Mike's RNY & Kathy's surgery (long post)

Mike is almost one month out and doing well. He is down 30 pounds and eating just about anything he wants just tiny servings. He tried a bite of fudge over the holidays and had no problem with it, much to my dismay. He cannot tolerate any bread though. He does best with soups. I think he is going thru some difficult adjustments about food. I find him opening cupboards and the fridge and he tells me there is nothing good to eat. He admits he is not hungry but is still looking anyway. He is talking about food all the time, almost as if he is obsessive about it. I'm sure he will grow used to his new way of eating but it is hard to watch him. Last night he said he just felt like crying but couldn't explain exactly why. It sure gives me insight into the power we have given to food in our lives. I will fight anyone who says this surgery is the easy way out! Now my news. After much soul searching and discussion with my surgeon I have decided not to have WLS. As some of you know, I have had many difficult medical problems over the past 3 years. 7 abdominal surgeries including a colostomy. I had severe sepsis and peritonitis with respiratory failure and suffered 3 small strokes in the brain stem during my recoveries. Although the surgeon says he will do the lap procedure we talked at length about the possibility of the abdominal adhesions being too severe and that he would not be able to get enough intestine to move freely. He said if this is the case it would be extremely difficult to have a successful surgery. This would also be the case with an open procedure. The surgeon's fee is $7000 and the hospital $12,000 which I would have to pay even for an unsuccessful RNY. The choice was mine but the risks to me physically and financially are difficult to get around. I am disappointed and depressed. I am using some of my RNY money to hire a personal trainer and my MD has me lined up to work with a nutritionist ongoing so I have some hope that this might help. Also, following my husband's lead I have really cut down on portions and we are eating healthy for the first time in awhile. It is my desire to lose weight right along with him. Here's to a great weight loss in 2004. I have enjoyed this group very much and will continue to check in periiodically. I love the Q & A for Mike's constant questions. Take care all.

Kathy, Glad to hear Mike is doing well. Thirty pounds, that's wonderful!! I know he must be feeling good. I'm so sorry to hear about your difficulties, though. I know it must be really hard. But you need to keep your health the priority, and it sounds like that's what you're doing. I would probably make the same decision as you, especially if there was no guarantee that it would even be a successful RNY!! With Mike in the house and his new eating habits that might be really helpful to you. It sounds exciting to have a personal trainer too. I have often wished I could have one! (Especially a cute one hehe...!!) Please do check in often so we can hear of yours and Mike's progress. We are here as a support too, so don't feel alone. I am available to listen and or give advice anytime you need someone to talk to. Take care!! ~Lynn

Kathy -I know how disappointed you feel...I think you will be able to loose some weight on your own though and I am rooting for ya! I am always here for you too.. surgery or not... so keep my number and if ya ever just need to talk give me a call.. I will be in Sacred Heart Jan 26th for a hysterectomy.. oh joy.. I think they said I will be in for 3-5 days so you can come see me if ya want...... that is about the only time I can say exactly where I will be..I am doing so much more now than before.. if I was hard to catch then I am impossible to keep up with now!