I am going to start with the date of June 18, 2014. This Wednesday was no longer just a simple Wednesday. My Wednesdays usually consist of me waking up around 6:15 am - 6:30 am getting ready for work and running out the door by 7:00 am so I can make it to work on time at 7:30 am. Let's just say that didn't always happen but I tried. My husband (Dan)has always done as much as he can to help me with that since I am not a morning person. However, on this patricular day, I was up at 3:00 am and waiting for a friend to pick myself and my hubby up. I was going down to San Bernardino to have surgery. I was having the gastric bypass (RNY) surgery.
I have always been a heavy girl. I remember being the biggest girl in all my classes growing up. I have always struggled trying to accomplish some type of diet and exercise routine. I did everything from watching my calories, diet pills, Weight Watchers and all those over again and again. Nothing worked. Then after getting married and having some talks to my husband who also wanted to have the surgery, I decided I would start the process and decide from there what my final decision would be.
For my insurance to even consider you for the surgery you have to go through 12 weeks of classes. One class per week for 12 weeks. This meant getting off of work, picking up Dan, grabbing a "driving in the car dinner" and getting to class on time. We did this for 12 weeks and never missed a class. Our class started out large and ended up with just a small handful of people. During this process you learn all the does and don'ts of surgery, how things will change and what you will be doing for the rest of your life. Also, they make you partake in a lovely series of medical tests. I found out that I was diabetic and had to start taking Metformin daily and I also had very high blood pressure. While high blood pressure runs in my family, I was not okay with being a diabetic. I was 30 at the time and too young to have to deal with this. It was then I decided no matter what I was going to have the surgery.
We finished the classes, went to a support group (a requirement), got cleared by the psych doctor and then it was time to meet with the surgeon. I went in and found out that I would having surgery in two weeks. I text my boss to let him know I was going to be having surgery. I had so much to plan. I was going to need a sub who I could count on and I was lucky that I found someone who did a great job. I also didn't expect to have a surgery date so fast.
My friend picked myself and Dan up and we headed to the big day. My best friend was meeting us down there. It felt all so surreal to me that it was happening. We showed up to the hospital before they opened and we just had to wait. Finally, we went in, I was registered and heading to the nurses station. I don't think it ever truly hit me that I was going to have a major surgery. When I had my gallbladder removed I was a mess. This time I was at peace. I believe that God knew I just need a calmness about me and gave it to me.
They got me prepped and wheeled me in. I waited about 40 minutes to be taken into the OR and all I remember them saying was "we are going to strap your arms down to the table to make sure if we turn you or anything that you are secure...." and that was it! That was my last memory before my life was completely and forever changed.......
