside & out. Stay strong! I miss seeing you at school. Take care!! Holly

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  2. Thanks, Holly. We miss you, too! We will have to have a reunion meeting soon. :-) Have a great year, and I am still keeping my ears open for you!

    P&L,
    Lisa

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