do YOU think I'm certifiably insane?

One of the reasons I really wanted the surgery date of May 31 is because my church's youth group is planning a missions trip to New Orleans for the last week of June. They are going to teach a Vacation Bible School to unchurched children. They needed a female chaperone. I lead worship music at church. I helped out last year at VBS. I've always wanted to go on a missions trip. So.... I was thinking that since I'm going to be off from work anyway, I'd volunteer to go on the trip! I'm so excited about it! Both of my daughters are going too. Yesterday at PATs I saw that I will be just starting the pureed stage then. And I can totally see myself packing my protein powder, Parmelat milk packets, jars of babyfood, cans of soup, and my blender. I mean I really believe my surgery is God-ordained. I think that He has set me on this path, and I believe that He has made the timing possible for me to go without using paid time off from work (I'll be out on short-term disability). But my husband thinks I'm certifiable! I told him, "I want to be a missionary, not a martyr. If I really don't feel up to it, I won't go, and God will provide another chaperone." Am I insane to even think about it as a possibility? Or should I go for it, believing that it's the right thing for me to do? I know I'm stubborn and I'm gonna do whatever I want to do anyway. LOL. But I'd still appreciate your opinions.

If you are insane, you are in good company. It sounds like you are biting off more than some post-ops can do. You may want to discuss this idea with Dr. Popkovich, as she is the best person to help you make this decision. It may be physically exhausting for you to undertake such a venture one month post-op. By the way, I met her at the post-op meeting on Wednesday, and she is a doll. I will utilize her for my post-op care when Dr. Marymor leaves Barix. I suggest you pray about this, and then speak with her and follow her guidelines concerning it. Hugs, Trish

Several years ago my daughter went on a mission trip to Honduras (it was right after I had my WLS) .....Anyway, low and behold, on that trip was a guy who was about one month post WLS. I certainly don't know if I would have been that brave and daring, but LA.....you should be okay. The things I would think about most are getting a hypoglycemic attack or having a dumping episode. Be careful.....God bless.

Ruthanna..describe hypoglycemic attack to me...I think I may have had that happen a couple of times. Joan

Ok - here is my 2 cents worth - take it or leave it. Yes I think you are a bit crazy to do this. One month post op is not a good time to be away from your surgeon. You still should not be lifting anything, you will be on a very restricted diet. Let these kids go and be their prayer warrior. If you sign up to be the a chaparone and then you have to bale out later due to health issues you will have let them down. The Lord will provide the perfect person. Finally - you could end up being the focus of the mission rather than a contributor. By that I mean if you get sick or hurt they will have to abandon their mission and focus on you. I don't think that would be a good thing at all. Next year you can voluteer - save some vacation time and use it then. Don't you also have a husband and kids that are depending on you to be healthy and well as soon as possible? They need to be your first mission field and then next year if you feel called and your family agrees then you certainly will have my support. Well that is all 2 cents will buy you today. LOL - As you can see - I really have no opinion!

Joan....Typically, you get shaky or feel jittery, you break into a sweat (sometimes) and feel like your knees are made of wet sponge. One scary episode that happened to me at night, I almost passed out. It's best to drink a little OJ or apple juice and follow it with some protein. Obviously, the sugar has dropped and it needs to be brought up to a normal level. Next its good to eat some protein (cheese, PB/Cracker), etc....hopefully within 10-20 minutes of drinking the juice. The protein helps keep the sugar from being processed in the body too quickly....protein helps stabilize the sugar.

Thanks a lot. I had this happen to me at church Wed and I was sooo sick. I was hungry and didn't have anything to eat there. It was a busy day and I know I didn't have enough protein. I will try that next time. Thanks..Joan

I think you may really want to reconsider this. Your body goes through A LOT after gastric bypass surgery. You are going to be more tired than you have ever been in your life, and may still be not be up to walking around much. You are also going to be relearning about eating with your 'new' stomach. I was off work for 6 weeks, as at that time I had a job that required me to be on my feet for the entire 8 hours. I know you mean well, but if I were you I would bow out of the trip. You are not going to feel 100% and like someone else posted, you don't want to end up becoming the focus of the group. I'm sure you will have similar opportunities down the road to go on a mission. You really need to give yourself a chance to heal up well. Valena