kidsnurse
I am 25 years old and feel like I am 45. I have finally reached my wits end with my weight. I suddenly began gaining weight at 16 years old and have not stopped. Although I so far do not have any severe illness related to my obesity, it scares me to death, espacially as a nurse and seeing what complications can arise from things like diabetes. I do have several minor problems, such as reflux, body aches, back and foot pain, just to name a few. A person of my age should not have these problems.
Almost 2 years ago during my yearly physical, my general doctor is actually the first who suggested gastric bypass. I said absolutely NO WAY that it would be crazy to risk my life like that. So I began to research the lap-band. Through talking with my doctor, and with others who had the procedure, I had been told it really isn't that restrictive, and many have trouble losing with it. I believed it wasn't the right option for me.
As I continued to gain more weight, and get more fed up, I began to research GBS. Through my research, and through talking with others who have had the procedure, I found that it truly isn't this horrific procedure that so many people suffer from and die from. It's a lifesaver. I have gotten mostly criticism for my decision, because the procedure IS viewed as such a horrific experience. But I know it will be fine and will all be worth it.
And so my journey begins.
In November 2006, I went to my first consultation appointment. I had already began the process of quitting smoking, as I had been informed I would have to quit at least 3 months pre-op. The quitting actually went very well; I used wellbutrin which I highly recommend. However, during this time I gained 20 pounds from quitting smoking. My doctor refused to do surgery until I was back to my consultation weight. When I wasn't back to my weight 3 months later, they decided to allow me to schedule my surgery with the understanding that I would have to lose the weight or my surgery would be cancelled. So I did it, in 6 weeks, short 2 pounds but they were ok with that. I worked my ass off (literally) to get there, eating 1500 calories per day (in comparison to my 3 or 4000), and walking 30 minutes to an hour a day. I started my pre-op liquid diet. And then the next day, I received a phone call. When I scheduled my surgery the receptionist told me that the surgeon was going on vacation the following week, but that she felt like it was enough time. In 6 weeks no one bothered to check. So 2 weeks before they are calling to tell me that my surgery needs to be rescheduled because he doesn't want to do it that close to his vacation. GRRRR. But, things happen, and I rescheduled for one month later.
So now I am just anxiously waiting for August 8th.
