The Decision to Have Surgery

In February 2009, I had parent-teacher conferences. One of the parents told me that she was going to have a lap-band procedure done. I spent the next few weeks thinking about this. The parent was a similar size to me and she had yo-yo'd with her weight...just like me.

A few weeks later, I was at the doctor office for an ear infection and I decided to ask her about having a lap band done. I almost chickened out, but at end of the appointment, I blurted out, "I want a lap band done." She talked to me about the severity of it...it's surgery, it's not a quick fix, etc. And then she entered the information in the computer for a referral! After waiting for 10 days (or so,) I received the referral in the mail and my insurance approved it!

I spent the next few weeks gathering information for my file. I had to have my previous medical records, all of my surgical reports, a mental health exam, attend a support group and information meeting and have lab work sent to Innovative Weight Loss Solutions before I could even make an appointment with the doctor. Finally, I was able to make an appointment!

On 16 April, I went for my all day appointment at Geary County Hospital. I had to meet with Pam and Rhonda at the Innovative Weight Loss Solutions office. Then I met with Jennifer, the dietitian. I also had to do lab work, have an ultrasound of my gall bladder, and EKG, breathing tests, and an upper GI series with X-Ray (I hope I NEVER have to drink the chalky yuck again!) Finally, I met Dr. Hachem and then I made my appointment for my Lap Band surgery. It was scheduled for 19 May 2009!

After eating jello, broth and protein shakes for 2 weeks, I had my surgery! I arrived at the hospital at 10:00 am and left the next day around noon. The roughest part of the surgery was having the IV started! I have tough veins (they are deep and like to roll,) and it was even tougher since I hadn't had anything to eat or drink since the day before! The other tough thing was I was so thirsty after the surgery. I was able to sip a Tablespoon of water in an hour time frame. After I was released from the hospital, I stayed home from work for the next few days and rested. And ate jello. I never want to eat jello again!

I am now one month out from the surgery. I feel great! I've lost 30 pounds so far! :) In 2 weeks, I'll get my first fill and I'm looking forward to it. While I am eating less (and exercising more,) I don't feel much restriction right now. My 5 incisions have healed well. I am very excited for this next chapter in my life!