Published June 10, 2008

Bariatric Surgery Part III

Last week I drove to Dayton for my three month check up following bariatric surgery in March. I've has several people ask me why I haven't written more about it and the answer is, I was waiting for this check up.

The news is everything is going wonderfully and on schedule. Dr. Schumacher had predicted I would have lost sixty pounds by early June and I came in two pounds short at fifty eight. We didn't discuss what I should expect by my next follow up in September but I'm guessing it should be at least another forty to fifty pounds. Also, I had been taking four daily prescription medications before the surgery and I no longer have to take one and the dosage of a second has been greatly reduced. 

So far, I've not had a single bad day nor regret about having the surgery. In every way I feel better and am enjoying my life more. I'm more active, energetic, and flexible and I even think my wife believes more fun. Last week we went out to hear a local band play and I asked her to jitterbug a couple of times. That hasn't happened in recent memory.

I have experienced several changes; food doesn't taste as good but I don't seem to be bothered by that. My mind seems to say, "Hell, you've had tons of good food in your life, now it's time for something different." I've been to a family reunion and several graduation parties and have been able to enjoy whatever foods looked appealing to me. The only adjustment is in the size of the serving.

Something that really does bother me is finding something good to drink. I'm supposed to drink sixty four ounces of liquid daily but for the first six months I'm not permitted any carbonated beverages. I'm not a big soda pop drinker but I do miss the occasional diet cola or root beer. I'm getting real tired of water and ice tea and fruit juices are too sweet and contain too much sugar. Those mixes similar to Crystal Light make me want to gag, I can't stand anything that resembles a Sweet-Tart and they do. I also can't remember finishing a cup of coffee since the surgery.

I've been pretty good about keeping up with the exercise requirements. I walk about everyday and on many days I'll take a couple of walks. I'm also back to riding my bicycle but my stomach is still getting in the way enough to make that a little difficult. Also, it's taking me a little time to get back my sense of balance and handle the machine with steady confidence.

One tactic I've employed to increase the exercise is to never pass up a chance to walk. I was in the Community Market the other day waiting on an Rx from Stewart's. Instead of sitting on the chair by the counter, I walked around the perimeter and up and down every isle in the store. I probably got in close to a mile. Did the same think waiting for my doctors appointment last Thursday except I got in a little more than a mile. I figure that if I'm standing I should be moving.

greenfieldohio@gmail.com