"Never Bet on a Three-Legged Horse..."

Tips come in many forms. The one in the title is a bit of a "no-brainer"; I am really looking for some other, more useful tips. Many of you who follow this blog have now had the surgery. I need to plan for the changes I will face and would appreciate any input. Here are my questions:

1. How long was it before you felt ready to return to work/ normal life? Was time to get used to lifestyle changes part of your decision?

2. What is the biggest challenge after surgery and how did you manage it?

3. What do I drink/ eat? I am curious about the many products sold at the hospital What do you recommend? Are there products in Canada that you have found to be satisfying and tasty?

Thanks!

David

Need to Get in Gear

I have not had much to write about regarding my upcoming weight loss surgery.  It has been on my mind and I have been arranging my work priorities around my April 7th date.  I am really looking forward to getting this done as I haven't been able to get the weight off.  Maybe I am putting too much emphasis on the surgery as a viable means to lose the weight, but everything I hear and read from others just reinforces that this is the right decision.

I am thinking that I need to get started now.  I say this now, after I just devoured an A&W Burger Meal.  This is not my normal fare; I took the easy way out as my wife is on the way to Ottawa again to see her mother who just had a large portion of her stomach removed. (The doctors diagnosed a cancerous tumor this past Christmas.  She and I will be on similar "menus" it seems; I just wish that cancer was not the reason for her surgery.  She seems to be doing well for now.  We will remain positive.

Anyway, it appears that I must repent for my "burger boo-boo" tonight and sentence myself to a long ride on the stationary bike.  I have already decided that if I wish to watch television, I must do it while pedaling my butt - so to speak.  No time like the present...

David (From "Cellar Dweller" to "Basement Biker"...)

Coincidence? I Wonder...

Sometimes you just have to wonder...

Today, as I was dropping my wife off at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, my cell phone took the message that they were ready to book my surgery.  The fact that the call came at the airport is not a big deal in itself; however, I have often used the analogy about waiting for my "clearance for take-off" and other aviation metaphors when describing the process for working towards my surgery.   It is deliciously ironic that my call came while I was at the airport.  (Ironic, and somewhat eerie, to say the least!)

So there I parked, at the side of the highway, just outside the airport, chatting with Susan, who gave me the absolute perfect dates for my schedule:  March 24th for PATS and April 7th for Surgery.

All systems are "go".  The flight plan is registered.  The sky awaits.  I am ready to fly...

Cellar Dweller (David)

Patiently Waiting to Be a Patient

At this point it has been clear that surgery scheduling is one of those situations that you can't control.  I was able to get my approval with the cardiologist moved up, and they were good about getting the letter in to Barix.  Once the file hits scheduling, however, it is a closed door and nothing will happen until it happens.  

I do understand.  They have one person scheduling (which makes sense in a way - less chance for confusion) and impatient patients calling would only slow her down.  It will happen when it happens.  If the date doesn't work we will discuss options.  Reasonable people can make reasonable solutions.  I just need to keep telling myself that...

David