Nov 12, 2007 - Seven Days Pre-op

I am seven days away from my surgery. 3 days into the liquid diet again, It has really helped me not think about food. I am ready paperwork wise. I have a physical on Thursday. I always associate a physical with the words “Turn your head and cough”. Why did they do that when we were in school. I never understood what the Doctors were looking for when they did that. It is not worse than a prostate exam. That is definitely worse.I am trying to assess where I am mentally with this surgery. I have been edgy this week. As one who has never experienced the joys of anesthesia or flesh parting as a scalpel finds its mark, that still seems to bother me. Also dealing with my own mortality has been a bit of a strain. Think about this, I mean really ponder it. What would you be doing if you chose to have a surgery, that you could die from. Nationally - 1 in 100 die from this surgery. What would you do? What plans would you make? Who would you talk to? Whom would you reach out to?I called a good friend today. Dave and his wife Sherry are like family. In fact, if I could choose a brother, it would be Dave. We are already Brothers in Christ. Somehow, if I had the option, I would select Dave to be my brother. He promised to help my wife, OK, let us just say it, if I die. I asked him to. I don’t think I had to ask, he would have any way. But I needed to know that someone would be there to help Sandy if something stupid happens next Monday. We are going to talk tomorrow. He is going to take notes to ensure he knows what I want for my wife, if I am not here in a month. We agreed that Sandy and I would go to Alaska next year so Dave and I can burn those notes while fly fishing for monster trout, but I am glad he and I can talk about these things.I am going to post my picture today. It will be the last photo taken prior to my surgery. One last reminder of myself in all my largeness. Let the shedding of pounds begin. I have many friends and acquaintances that I know are Praying for me. That is the most important thing to me. That will help me the most. I have a beautiful wife and am living an incredible blessed life. I am one lucky man.

March 31st, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 0 Comments

Omaha Gastric Bypass Pre-Surgery Seminar

Monday evening my wife and I attended the Pre- Surgery Seminar. Two hours spent with Beth the Nutritionist and Roxi the Coordinator of the Program. I really like Roxi alot. The first hour was nutrition and what we will get to eat ( for the rest of our life) and more importantly preand post surgery.Ten Days prior to the surgery and 20 days post this will be my diet. Fasten your seat belts.

• Cream Soups (reduced fat, thinned)
• Tomato Soup (reduced fat, thinned)
• Broth (chicken or beef), Consumme or bouillon ( fancy words for broth)
• No sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast
• Slimfast 2g Net Carbs (avoid Ensure or Boost)
• Tea or Coffee (limit amounts and decaf is best) (Not)
• Sugar Free Jello
• Diet Custard, sugar free low-fat puddings ( Now I am pretty much a custard expert. My All time favorite dessert is Creme Brulee. Is “Diet Custard” even custard. This one is just plain scary.)
• Low-fat sugar free Yogurt (without nuts, fruits or preserves) ( Probably really means without taste)
• Sugar free Popsicles
• Unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice (best to dilute half and half with water)
• Cream of wheat (thinned) ( Yummo!)
• Crystal Light, Sugar free Kool-aid
• AVOID Chocolate Milk and puddings made with whole milk
• AVOID carbonated beverages such as soda pop, club soda, sparkling water; caffeinatedbeverages, or alcoholic beverages.

That is one exciting menu. 30 days on liquids. Is diet custard even possible?Roxi was next with the discussion of the surgery, schedules and what to expect. The surgery will be laproscopic so I will have 6 holes in me, one of which will be left open for a couple of days with a drain coming out to ensure no leakage from the staple sites. I should be home in three days with a one to three weeks recovery time. I was told to expect to be very tired and feel weak for a few days after surgery. Duh!I actually was a very good meeting and I appreciate Beth and Roxi and their commitment to helping us.

March 31st, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 0 Comments