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Monday, December 31, 2012

2013 The Way Forward

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December of 2012 has bought me to a decision point, I can continue struggling with my weight, with my diabetes and with my pain or take some drastic action.

I know I ranted against my Diabetes specialist when he dared to suggest I consider lap banding or a gastric sleeve to help me lose weight.  I still believe he saw the disease and not the person, but he did me a favour.  He made me stop and think, to go and find out more.

So on the 18th January 2013 I will be having gastric sleeve surgery.  It has not been an easy decision, but after I meet with the surgeon and his team of support staff (dietitians, exercise phsyiologists and baritiac assessors) and I heard what they had to say.  After I watched a DVD of past recipients of the surgery, after I heard them acknowledge that they are sure I am eating the right food most of the time, but I am eating too much for me, for my metabolism - I stopped and though hard.  I am morbidly obese, 41 on the scale, given my height and age.

I am currently nearly 2 weeks into a VLCD to try and shed some fat out of my liver, which I now know is enlarged.  I need to lose 5kgs to start that happening, I am now down about 4kg with 2-3 weeks still left.

I chose to have the gastric sleeve rather than the lap band, partly on the advice of the surgeon, but mostly because I know of 3 people who have had lap bands who constantly struggle with regurgitating food back.  I don't vomit, and on the couple of times I have, my body goes into shock.  So regurgitation is not something I am putting my hand up for.  Apart from that, each and every one of them struggles to eat meat and bread.  Each of them has stopped going back to have the fill ups that are needed to keep the band tight, each of them has put back on some of the weight they originally lost.

Gastric sleeve surgery eliminates the need to fluid top ups, it enables you to eat a varied diet, your stomach works in the normal way, there is just a lot less stomach and so you eat 3 very small meals a day.

Sure there are some big draw backs, I can only drink very small amounts of fluid before I fill up and it comes back up - yuck.  I need to sip water often as I can't easily rehydrate if I haven't kept my fluid levels up.

There are bigger surgical risks too, they basically cut away 2/3 of your stomach using staples and a cutting thingy (like my technical terms?) and you can leak stomach fluid and become seriously ill and end up in intensive care, or you can suffer a major bleed and have to go back into surgery.  Lap banding has very minor risks.

The reality though, is I could be dead in 5 years of heart attach or stroke, I have a 50/50 chance of that happening, I have a 1/2000 chance of surgery complications.   That is not to mention all the complications like gangrene and going blind that uncontrolled diabetes bring to the game.  That is not to mention the fact that no doctor will replace my knee while I weigh this much.

So 2013 is The Way Forward year, the year I take back control, the year I lose up to 80% of my excess weight - that's like 40kgs people, even saying that out loud is scary.

One bonus of being on the VLCD is that I already have had to cut down my diabetes meds, my BG readings are so good that I just can't believe it.  Did I tell you that I might end up on just 1 tablet, or even if the Universe is smiling - no medication for my diabetes.  Not to mention dropping my blood pressure tablets, my pain meds, and all sort of other benefits.

So 2013 is my oyster and I am making sure that I end up with a PEARL.  Thanks to my hubby and all my family and work colleagues who have already been so supportive, who have not judged me or seen this as the easy way out, but have been there cheering me on.

Happy New Year to all who drop by here to read and comment, I hope 2013 is the best for you too, I have so much appreciated your friendships, your comments and reading your blogs through 2012.

Oh and Beth - your turn, go!!


16 comments:

  1. Pffft... you can't tell me what to do.

    I'm super excited for you. Kam and I just had a conversation about it today. You have my full support as always.

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    1. Oh course I can, I am your MOTHER - but I don't need too as that was your condition to me, so post soon.

      I now I can count on yours and Kam's support always and that makes this journey all the more easy to take xxx

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  2. Yes, you have the support of all your family. I know it is a daily battle especially with someone at home eating 'real' food but I know you will get there. You are doing so well so I am sure you will make it by 19th Jan. Sure, there is risk with the surgery but there is risk in crossing the road these days and with you being so positive I just feel everything will be OK. You have our love and our thoughts are with you at all times. Let's hope that the number 13 will truly be a lucky one!! Happy and healthy 2013. xx

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  3. Thanks Mum, 13 has always been a lucky number for me and I am going to make sure that 2013 is no different. Happy New Year xxx

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  4. I'll be thinking of you, and I hope all of your dreams come true in 13 xo

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    1. Thanks Farmers Wifey, hoping you have a wonderful 2013 living life to the fullest in the fabulous Money Pit, I just love the place.

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  5. Holding good thoughts for you that 2013 will be YOUR year.

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    1. Thanks Delores, I need all the good thoughts I can get going down this new road, and I certainly appreciate yours all the way from Canada.

      Wishing you a fantastic 2013 filled with all things good. xxx

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  6. Such a brave and well researched decision. January 18 is my birthday and I am more than happy to share the good things it brings with you.
    You rock, and here is to a happy and healthy 2013. I may yet have to go down that same surgical pass myself. After the skinny portion's next round of medical mayhem.
    Much love flowing your way.

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    1. Thanks EC, I am sure that having my surgery on your birthday can only be good luck, what funny coincidences the Universe throws at us.

      Your love and support is always appreciated, and I think you rock way more than I do xxx

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  7. Thinking good thoughts for your VLCD (I'm guessing that's Very Low Calorie Diet) and your operation.

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    1. Hi E, yes you are spot on with the VLCD, I am using Optifast as it was the one recommended by my surgeon. Thanks for your support, hoping you have a wonderful 2013 xxx

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  8. I'm so proud of you Kakka. Taking this brave step for your health will be the most positive thing you can do. I'll be thinking about you - but wow, 4 kilos already? You'll do this. I know you will xx

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    1. Thanks PPMJ, I have had a bad day today for some reason, but have managed to stay strong and not give in to my cravings for real food and not just protein bars and salad. Comments and support from all of the people here make all the difference. It really is appreciated. xxx

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  9. I believe you will find yourself off your diabetes medication, Karen. That is my hope for you, above all else. Well, along of course, with a safe surgery. I know just how big a decision this is. I also, when considering surgery (and if I ever need to), had decided on the Sleeve over the band. Not just because of the vomiting (though that is one reason), but because I believe there is a higher success rate, long term.

    The important thing that you have in your favour (besides a wonderful family) is that you KNOW what you can and can't eat. And you know that if you continue on a low GI diet, you will almost certainly have cured your diabetes by this time next month! I feel breathless at the thought of it, Karen. Just amazed at the possibility of that (am now rethinking....?).

    Out of curiosity (please forgive the dumb), but what is VLCD?

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  10. I have only just read this now, what a brave decision. I will be keeping you in prayer and thinking about you as you head towards this date.

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