The Support Group

I joined an on-line Gastric Sleeve Support group. I had never done anything like that before and had never been in a chat room. At first, I thought it was very strange, but now I am part of the furniture and have made friends. The support and information is amazing and makes you feel secure in understanding the processes.

Day One with Optifast

Today was a great day. I spent the early morning with Andrew and Sam and then had coffee with my friend, Mary--very nice. It's the first day of Uni today so I have been getting all of the welcome letters and forums ready for the students. I’m working in 5 subjects this semester plus doing liaison.

I started the Optifast diet today--a shake sachet, a soup sachet, a salad, a chocolate bar something and 2 litres of water. Not bad at all. Although the chocolate bar did little for me. I'm happy that I am now on my way….

I wanted to be in good physical shape--or, let's be honest, the best physical shape I could be in. So I went for a walk today, lifted Sam's weights and did dumb bells. Sam would say that I tried to lift his weights--he is going to help me do it better! Apparently I "have no idea what to do"!!!

Time to lighten up!!!

I feel as though I have been much too pensive about this surgery. Today I feel as though I have it more in perspective. I am grateful to be able to have this surgery--especially to have it in Toowoomba. It is and will be a positive thing. I will carry on with life--my family, friends, work and social occasions. The surgery will be a little hiccough and will be absolutely fine. I feel I can go forward now with confidence. Tomorrow I start the Optifast--liquid diet. I will blog each day now as a diary entry--I think I will write down what I do, what I think, my emotions, etc.. It will be a positive experience.

Dr Evan Willingham

I had never met Dr Wilingham before, but our GP said that he was a very nice man. And he is! I didn't feel uncomfortable with him. He didn't make me feel as though I was the biggest cow that ever walked into his office. And, are you ready for this...he was born in America. He father was a Marine. You can hear a little bit of an accent especially with ending "er" sounds. I guess that worked to break the ice for me. So I feel confident with this doctor. I am always grateful for their expertise and level of commitment. We talked for an hour in the first appointment.

This coming week, I have to go see a dietitian. Then I have to go and see a psychologist 2 weeks after that. Then 3 days before the operation, I have a second appointment with Dr Willingham.

How do I tell my friends?

This is a dilemma for me. I am a very open person with many good friends. I want them to know, and, hopefully, the weight loss will be obvious anyway. But I don't know how to tell people--who to tell, the order to tell people, when, etc.. I also don't want the accolades of my friends to be the main influence of me doing this operation. It seems that it has to come totally from my desire to be thinner. So, I'm still deciding how to tell people. Perhaps this blog will help. And maybe when the surgery is closer.

What does Sam think?

Of course, telling Sam is always an interesting task. I have told him in bits and pieces and in passing. It's the best way with him. I don't think it will really affect him much. He doesn't like it when I'm not around, but I think he will come up to the hospital while I'm there to visit. It's only a block away, and there are vending machines!! Sam just loves vending machines!! He also likes to look at all of the secret places in the hospital rooms. I think I'll only be there for 1 or 2..maybe 3 days. Sam will be fine.

What does Andrew think?

Well, of course, my Andrew is the most supportive husband in the world! He loves me and accepts me. We have discussed this decision for quite some time, and we have looked at all of the issues affecting our lifestyle and our family. Because the consultation, surgery and follow ups are in Toowoomba, it is a huge burden relieved. There will be about 10 weeks where the family meals will be different for me. Andrew will cook for Sam and himself during the times when I can't.

On Monday I start the Optifast diet. These are a series of sachets to make one's liver in good shape before the surgery. I am sure that I will find this difficult. During those times, I have things organised as diversions:

• writing on this Blog
• my sewing preparations
• actual sewing projects
• reading
• my vegetable garden
• walking
• weight lifting--Sam has one of those bench press things.

I'm trying to write everything down before Monday when I start the Optifast so that it will be more like diary entries after that. But there is a lot I want to document before that.

Raving time

There seems to be a lot to write down at the moment. I will not try to order it. I want to document it. I guess the first thing is to describe the overall goal--to have a Gastric Sleeve Resection on the 24th of March 2011.

I have come about this over a number of years, but it seems to be the right time, the right location, the right finances and the right doctor. Thank the Lord. All of the doors have easily opened.

Most people have heard of Lap Band surgery. A Gastric Sleeve Resection is a new procedure: http://www.gastricsleeve.com/lap-band-vs-gastric-sleeve/  Believe me, there is so much literature on the Net, it's amazing. However, I am very grateful for this wealth of information. A Gastric Sleeve Resection is similar to the restriction of a Lap Band, but it is a permanent solution.

Apart from my mental journey, the actual first physical steps started with my GP. Dr Domrow has been our doctor for 17 years so he knows my situation very well. He told me there was a surgeon to talk to in Toowoomba, Dr Evan Willlingham. I initially thought I would have Lap Band surgery and had researched this. On the 22nd of February,I went to see Dr Willingham--he told me about the Gastric Sleeve. After listening to him, reading the literature he gave me and researching the Net, I feel this is the best solution for me.

I am so relieved to have this operation in Toowoomba. In the past, patients had to travel to Brisbane for the consultation, surgery and on-going check ups. I found this to be a stumbling block. What is even more wonderful is that Dr Willingham's office and the hospital are one block from our house. I can walk there! Amazing!

My Journey Begins....

Well....how do you start a Blog? I have had many friends do Blogs, but it is a completely new thing for me. I want to use this Blog in a number of ways:

• to write down my thoughts and feelings about my journey
• to document this journey
• to share it with friends
• to use it when times get tough--as a diversion