baydoll
EASTER 2011
(Don't bother continuing if you don't want to read about my very personal journey this year.)
I guess right now I'm bored. It's Easter Sunday...Jeff is napping, Kathryn and her family spend this holiday with Patrick's family, Peter is vacationing in Cuba with Nicole, his soon to be bride, and her family, our little turkey breast is in the oven and I just finished making some jewelry and I'm not inspired to do more.
Those of you who know me are aware I've battled my constantly increasing weight for all of my adult life. I used every excuse available (you can only blame a bad first marriage so long) but was never able to get a grip on it....not certain I ever really tried. A couple of years ago I decided I had to do something about it. With Jeff's encouragement and the support of my family doctor, I was referred to the Weight Management Clinic at the Ottawa Hospital with the hope of being approved for Bariatric surgery...a huge step for me, I actually had to allow someone to see my weight!!! I waited and waited and waited. I knew the list was long but I was healthy otherwise , I wanted to start this journey before I started to develop weight-related illnesses.
I started to explore other options which led me to Mexico. Jeff continued to be supportive and we decided we could manage this venture financially...Jeff was a little concerned about replacing the contents of my closet but the cost of surgery itself was not an issue!! I did tons of research and found a surgeon who would perform surgery in Puerto Vallarta on weekends even though Dr. Castaneda's practice is in Guadalajara, Mexico. I set the wheels in motion!! I started my pre-op low-carb diet on Boxing Day after enjoying a wonderful Christmas season. On January 6th Jeff and I headed to Puerto Vallarta with the support and love of the FEW people who knew of my plan.
I had arranged for Roux-En-Y gastric by-pass surgery (which is the standard in Canada) and as we neared our destination I was having second thoughts...not about having the surgery, about the type. I had concerns about the mal-absorptive nature of RNY and in Mexico I actually had a choice. As always I discussed my options with Jeff and as always, he was supportive AND well-informed. On Friday, January 7th I went to the hospital for my pre-op testing and talked to my co-ordinator there about my change of heart. Dr. Castaneda called me at the hotel that evening and was in full agreement about my decision to go with Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy which is restrictive surgery but does not interfere with absorption.
Saturday, January 8th, the day I longed for and feared...Jeff and I were up bright and early and headed to the hospital. I can't describe the anxiety I felt. It wasn't related to the hospital, certainly not the doctor...simply about having major, life-altering surgery....always an element of risk. I was both terrified and thrilled at the same time. Would this surgery work for me? Would I go home to my family??
Now it's 3 and a half months later and my stomach is about one quarter the size it was. I feel better than I have in as many years as I can remember. So far I've lost 54.4lbs...I'll be happy to lose another 25!! I never feel hunger, but feel full very quickly, I can tolerate any food, (and yes, I occasionally have a little bit of chocolate), I have more energy, more confidence, I look forward to going places, I don't avoid mirrors anymore. Jeff's getting kinda worried because we're going on a shopping trip next weekend...my closet is pretty bare and needs attention.
Many thanks to so many people who have supported me on this incredible journey since its beginning...Kathryn and Peter who have been with me since day 1, a few of my co-workers...you know who you are, my sistas-in law, Darlene and Brenda, my surgeon extrordinaire, Dr. Jose Antonio Castaneda Cruz and his amazing team, and of course the man who supports me and loves me no matter what, my precious husband Jeff.
Easter...about new life....exactly what I have!!!!
