The Stew...your questions answered

I am never one for count downs, but I thought I would share something....

37 days until my surgery!

Since the cat is out of the bag essentially about my decision for Gastric Bypass Surgery, many people have asked many questions. The most asked question is, "am I scared?" Well I thought I would take some time to answer that question and some other frequently asked questions about this procedure. Please email me with any further questions and I would be thrilled to answer them on the blog, theskinnyongettingthinny@gmail.com

Are you scared?
I would have to answer this question on both ends. Yes and No. The yes....well I am nervous because I really do not know what to expect. As silly as it sounds, I am most scared about losing some hair. That is a common side effect of rapid weight loss. I would be lying if I did not say it worried me a bit. I guess this worries me the most because it is not something that I can control. The amount of water and food I take in is something that I can control. Exercise is something I can control, but hair loss is not. I am nervous about that because I already have very fine hair and there is not a lot of it. The no....I am at total peace about the surgery. I have prayed about it and know that God has paved the way in my life, so I am excited for it!

Why not the LapBand?
There are two different weight loss procedures currently that are popular. There is the LapBand, where they put a band around the top of the stomach to constrict it and it can be inflated for deflated. The pro's of this procedure is that you do not have to change your eating habits as much, just eat less. Most people do not have to worry about vitamin deficiencies either. The Gastric Bypass is where they actually cut away a huge portion of your stomach and bypass the upper intestines. There are huge risks associated with this surgery. The most common is malnourishment and/or vitamin deficiencies.
So why choose the Gastric Bypass? With much discussion with Dr. C and the staff, it has been proven that Gastric Bypass has a more successful weight loss overtime. I also know that for myself, I need the drastic life changing approach. I want to know that I can't ever eat a certain food again. I really feel like the Gastric Bypass procedure works best for my specific circumstances.

What can and can't you eat?
When I get out surgery, for the first week or so I will be on clear liquids. That means basically chicken broth, tea, sugar free jello ect. Remember though, my stomach will only hold enough food to put in a ping pong ball, so one can of soup will probably last me a whole day if not a few days.
One to two weeks post op, I will be eating thick liquids, as in thick soups and things like that.
Once I have met with the Dr, he will instruct me as to what I can start trying to eat in my diet. Basically everything is tryable, but not all going to be tolerated.
Now on to what I cant eat, Sugar, Soda, Bread,Rice,Corn and basically anything my body does not tolerate. Once people have the surgery, your body changes as to what it actually craves and wants to eat. So only time will tell as to what I am actually eager to eat.

How long will you be in the hospital?
2-3 days depending on how I am doing.

Who will take care of you?
My mom will be my nurse until I get better. I live on the second floor at my house, so I need to make sure I am capable to go up and down the stairs with out passing out :)

Why now?
I really feel like the Lord has worked some true miracles in my heart prior to have this surgery done. I had to realize prior to anything that He cares about me regardless of what I look like. I had to really understand what the Bible says about beauty and to consider myself beautiful. It was not until I was 21 years only that I truly felt beautiful. The Lord had to give me His eyes for me to understand what beauty is. With out that, I truly feel like I would have decided to do this surgery for the vanity and not for health. I am also young and want to get married some day and have children. With that said, I want to be in the best health for children and to live my life healthy. There is no way I would be able to raise my children and have any energy until I get off the excess weight off.

How much do you want to lose?
This is a good question.....I want to be healthy. It was mentioned that they want me to see me at a size 10. That is basically cutting me in half, which seems so wacky! So I am thinking I would lose about 180 lbs. Wow can't believe I will be losing a whole backstreet boy......See you later Justin Timberlake:)

What are you most excited about?
WOW I can say so many things, but I will narrow it down to one. Beside the health component, I am so excited to feel thin. I have NEVER known what that is like. I am so excited for that!!!!!! I can't even believe that will soon be a reality for me!

Thanks for listening tonight and I hope that answers your questions.

That folks is "The Stew"