 |
|
|
|
|||||||
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Surgeon: Dr. Jerzy Macura, Staten Island, NY
by Jackie: My search for a life began in late August, 1999. After sweating through yet another summer, stuck in the house through most of it as I would not be seen dead in summer style clothing. I typed in the word " OBESITY" on my net browser and could not believe my eyes. Amidst all the weight-loss clinics and such, I saw a site for weight-loss surgery support. I hit return and there is where it all began. For 4 days I spent close to 12 hours a day reading all I could on the procedures listed. I copied pictures off the screen in amazement. I organized procedures by anatomy and effects... by the end of the 4th day I was set on changing my life forever. I can't explain what clicked and how... I was 333 pounds, an insulin-dependent diabetic using more insulin in a day than most people use in a week! I was miserable and desperate. I hit my own personal bottom! My fears of needles, blood and overall pain were pushed to the side. I no longer cared about anything but having surgery... I wanted my life back. By mid September, I had an appointment with a Dr. Macura. I chose him after investigating all the doctors in my area. I wanted a complete support program, not just a surgeon. My first meeting went well. I spoke with his Program Coordinator, Gertrude Karris, and the ball was set in motion. I cried a great deal through the approval process. A part of me could not believe that I was going ahead with this. All of a sudden. I felt a ray of hope enter my life. I was going to have a chance at a normal life. It was all going to be highly doable. I had an endoscopy , sonogram , psychological evaluation and regular physical all in 4 weeks. I was approved in 10 days. A blessing indeed! I was then scheduled... I can't recall much before my surgery. I spent most of my time getting my life and job in order. The morning of my surgery, I felt an odd sense of calm. My husband seemed more nervous. I did cry when they wheeled me into the O.R.. It was like in the movies... staring at the ceiling tiles go by. Surgery went well and I spent 4 hours in the ICU as my pulse was very high. I recall waking up for brief moments and falling back into a sleep... like a toddler! I hurt, but being groggy felt good at that time. I hated my stay at the hospital. It was very hot, and the bariatric bed they gave me was hard on the butt! I had a patient-controlled morphine pump and used it several times the next day. I disliked the NG tube as I felt like I had to always cough up. It didn't hit me, as to what I had consented to, until I was made to get up and walk! Oh my God... it hurt and I cried like a 2-year-old! I couldn't even stand up straight. Muscles hurt that I never even knew I had! Thank God my husband was there. I spent 4 days in the hospital. I had not one complication. I walked often and stopped my morphine after the second day. ( It tends to put your bowels to sleep). I slept in a recliner type chair as it was easier to get out of! Once my urinary catheter was removed, I felt even better. Once home, I did need some serious help! I was unable to use the bathroom on my own, or even to get out of a seat for a few days! This was hard on me as I was a bit embarrassed. I hate needing to rely on others! I hated eating soup and I cried a great deal the first 7-10 days. It felt like I would never recover... what had I done? As quickly as that started, I felt better and better! Once the staples and drains were removed (sorry, but getting those 2 JP drains yanked out was more than I could handle -- freaky feeling!), I enjoyed my new found mobility! Soon I was on my own again. After about 3 weeks I really felt good. Now, at 5 weeks, I can't even explain the joy. You see, with only 33 pounds or so gone, I already see the light. I see myself in shorts on a Florida beach, sitting in a booth ( not a table!) at my favorite diner, going out because I CAN find something to wear. I see trying to have a family... I see a future. Do I regret having surgery? Not at all. I am using only 20 units of insulin A DAY and my doctor expects I will be off of it with another 35 pounds! I feel great and my life has already improved. I see food and my body with a new found respect. You see, all along I knew I was worth it! Update, February 3, 2000: I am off of insulin and on diabetes pills that keep my sugar in check... perfect numbers with only 3 mg's a day! A VERY LOW DOSE! Update September 2000: I’m down to 220 lbs and loving it. I am actually shrinking out of my size 22 tops ! I can walk freely and not lose my breath! I can sit in a theater seat and have EXTRA room. I can CROSS MY LEGS! I am no longer the fattest one I know. I am still dealing with a belly that has dropped. My doctor says I will be the perfect candidate for a tummy tuck. I am not happy hearing that at this time. The pounds have slowed down, but I am still very happy. I have a new life... Update December 2000: I am now one year post op and down to 204 lbs. I feel great and am very thankful for everything that has happened in the past year. I live like I never have before. I still have about 70 lbs to go and things have slowed down, but I am faithful of the process. The DS has been an amazing gift that I gave myself. This holiday season will mean more than those in the past.....thanks to all those people who have helped me in many different ways....I am thankful.
|
|||||||
 |
|||||||
|
Email the site administrator with questions, corrections, or suggestions. Copyright © 1999-2006 by The Duodenal Switch Information Zone, all rights reserved. Text, graphics, and HTML code are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission. |
|||||||
