You remember that picture, it was the first one I uploaded to the blog last December.
So exactly one year ago, Cheryl, Mom, Dad, and I woke up really early on a Monday and loaded into my car for the drive to Mass General. I was wearing my airplane outfit which consisted of sweatpants and a t-shirt. It was really cold and I remember it being a bit of a quiet car ride. I don't think there was a lot of fear, but I think it was 6:00 a.m. and we were still tired.
When I get into unknown situations, I become very focused on logistics. I worry about things like finding a parking spot, where is the right building, what floor are we on, which desk do I check in with, when do I need to say goodbye to my family, etc... Sometimes I think I become a bit of a grouch in these situations because I am not at all relaxed. But I remember on this day, being that it was so early, it all fell into place very easily. We were there way before we had to be, but after waiting in the waiting room for only 5 mins they called me back. From there it was pretty much non-stop medical stuff...vitals check, questions like "Have you eaten? did you take your pills?" etc.
They let Cheryl and the parents come back to say bye and wish me well, then I was rolled around on a bed. I still don't remember being nervous, but I am sure I was at least a bit anxious. I remember several hospital staff asking me what surgery I was getting...this alarmed me at first because I thought "You should know." But then I realized that it was probably some sort of safety check to make sure everyone was on the same page and that there was no miscommunication or something.
I do remember feeling a bit "awestruck" when being wheeled into the operating room - it was SO FLIPPIN' BRIGHT, I remember thinking "this must be what the light at the end of the tunnel feels like" but I quickly dismissed that thought as being ill-timed. That passing thought was probably the only moment where nerves hit me. The staff was really professional and comforting and the only other moment that gave me any stress was when they were going to move me from the rolly bed to the operating table. I remember thinking that this could be disastrous if they try to lift me. I quickly dismissed that thought after realizing that they have dealt with patients much bigger than I. Dr. Hutter showed up like a rockstar, last that is. He was awesome and I immediately felt at ease when he arrived.
I have been put under general anesthesia twice now. Both times it amazed me that you seem to blink to find yourself in a different room with different people...it startles me. But unlike my wisdom teeth extraction, this time I woke up with a catheter. I was not thrilled about that and quickly asked for it to be removed. I don't know how I went through all this preparation and did not know that that stupid thing was gonna be a part of me for 2 more days. I think they leave that information out of the pamphlet on purpose.
Anyway, the journey began from there. The next few days were uncomfortable but not unbearable. The worst part was probably the swallow test and trying to drink enough crystal light on the final day to prove that I could keep myself hydrated w/out an IV. But I did, and I got home and got better really fast. It's been an amazing year since.
From 298 lbs (on a good day) to 186 I'm now down approximately 112 lbs.
I've gone from a size 48 pant to a size 34.
I've gone from stretching out XXL shirts down to L.
I've gone from a daily regiment of 24 mg of atenolol (beta blocker), 320 mg of Diovan (another blood pressure med), 20 mg of Omeprazole (for acid reflux) to 12 mg of atenolol only
I no longer where a CPAP to bed for sleep apnea, and I usually don't snore anymore.
I've dropped 3 ring sizes and so I have had my wedding ring resized
My hats and shoes are now to big
My cholesterol levels are normal
I've gone from pre-diabetic to completely normal levels of insulin resistance
My fatty liver is now showing normal function
My lab work shows good vitamin and nutrient absorption
KNOCK WOOD- no gall bladder issues or ulcers.
What's changed? I have not had a sip of carbonated beverages in over a year. I can't seem to eat more than a couple french fries. I also can't have more than a few bites of ice cream...although I have not tried in a long while. I try to completely avoid snacks w/out some sort of nutritional value. I opt for whole grain products, or high fiber/protein type ideas. I don't do potato chips or doritos much. Why don't we have whole grain doritos? seems like a slam dunk to me.
What needs to change? EXERCISE. I just haven't been doing it since it got cold here. I've noticed that I get cold now...I guess 100 lbs makes for a good amount of insulation. I need to get exercising, I can't have come all this way to get tripped up by something that is completely within my control.
I hope you guys enjoyed the one year update...I hope very much that I have another one for you in a year (along with some smaller ones before then) that shows sustained health and weight management.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Thanks for all your support this year...
When I get into unknown situations, I become very focused on logistics. I worry about things like finding a parking spot, where is the right building, what floor are we on, which desk do I check in with, when do I need to say goodbye to my family, etc... Sometimes I think I become a bit of a grouch in these situations because I am not at all relaxed. But I remember on this day, being that it was so early, it all fell into place very easily. We were there way before we had to be, but after waiting in the waiting room for only 5 mins they called me back. From there it was pretty much non-stop medical stuff...vitals check, questions like "Have you eaten? did you take your pills?" etc.
They let Cheryl and the parents come back to say bye and wish me well, then I was rolled around on a bed. I still don't remember being nervous, but I am sure I was at least a bit anxious. I remember several hospital staff asking me what surgery I was getting...this alarmed me at first because I thought "You should know." But then I realized that it was probably some sort of safety check to make sure everyone was on the same page and that there was no miscommunication or something.
I do remember feeling a bit "awestruck" when being wheeled into the operating room - it was SO FLIPPIN' BRIGHT, I remember thinking "this must be what the light at the end of the tunnel feels like" but I quickly dismissed that thought as being ill-timed. That passing thought was probably the only moment where nerves hit me. The staff was really professional and comforting and the only other moment that gave me any stress was when they were going to move me from the rolly bed to the operating table. I remember thinking that this could be disastrous if they try to lift me. I quickly dismissed that thought after realizing that they have dealt with patients much bigger than I. Dr. Hutter showed up like a rockstar, last that is. He was awesome and I immediately felt at ease when he arrived.
I have been put under general anesthesia twice now. Both times it amazed me that you seem to blink to find yourself in a different room with different people...it startles me. But unlike my wisdom teeth extraction, this time I woke up with a catheter. I was not thrilled about that and quickly asked for it to be removed. I don't know how I went through all this preparation and did not know that that stupid thing was gonna be a part of me for 2 more days. I think they leave that information out of the pamphlet on purpose.
Anyway, the journey began from there. The next few days were uncomfortable but not unbearable. The worst part was probably the swallow test and trying to drink enough crystal light on the final day to prove that I could keep myself hydrated w/out an IV. But I did, and I got home and got better really fast. It's been an amazing year since.
From 298 lbs (on a good day) to 186 I'm now down approximately 112 lbs.
I've gone from a size 48 pant to a size 34.
I've gone from stretching out XXL shirts down to L.
I've gone from a daily regiment of 24 mg of atenolol (beta blocker), 320 mg of Diovan (another blood pressure med), 20 mg of Omeprazole (for acid reflux) to 12 mg of atenolol only
I no longer where a CPAP to bed for sleep apnea, and I usually don't snore anymore.
I've dropped 3 ring sizes and so I have had my wedding ring resized
My hats and shoes are now to big
My cholesterol levels are normal
I've gone from pre-diabetic to completely normal levels of insulin resistance
My fatty liver is now showing normal function
My lab work shows good vitamin and nutrient absorption
KNOCK WOOD- no gall bladder issues or ulcers.
What's changed? I have not had a sip of carbonated beverages in over a year. I can't seem to eat more than a couple french fries. I also can't have more than a few bites of ice cream...although I have not tried in a long while. I try to completely avoid snacks w/out some sort of nutritional value. I opt for whole grain products, or high fiber/protein type ideas. I don't do potato chips or doritos much. Why don't we have whole grain doritos? seems like a slam dunk to me.
What needs to change? EXERCISE. I just haven't been doing it since it got cold here. I've noticed that I get cold now...I guess 100 lbs makes for a good amount of insulation. I need to get exercising, I can't have come all this way to get tripped up by something that is completely within my control.
I hope you guys enjoyed the one year update...I hope very much that I have another one for you in a year (along with some smaller ones before then) that shows sustained health and weight management.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Thanks for all your support this year...
PS. Please excuse the formal "suit" picture...it was a Cheryl request and the only recent picture I have that I don't hate ;)
Joe had a roux-en-y gastric bypass on 12/15/2008 at Mass General Hospital in Boston. This blog follows his experience.
