Gastric Bypass Post-op 22 days

Hello everyone, I just wanted to stop in and tell everyone whats going on with me. But before I do so I would like to give you a back ground of who I am. I am a husband to a wonderful woman that has always stood by me no matter what. We have had our hard times but things are getting better. My wife has blessed me with two beautiful babies. One little girl on 03/28/06 and a baby boy not more than a month old. What I do for a living is I save lives or have the know how to do so if it comes to that. In other words I work as a EMT. I was 399.5 pounds while I was doing the job and I really didn't see anything wrong with it. Until one day I couldn't find any uniform paints in my size. From what I could see is that there aren't that many 400 pound EMT's. So my wife and I talked about me having the surgery.  I found a doctor his name is Dr. Goodman and he is out of Holy Name Hospital in NJ. He's a wonderful man and I  was bless to meet him. I had my surgery on 11/20 and the road has been very hard for me. Its nuts but at times I just want to chew something. I also ended up having a infection in my surgery sight. I am on medication and its getting better and in time it will clear up. But going back to how big I was, almost 400 pounds. I am now 350 pounds and dropping more every day. I am happy that the weight is coming off I just wi**** could be faster. But never the less its coming off. I still have 6 weeks of recovery to get done but that isn't going to be a problem. To anyone that is thinking about having this surgery. "DO IT" I did it and I am the biggest baby in the world. I hate needles and I really dislike hospitals. I know what you are thinking a EMT that doesn't like hospitals? I know most EMT's are some what off ! Its the best thing that I could have done for "MYSELF" By bettering myself I better my family. I will be able to play with my kids and also play with my wife. LOL But most of all this will help me earn the money I need to support my family. My dream is to get on a paid fire department and now that the weight is coming off and that my health is getting better I will now be able to follow that dream. There are a lot of things that you have to think about when doing this surgery. I know there was for me! But trust me the over all perks of the surgery out weigh the risk.  I just wanted to share my thoughts and if anyone has any questions for me that are pre-op or post-op please contact me. Its always nice to talk to other people that are in the process as I am. Thanks  Mr.RI

Congrats!!  (I am one of those big babies too- and recently have been doubting my wanting to do this).  Thank you for your inspiring words and I wish you the best!!!

Congrats and thanks for the words of encouragement. While I have no doubts...I too hate needles. The way I see it is...If I don't take control now...the meds, needles and other surgeries will follow in time. In comparision, this will be a piece of cake! ;-)

I agree with you about the needles.   I have been poked so many times (blood work etc.) that I told my Primary Doctor that Iam sick of getting stuck with needles.   I know this is a very serious decision but I was told if I don't do something about my weight I may not be around to watch  my grandchildren grow up or celebrate the special achievements of my children.   As you stated, I want to be healthy for myself, first and my family. Thanks for the encouraging words. Robin