I am two months Post op RNY. I am happy and thankful to report that I haven't had any major complications since surgery. One of my biggest fears about having the surgery was regretting it. I feared I wouldn't be able to follow the rules or I would forget all the things I was supposed to do. I was terrified that I would have some horrible complication and end up needing more surgeries and regret my decision for the rest of me life. I know there are still risk and always will be.
Things are starting to become more of a habit for me and get easier daily. My days are very much based on routine. Protein shake for breakfast along with morning dose of medications. Three small meals consisting of lunch, dinner and a snack later, all of which are based on protein. Following doses of medication are usually taken with each meal. Anywhere I go I bring my water bottle with me. If going out of town or on a road trip I pack an extra drink and food just in case.
Eating out is no longer an enjoyable event. I had my first meal at a restaurant since surgery at about 7 weeks post op. I was out of town with my fiancé and we had a date night. The food was delicious and thankfully my pouch agreed with it. However the sights and smells of the other food was so overwhelming and tempting. Let's face it, they removed most of my stomach but I still have the brain of a food addict. I still want/crave that side of onion rings and a big cheesy pizza. However I know that if I ate that my body would retaliate against me. The simple pleasures I do indulge in, like a few chips and salsa at the Mexican place are far and few between. I eat them knowing they are purely for pleasure and contain no protein. I feel guilty, but satisfied. At dinner I order a cheeseburger, no bun, no sides. The waitress ask again if I want something to drink. Again I answer, "no drink for me". It's awkward and annoying but it's my new normal.
Everyone I run into ask me the same question, "How are you feeling?". EVERYONE, EVERYDAY. I get it, their trying to be nice. But honestly it gets old and annoying. Let the record state that I am GOOD. I had surgery two months ago and for the most part I am healed. I look normal, act normal, I am normal. I just eat differently. I feel like people are waiting for me to spill my guts and confess how much I hate this surgery and what a mistake it was. I know a lot of people have a misconception of what the surgery is and what it entails. But honestly, I have never been happier. I feel great, I have no complaints and feel blessed.
I am blessed that I have a great support system of friends and family. They have always been there for me and continue to be on my journey of health. I couldn't have done this without them. For that I am thankful.
For now I continue to learn each day something new about this journey. It's challenging but worth it. I am looking forward to a future where I can experience all the normal things in life and be considered more than just a pretty face. I'm looking forward to living.
