Transformative Journey: One Year Post-Gastric Bypass Surgery
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Chapter 1: A New Beginning
On April 24, 2023, I underwent Robot-Assisted Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. This milestone, marking one year since the procedure, represents a pivotal moment in my quest for improved health and well-being.
In this year, I have shed an astonishing 122 lbs! It feels almost surreal, and I'm just 4 lbs shy of my target weight. A huge round of applause for me!
Recently, I had my one-year follow-up appointment with my bariatric surgeon, who informed me that all my lab results were excellent. They performed extensive testing, drawing nine tubes of blood to assess every vitamin and nutrient level. The only issue was mild dehydration, which I am aware of as hydration remains an ongoing challenge for me.
What exactly is Robot-Assisted Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass? It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to combat severe obesity. At my initial consultation, I was classified as morbidly obese, weighing 266 lbs. Today, I weigh 144 lbs.
The Roux-en-Y technique involves forming a small pouch at the top of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to connect to this pouch. This process effectively limits food intake and decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients. The robotic system utilized during the operation enhances the surgeon's precision and control.
As part of my journey, I quit smoking after 40 years and have never been a drinker, so abstaining from alcohol was effortless.
I maintain a daily intake of 1200 calories, portioning my meals to about 4 oz or half a cup at a time. My pouch is quite small, and I aim for a daily carbohydrate intake between 50–100 grams, ideally sticking to the lower end. Additionally, I consume 80 grams of protein and 65 grams of healthy fats each day. A critical rule for me is to limit sugar to no more than 6–8 grams per serving; exceeding this can leave me feeling extremely unwell. Consequently, I avoid traditional sweets like cookies and cakes and meticulously read labels for everything I purchase. The shock of realizing how much sugar, carbs, and fats I once consumed daily is astounding.
Now that I am in maintenance mode, I plan to share insights about this phase of my journey, as I am still learning. I am exploring how to recognize when my body signals that it is full, as I strive to appear healthy rather than unwell. One area I need to focus on is getting to the gym, which deserves its own discussion.
Here are some of the positive health changes I’ve experienced:
- Breathing difficulties have vanished; my COPD has nearly disappeared, and I no longer need an inhaler.
- My A1C levels are excellent, eliminating my status as prediabetic.
- I am no longer pre-hypertensive.
- With the help of my Inspire Implant, I have overcome sleep apnea and sleep more soundly than I have in the past two decades.
- I feel great, enjoying improved mobility.
- My BMI is now in the normal range; I am neither morbidly obese nor overweight.
- Acid reflux has ceased, and I no longer carry antacids.
Overall, my quality of life has significantly improved! Prior to surgery, my health was precarious, teetering on the brink of a heart attack, stroke, or worse. Now, I have regained my health, and it feels incredible.
I have penned several articles discussing non-scale victories, which hold immense significance in my journey. I hope you take the time to read those as they are equally important to me as the physical health changes.
Has this past year been easy? Certainly not. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely. Would I choose to do it again? Without a doubt.
At 57 years old, I feel better than I have in three decades. I can confidently say that this surgery has truly saved my life.
In the first video, titled "1 Year After Gastric Bypass Surgery - A Patient's Journey," you will witness the inspiring transformation of a patient one year post-operation, showcasing the challenges and successes they encountered.