Gastric Bypass Surgery

In my previous blog titled "The Journey" I stated that I will be getting Gestural Bypass Surgery sometime this year. My real purpose for writing this blog is because from all the research I have done I can not find anyone who decided to share their story form start to finish. Well that is my intention!!! Now granted I am not exactly starting form day 1. Kaiser has a lengthy proses before you are even considered for Surgery. There are several steps

1. Referral From your primary physician
2. Introduction Class
3. 10 Week nutrition and awareness class
4. Psychological Exam
5. Interview With a Nutritionist
6. Interview with your surgeon
7. loose a goal weight (10% normally)
8. Schedule Surgery

Now everything here seems like a lot to do and your right it is! They want you to be completely informed of what your getting in to all the health risk, the lifestyle changes you need to make. Once you have the surgery that's it your stuck, buyers remorse sucks because they wont undo it!

Some of the life style changes I have had to make so far were I had to give up carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol. I still need to give up fatty foods and sugary foods. As a matter of fact last night my wife and I went to our favorite restaurant, and yes I had a 16 oz. Prime Rib, Potato all the fixings, Bowl of clam chowder, and 1/2 a serving of bread pudding. I just had to say goodbye.

The reasons I must make these changes now (and there are more of them) is after the surgery my stomach will be the size of a golf ball, carbonated beverages will make your stomach expand (and yes you can increase the size of your stomach and essentially undo the surgery over time) alcohol caffeine and sugar will effect your body differently after the surgery.

Those of you who think GBS is an easy answer are wrong, it's a quicker one yes, but the work must continue throughout your life. I can still back slide.

So why am I giving up everything, and facing the possible risk associated with GBS. As I said before I want to be around for my wife. I have been diabetic now for 12 years and it ain't getting better, in fact I am getting worse, GBS improves Diabetes, and in 90% of Diabetics who have the surgery, it reverses it (type 2 diabetics) I would rather have an extra 20-40 years of life with my wife then a 4 course meal.

I have already done steps 1-4 and on January 13th I complete step 5. Since your surgeon goes back through your history for up to 1 year to find your highest weight, I am trying to loose weight now. My highest weight I believe was 350 I weigh 330 now so in 15 - 20 pounds I'll Be there. Monday I will be starting with the gym and I plan to start posting my weight progress at the begging of my blog, so readers can see how I am doing.

I have a great suppoort crew. Number 1 is my Wife, she is also getting the surgery for her own reasons. But the way I figure it, if I must face a life of food denial, whom better to face it with me, also a good friend of ours just had the surgery 3 days ago, so I get to see her progress.

Currently my next step is getting over this heart burn I have earned last night. Yikes!!! Latter Gators