Why? and What is the Surgery About?

Why am I having this surgery? Some family members were, and still probably are, against me having this surgery. I had trained for and walked the Susan G. Koman Boston 3 Day in 2006 and had lost 70 pounds on my own and walked 30 miles that weekend, with the bulk being in the first day (18 miles). So why can't I do that again, they asked.

I have tried so many times to lose weight. I have been successful many times as well. If I can get in the right mind set for long enough I show great results. The problem is, I always gain it back with extra. This is really wearing on my body. I was lucky until this last weight gain. I found out I have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, sleep apnea with sleepless nights, depression, anxiety, edema, acid reflux, pain in my joints, dizziness that occurs way too often, back pain, as well as a few other symptoms that I am probably forgetting. I even went for an eye exam and the Doctor found blood spots on my eyes which indicates I have blood spots throughout my body. These can hemorrhage or cause a stroke if my blood pressure gets too high. That's the one that really scared me.

I am only 39. I'm not going to make another 10 if I keep heading in the direction I was going. So my comment was, "yes, there is a slight possibility I could die during surgery or from complications after the surgery. But I feel at least I would have tried to solve the issue instead of waiting to die from one of the above symptoms, which could be any day." I have been motivated to do this for more than a year now. In the past month and a half I have lost 27 pounds on my own. I have already started feeling a difference in my body. But in order to continue, I need a solid tool. Something to keep the weight loss going. This operation will help.

The bypass leaves you with a "pouch" instead of a stomach. The lower part of your lower intestines are made to bypass the upper portion, creating a shorter digestive track. Less calories and nutrients are able to be consumed due to the new pouch being so tiny. It will only hold about a cup of food. For a better explanation of the surgery, visit the Mayo Clinic's page at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465.

There are no averages to really quote on the weight loss that takes place after the surgery because each person is so different. SO I have no idea what to expect, except that my story will be unique to any others. I have heard many success stories and have a few personal friends who have had great success. My realistic goal is to lose 40 pounds before returning to work 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. I was speaking with a woman yesterday during my pre-surgical appointment who stated that she had lost more than 100 pounds since the surgery and a friend of hers recently lost 88 pounds in 3 months! That's inspirational.

With only about 110 hours left until the surgery takes place, I must tell you that I am very nervous. My thoughts have ranged from "I'll never be able to eat THAT again," to "death is a possibility." Sorry to be so morbid but this is about the truth. The thought has crossed my mind. For all of you who truly know me, I would fight and win, no worries. I have too much to look forward to and live for in my life. I have a loving supportive husband and two wonderful teenagers who I need to watch grow into the wonderful men I see them becoming. I have a wonderful family here and in Pennsylvania as well as friends who are very supportive, encouraging and willing to help me succeed after the surgery.

I am worried, scared, nervous, anxious, and a bit depressed. But more than that, I am excited. I am dedicated to being strong and doing what I need to in order to succeed at this. I am fascinated to get to know the woman who evolves from who I am now. I'm hoping it just intensifies the good parts of my personality. I look forward to the the hills and mountains ahead of me and ask God for the strength to be able to climb them.

Thank you to those who have stuck by me so far and are just as anxious for me as I am for myself. You are truly amazing and inspire me to work my hardest at this. Thank you for your support so far. I look forward to taking this journey with you at my side.

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