So I thought I would take some time today to write a little about my journey so far with the gastric bypass...
I decided it was time to start fresh when I hit the 300lb mark. It was April 2013 and I had discussed with my Dr. numerous time I was not ready for surgery again!!! My Dr. explained that it does not have to be surgical but I could get involved with the program and go the behavioral route.
I started the program in April, went through the groups (behavioral, nutrition, and monthly weigh in's). Even though I was making changes, I still was not losing weight. My weight would fluctuate up and down, as it had all my life.
During my weekly meeting I discussed my success and struggles with the lap-band and shared my frustrations with my group peers. I discussed my stressors and my story about losing my dad on Christmas Eve 2 years ago. I don't usually open up to people right away, but I knew if I wanted help (which I really did), I had to start somewhere and trust someone!
As time went on and I realized that this has always been a struggle of mine ~being unable to lose the weight on my own~ I decided it was time to give surgery another go! I was approved by the team and was sent to Dr. Potter's for a consult!
In November (it does take time to get approved and get an appointment at the surgeons office), at Dr. Potter's office we discussed the previous experience I had and what had happened, Dr. Potter told me that it would not be possible to have the sleeve done because of all the possible scar tissue around the stomach. I had to have gastric bypass if I wanted to go with surgery. I asked many questions and finally agreed with the Dr. After my appointment I was sent upstairs to scheduling and was scheduled for surgery January 16th 2014!
January 16th came, my surgery was scheduled for 2:00 however my surgeon was behind so my surgery did not start until 5:00. I woke up in recovery at 9:30 and was sent to my room at 10:30. I was lucky that I got a private room and thank goodness I did!!! I was on the 2nd floor at St. V's hospital, which is the floor they monitor you closely due to your heart! I was on that floor b/c my potassium levels went really low after surgery and I guess that can cause trouble with the heart.
First full day at hospital was clear liquids.. along with IV fluids and bags of IV potassium. I hated the thought, smell and look of food! My Mum, Nana, Grandpa, Hannah and Josh came up to visit.. It was nice to see familiar faces and even though I was sleeping off and on, they stayed for a few hours. Later that night my husband came up to visit (I hadn't seen him since the morning of my surgery since he had to work).
So Saturday night came I was happy to know I was going home and it was great my husband would be home with me for the next few days! Honestly the ride home from the hospital was the absolute worse ride of my life! The bumps were the hardest part of the ride home, I could feel each and every one!!!
The first week being home sucked! I had a really hard time getting my protein in, I hated the thought of chewing my vitamins and I just was not in the mood for anything. My pain felt intolerable and not to mention the gas pains. I continued to remind myself this will all be worth it in the end! I am pleased to say everyday gets better and I am down 23lbs. My post op nutrition appointment is Thursday where she will upgrade my diet to soft foods!
Well until next time......
~Mandy
So, when I left my appointment I decided to head to Target to pick up a few things, eggs, tuna, saltines, etc.... Then had to go for my drug testing for my new job (Seven Hills as a Senior Service Coordinator). Finally came home to relax and have some lunch, tuna with low fat mayo and 2 saltine crackers! I tell you; I enjoyed every bite!!! I will learn to appreciate food again! 
