Medley411
today I win. . .
Oct 01, 2009
Well, lets see, I am doing pretty good so far. I am nearing 60 pound lost. I am just 2 months out. AMAZING. I dont have that much to lose, I was a lucky ducky sort of. I had co-morbities which expidited my surgery. Went to the Dr. on the 2nd of June and was on the operating table 27 July 09 the following month. The main reason was my issue Barrett's Esophogus, precancerous condition. I also have asthma and was asperating stomach acid into my lungs. What were my signs that there was something wrong, I got bacterial pneumonia, highly unusual for me. I get viral phumonia. So, I decided that there was something wrong but I did not know. I had acid reflux and it was getting worse. I ended up having a test called a Bravo study, where they scope your esophogus and look into your stomach. I had the test done and to my amazement, I had the sense of mind to ask for a picture while I was in recovery. My esphogus was bleeding from ulcers that were precancerous. The biopsys came back and confirmed the diagnosis. I got on line and started doing my home work, and suspected I had barrets esophogus. My origional dr. said he could fix my reflux with a regular hernia repair, but, as and asthmatic, I could lose the ability to burp (80% chance). Asmatics, need to burp, we get air in our stomachs. That was not an acceptable possible outcome so I demanded a second opinion. My insurance company helped me out and I found a Dr that was in the top 5% in the nations Dr.s for vascular and bariatric surgery. Armed with my picture I went to my initial appointment. Dr. Warnock confirmed I had Barrett's Esophagus. We spoke about lapband. 2nd visit, Dr. Warnock told me the standard of care is gastric bypass. I was in complete shock, scared, mortified and already prepared for the lapband. I knew I had the best Dr. so the RNY it was. A tougher commitment but I knew one thing, I was in this place in my life for a reason and just hang on. I was going to put it all in Gods hands. I want to live to see my kids grow old, I want to get old and I want to laugh at myself and let go of the fear. I let go, and had the surgery. It hurt more than i expected. I cried, and feared I would not be able to make the lifestyle changes, everything happened so fast. 2 months out, I am making the changes and happy to do it. I feel better, my asthma cough at night stopped overnight. My reflux is gone. I struggle to get in my fluids, and protien but I am beating the odds of cancer killing me. I win. Every day I get up I win. My last physical was extrodinary, my cholesterol is good, my labs are good and as long as I take care of myself I will be healthy. I get up a winner every day and that is so empowering. In retrospect I am glad I did not have time to think about it, I might have scared myself out of it. I dont regret it, not one second of the pain I went through. I would walk through hell for my kids and family. I want to give myself the opportunity to live as long as possible, I love life, all the ups and downs. I encourage anyone who is scared, do your homework and know that your gut will make to choose the right path. Fear is normal and if your not scared you should be, this aint just a nose job. Your going to have to take care of yourself. You take care of your family, and the ones you love, remember to take care of yourself too. The best you can offer your family is the best you have to be.
