The journey began May 15
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My journey to better health 'began' May 15 when I finally went into surgery and got my sleeve
Although the prep for the journey took much longer, and sometimes seemed never-ending. The bariatric center where I'd signed up to go through the procedure lost their surgeon when I was five months in, which unfortunately delayed my surgery by a few months (thankfully, Dr. Eid stepped in. He's the head of bariatrics in the medical group my hospital is a part of, and he and his partner started making trips to Erie specifically to care for the patients here that were left surgeon-less)
So here I am, five days out. I had astronomical pain yesterday (I think I walked a bit too much the day before, because I was getting belly twinges which turned into full-blown burning poker to the tummy yesterday whenever I was upright). The doctor's office told me to listen to my body, take it easy, and if the pain was unbearable, to come in. But since the pain was next to nothing when I was reclined or propped on pillows on the bed, I just took it easy. I saw a suggestion on here in one of the threads I read yesterday about compression pants helping (because it supported some of the belly weight so it wasn't dragging down on the healing areas.) I had several pair of compression yoga pants, which aren't really tight, but were just enough to give a little added support and I was able to get around a bit better last night. I'm looking forward to more walking today...within reason. I don't want to push too hard and have another setback.
Even with the pain yesterday, and the unspeakable nausea coming out of surgery, I haven't regretted the decision for a second. I did have to leave the room when the rest of the family was eating dinner (I had my Soup early so I could go elsewhere). I wasn't really hungry, but everything smelled really good, and I figured it was better to remove myself from the temptation zone (I say temptation, but I've worked way too hard to get to this point to give into temptation at this point. Yes, there are things I would like to someday have again, but I'm in no hurry).
I am incredibly thankful that my insurance allows for continued psychiatric care, because I really credit the counseling I've received to this point with being able to maintain my equilibrium. I had started anti-depressants shortly before starting this journey as well, and I don't think I would be doing nearly as well without those two things. A supportive family helps as well. My bf was really wary of the surgery (more because he's got a horrible phobia against doctors and hospitals that because he was against the surgery), but he's learned that he can no longer be a food pusher (his words...he likes to share whenever he's eating and it's been very difficult for him to change his patterns as well...but I give him credit. He's doing good. He's also an exercise pusher...when I wanted to lay in bed feeling sorry for myself yesterday, he encouraged me to get up and shower, take small steps). Hubby is just the rock that I've leaned on through all of this. While the bf is almost like a drill sergeant at times, hubby is a comfortable pillow to rest on when I've had enough. My kids are kind of meh about the whole thing...but if I can be outside more with them this summer riding, walking and playing, they're all for it.
I won't say it's been easy or fun...the gas pains alone remove it from the fun zone (hence me REALLY wanting to walk more today), but I have my eye on the prize: a healthier life going forward.