6 Months Post-Op

6 months ago today I was being drugged by a morphine PCA pump.  I had finished surgery at noon but did not get a regular room until about 5 pm.  Those morphine pumps are crazy things.  You push the button, go to sleep and wake feeling like you have slept hours.  Unfortunately, only about 20 minutes went by.  That went on for the next 2 days until I busted out of that hospital. 

6 months ago, I had laparoscopic Doudenal Switch surgery.  You can read more about that kind of surgery here.  I was 280 lbs and today I weighed 182.4.  I have lost 63 inches all over my body.  I saw my surgeon yesterday who was very pleased with my progress.  I have lost, by his caluculations, 78% of my excess body weight.  I am ahead of the curve.  Is the surgery magic, it seems but I have also been exercising and have altered my diet as a result of the surgery.  What the surgery has done is make diet and exercise finally work on my body.   I have recovered very well from the surgery.  I play tennis and exercise on my elliptical machine. 

Today, I saw my OB-GYN who has not seen me for a year.  He walked into the room and did a huge double take.  He did not recognize me.  He thought it was someone else with my name.  He was thrilled and happy to hear that my cycle had returned with some regularity.  It was great to see him at a loss for words because he is at a loss for words. 

Here, is the picture comparison of my before and after.  My clothing sizes have changed dramatically.  In the top photos, I am a 2X/3X on top and 26/28 tight on the bottom.  In today's photos, I have on 16 medium Dockers and Large shirt. 

Do you want to know the downsides of my particular journey with this surgery? Well, my iron is low and may be forever.  I am getting an infusion of iron (an iv) tomorrow.  I will report if it makes a huge difference in how I feel.  I feel pretty good.  I am active and have a lot more stamina than before surgery.  The second downside is realizing how much better people treat thinner people than obese people.  It disgusts me.

Here is my last WOW moment for today.  I noticed for the first time today that my legs do not rub together when I walk anymore.  Amazing.  Hubby says I look thinner than in the pictures here which he took- I think I will keep him.

Comments

[Elle]

You look amazing, yes, the results from your surgery have made a serious impact on your body but you know what strikes me more -- your face, the inner glow. You can tell you feel wonderful and are ready to tackle the world. Congratulations, I'm so glad you are able to savor this sucess. Simply wonderful.

[Ezpy]

You look sooooo good Kim! :) But I think you may be ready for some snugger jeans!

[Dee]

Bugger me. I did the scroll up, scroll down thing for like 2mins. You look - as always beautiful! I agree with Elle there is this amazing inner glow that is shinning within you.

I'm so unbelievably proud and in awe of you Hun!

I'm starting to get a taste of what you mean about how people treat fat and thin people differently. It really is a shocking and sometimes odd thing to witness.

You're so right about the surgery, it gave you the door - you've totally done the walk through. I mean I've followed you far beyond when you had the surgery lol I remember counting down with you, and I've read how organised (still envious heh), how determined, how you've changed your eating, your exercising.

It's all because of you!

[Jennifer]

You look marvelous, as I "pour" over your blog.