The Journey Begins

So I decided to go to a bariatric Seminar after my sister in law having such success with her Gastric Bypass Surgery. She has been overweight all her life too so we really know how the other is feeling. 

In September 2013 I decided I was going to get healthy. I quit smoking in November 22, 2013 because surgeons will not do the surgery on smokers. Smoking actually slows healing and causes complications. So I quit.... 

January 2014 I met Dr. Eslami at Slimlife Solutions in South Sacramento. I went to his seminar, support group, nutrition class and had my initial consultation. He told me all the things I would need to do pre op to prepare for surgery and my head was spinning when I left the office. In the next few months I would have: an EKG, Chest X-ray, Endoscopy, Blood Work, Psych Evaluation, Pap Smear, Pelvic Ultrasound, another seminar with my husband, and another panel of bloodwork. 

By April 2014 I had done all my pre op testing and was healthier than expected! I did have a small hernia and inflammation of the Stomach lining but that's probably caused by long time use of NSAIDs... (Which I will never take again) I got the call in April 8th that my insurance had approved the surgery and I would be to see Dr. Eslami in April 24th for my Preop Visit and surgery was scheduled for May 7th!!! Am I dreaming? Was this really happening? I'm excited and scared and nervous and happy an sad and emotional all at the same time.... 

Ron (my husband) came with me yesterday to my preop appointment and met my surgeon and was there for me in any way I needed him. My Dr. Told me to start my 2 week liquid preop diet now and gave me my Protien shakes and multi vitamins and told me he'd see me the day of surgery! 

After months of anticipation, doubt and excitement I am ready!!!! I have done more research than most people do in this. (I decided to have the Sleeve Gastrectomy by the way) I have watched live surgery videos. I am part of an online support group and I have several friends who have had this done who are rooting me on! I am ready to be healthy, get off my meds for high BP and Cholesterol and stop taking pain pills for my sore joints and have more energy to do the things I want to do! I'm doing this for me and my health and like everything else in my life I won't give up.