Monday, May 11, 2009

Preparing for Surgery

These are my thoughts as I prepared for this next step in my journey to a better life.
Back in Aug 2008 Dr. Katz set out to get me qualified to have bariactric surgery and we went through appeals after appeals, finally in mar 2009 We recieved notice from the insurance company that I was approved.

On April 15th I went to see the Surgeon Dr. Sherman Smith We decided to go with the Gastric band, Dr. felt that this would be the best route for me.
Gastric banding surgery involves the following:
Using laparoscopic tools, the surgeon places an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. Squeezed by the silicone band, the stomach becomes a pouch with about an inch-wide outlet. After banding, the stomach can only hold about an ounce of food. A plastic tube runs from the silicone band to a device just under the skin, Saline (sterile salt water) can be injected or removed through the skin, flowing into or out of the silicone band. Injecting saline fills the band and makes it tighter.

In this way, the band can be tightened or loosened as needed. This can reduce side effects and improve weight loss...
Well, we scheduled my surgery date for May 6th. and I had my pre-surgery appt on April 29th 2009 and had my before picture taken and was weighed in. I Started my 10 day pre-surgery Diet which consistated of 3 protein shakes a day and 1 high protein low carb meal per day not to exceed 900 calories for the whole day (including shake calories)

I took this time to also do portion control and get use to eating smaller amounts and with smaller plates ext.

Don't get me wrong it was an adjustment, and I had some cravings like no other, but I didnt cheat my self, when the kids had some cake for Keegan's and Steve's Birthday I had a bite but I stopped there and didnt have anymore. those 2 weeks were really hard I am not sure I would have been able to maintain that for much longer. It was a difficult 10 days.. But it did jump start my weight loss. I had faith that it would.

So, that is in short some thoughts on the first few steps in starting this journey. And also understanding what I had done.

Karianne

1 comment:

  1. Great job holding off on the cake and sticking to the prep! I am proud of you! I think it will be a great opportunity for change for you!

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