Sooo......2 months ago, during a conversation with my primary care
doctor, she said "Gretchen, I can tell you are frustrated with your
weight loss journey. You seem to be stuck, what can we do to help you
get through this." My response.....Dr. Dow, I am ready to try ANYTHING!
We started with agreeing to do a sleep study, join a medically
supervised exercise program at the gym and then, she said the "dirty"
words, weight loss surgery.
I know I sighed audibly,
and she smiled at me. Weight loss surgery was always a last chance
option for me. I know several people who have gone through the surgery
(some successfully, and several who have regained the weight after
2-3years). Here's the thing, I know I am stubborn, strong, determined,
blahblahblah..........It scares me to death, that I will become
complacent like the people I know who have regained the weight.
I
promised my doctor, I would do a consultation with a surgeon. I
promised I would be open minded and really listen to what the surgeon
had to say. I am leaning more towards having the surgery than not
having the surgery. I would be doing the Vertical Gastric Sleeve.
Basically they remove 2/3 of your stomach, the portion that creates
ghrelin. Ghrelin is the hormone that creates the feeling of hunger.
So far, I have been to an orientation, met with the surgeon, done a crap load of research and had 1 nutrition class.
My
psych eval is scheduled (okay, for those that know me.....don't say it,
I know I am crazy, but hey, why not have a doc tell me officially?)
I
had my last Diet Dr. Pepper on Tuesday (even though I found one in the
office fridge yesterday). (can't have carbonation for at least 1 year
after surgery).
I have started practicing not drinking
anything 30 mins before or 30 mins after I eat.....that is a tough habit
to break! Next will be not drinking with a straw AND giving up
coffee. I think I will wait until September 1st for the coffee......
I
am going to the gym for an orientation today, I will meet with a
trainer 2x a week and then also do some pool work (which is really what I
want to do......)
The earliest I can do the surgery
would be middle to end of October. I decided to share my decision
because I think that people tend to be ashamed of deciding this drastic
route to assist with weight loss. If you think it is the easy way out,
you would be wrong. Yes, the surgery is the easy piece, BUT we are
talking a complete lifestyle change. Remember, the stomach will be 2/3
smaller than it is now. This is just a tool. I will be looking to my
inner circle, more than ever, for support.
I ask that
if you have something negative to say, DON'T say anything. This is not a
decision I am coming to lightly. It has taken a lot of prayer and
research.
Let the journey begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment