1 post tagged “gastric bypass”

I'm having gastric bypass surgery.

I'm 46 years old and am an expert at losing weight. In fact, I'm even better at gaining weight. So, you see my problem. Or maybe you don't.

I've heard it a million times (mostly from my brain). 'why don't you just exercise and eat less?'. I told you 'I'm an expert at losing weight'. It's the keeping-it-off part that I'm miserable at.

I've been failing at this for close to all of my adult life. So, I'm prepared to take the risk and permanently change my innards so that I can enjoy life again. I have other responsibilities that need my attention, like my life. So, I can't have this heavy burden (sorry for the pun but it is literally that) distracting me from being a husband, dad, and employee.

Some thinner friends say 'you just have to do it'. Well, believe me, I've tried harder than they ever have and I've failed. Again and again. I do realize that I'll have to change other things in my lifestyle. I won't be able to eat high fat and/or high carb foods. I'll only be able to eat small portions. I may experience a 'honeymoon' period in which I may lose at lot of weight for about 18 months. I may even die from the surgery.

But, at 361 lbs. in January 2007, and with severe obstructive sleep apnea and on the road to other co-morbidities, I could become disabled or, yes, die. I'll take the chance at life rather than roll the dice on when I could have a stroke or heart attack.

I've joined the gym and am online at traineo where you can see my progress as I move toward my surgery weight of 'in the 320's' (says my surgeon). I have my pre-op testing on April 18 and surgery is scheduled for April 30th.

Here goes!