Journey into Gastric Bypass

I am 10 weeks post op and would like to share the struggles and rewards of having gastric bypass.

My journey began in August 2007, I made up my mind that this was something that I wanted and nothing could change my mind. I signed up for a local seminar with medical records in hand. I contacted my health insurance company to verify that they did cover the procedure. I was informed that it was in fact covered.

In December I had all of my preoperative work completed (labs, EKG, upper gi, and psych eval). The entire test came back normal and my surgery was scheduled. Surgery date is scheduled for January 07^th.

I checked into the hospital at 5:00 am the morning of surgery. Things went fairly quickly once I was checked in. I signed several forms and the nurse came into check my vitals and gives me an IV. Once the IV was in place I was wheeled down to the waiting room where I met with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.

I was now ready for surgery and wheeled into the operation room. I was awake upon entry and helped scoot on to the operating table. I gave one look around the room and the next thing I know its nap time.

Roughly 2 hours later I am waking up in the recovery room. I can't remember much here but when I finally woke up in my room I was feeling a little nauseous and pain in my left side. Pain in the left side is common. This is where the largest incision is and also where the largest tools are inserted. With the IV fluids pumping through me I had to use the restroom. My first challenge getting out of bed myself, on my feet I slowly made it to the restroom.

I was able to eat a few ice chips but I had to have a barium swallow to check for leaks before any drinking. I waited patiently for them to come and get me to do my leak test. My mouth was so dry that I wanted this over with. I was giving a cup to drink and I could not get it down. It made me sick to my stomach. Now I can't really say that it physically made me sick it may have been in my head. This was the first thing I was drinking with my new pouch. I did eventually make it through the test and was given the ok to drink.

Once back in my room I sipped on my water and rested. The nurses would come in and get me out of bed. I would walk the halls, walking is one of the most important things you can do after this surgery. At the time I really hated these nurses it felt like torture to me. By the time discharge day came around I was feeling good about my decision and ready to get on with life at home.

How had my life changed since surgery? I am struggling to get my protein in. I thought it would be easier than it has been. I have become lactose intolerant and that makes it very difficult. Eating has become hit or miss. One day I can eat chicken and the next it will make me double over in pain until I vomit. This also happens with beef and seafood.

My energy was extremely low leaving the hospital up until around my 5^th week post op. I have to remind myself to eat, my body needs fuel. Right now I have no hunger I call this the honeymoon period because eventually I will get my appetite back. Once I have my appetite back it is very important that I have instilled new eating habits. This is a lifestyle change one that my entire family has made with me.

I recently joined a gym and what a wonderful feeling it is to workout. I enjoy taking my kids to the pool and swimming. I never had the energy prior to surgery to enjoy my children. I am completely satisfied with my decision to have this surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat.