1-week Post-Op and 21 Lbs. down!!!

Well, today is officially a week since surgery and I am feeling GREAT! I was doing my best to post right after surgery but, mentally and physically, could'nt get myself to do it! Although now, at 7 days out, the pain and horror of surgery and immediate recovery are distant memories. NO ONE had prepared me for this level of pain. Amazing! Also to find out that they had repaired an hiatal hernia which was the most painful of all. And let's not even begin to talk about the gas! LOL... Couldn't get it out for the first 3 days and, for those who know, it is the worst feeling in the world. I remember reading the OH forum and seeing people stating that they could not get down their required 64 oz. of fluids per day and saying "that's crazy,  I can do this in a flash!"... Oh No! I've been schooled! LOL... well, let's say that it took me 2 days to down an 8 oz. cup of water... Plus, the protein intake is such a challenge. Everything is a challenge. It is as if you are re-educating yourself to live with a baby's stomach's capacity...

The most awakening feeling is to wake up after surgery and to realize that your relationship with food has been severed. This long-term partner which occupied your mind and engulfed your life has suddenly lost its grip. It is an odd feeling which gives a sense of rebirth. For these first days, food did not exist. And then, it all clicked!... This surgery is not a magic wand... It is indeed a tool that helps you adjust your behavior and adopt a new way of living by physically forcing you to control impulses and giving you a window of opportunity to change your body. My humble goal is to lose at least 75 lbs within the next 6 months and this tool is going to help me! Yes it will! :)

As of date, I still don't have a hunger feeling. I still forcing (TRYING) the water and protein down. I need to do a better job of keeping hydrated. So I'm -21 lbs as of today and I am SUPER excited!!! :)- I'm ON MY WAY!!!!!

Question 1: Did I make the right decision by having this surgery even with all the pain, drama and risks?: YES! - Question 2: Knowing what I know now, would have I made the same decision?: HELLZ YA!!!! lol

Have a superb day guys! :)

Surgery is tomorrow ... How do I feel? :( :( :(

Well, it's around midnight and, although I'm quite calm, quiet, serene, and introspective, I must admit that I am somewhat nervous... More than somewhat actually. I've got much on my mind... On top of jitters, and debating whether or not to write notes to my family :(... Although I also feel that a new chance at life has been handed to me. For those who think weight loss surgery is the easy way out, this is the moment of truth... The moment when you know that, albeit the risks presented by surgery, this is the way out. Liberation from the prison of obesity and its constant chackles of shame, depression, social anxiety, social withdrawal, inability to live to one's full potential, and the crippling feeling of inadequacy watching life just pass you by and not being able to conquer this ONE thing... No, it is not because you cannot control what you put in your mouth, are lazy, and are a lost case... It is because your brain, hormones, mind, physiology, intellect, spirit, and body have given up the fight. It is understanding that surgery is not a panacea but rather a jumpstart to allow you to implement newly formed behavior and habits and to address the dysfunctional relationship you have with food, and with whatever it helps you cope with... It is saying goodbye to your dependable old best friend who has carried you through the peaks and valleys of your life and embracing your new best friend: the one who has been screaming for help, the one you have suppressed, the one you have deemed unreachable and out of your league, the one who deserves a healthy and happy life... Yup! THAT ONE! The YOU you know you can be!!! Much love on the journey ahead to all my newbies! God willing, all will go well, and I will be updating tomorrow after surgery!

Lisa Lampanelli speaking about her Gastric Sleeve on Bethenny

A candid and realistic take on things... Love it!

Surgery BACK ON and I am SOOOO excited!

All is well with my anemia and the surgery is back on and scheduled for Monday 07/16/2012. I shall consider this date my "re-birth" day. So excited! and looking forward to the road ahead. Come to think of it, I am happy it didnt happen on June 25th as previously scheduled. I was not as prepared as I am right now. I've had more time for introspection and preparation. ObesityHelp.com has been very helpful in the process as well. I am back at the pre-op diet. It has been difficult and I've cheated a couple of times :( but giving it my best shot! You fall back, you get back up! That's the motto... I will be adding pics and videos and will keep you all posted on how things are going!