Sunday, December 11, 2016

8 Years Have Passed

It is hard to believe that it has been 8 years since my Gatric Bypass Surgery at UAB.  I may have mentioned in a previous post that my surgeon left the Kirklin Clinic and University of Alabama - Birmingham(UAB) and I am not sure where he is now.

Now that I have some history with the procedure I can give you some perspective.

I guess the most interesting thing is that about 4 years ago I have slowly started to gain weight and put on about 30+ pounds, that was most disappointing but not totally unexpected if you look at the statistics on this surgery.  At first, it shook me to my core, due to all the pain and things that I had to give up.  But, I have come to terms with it and am just trying to manage.

Another thing I have noticed is that my glucose (sugar) levels are dropping without cause or reason.  They just suddenly plunge and I have had one even when my glucose was around 30 and I blacked out.  I do not have a problem with high sugar, just dropping for no reason.  I still cannot eat anything sweet or drink milk, it makes me really sick.  I still have to watch what I eat and generally snack during the day.

On a positive note, I am taking the B12 injections and went in to have my levels checked.  They were 4 times the normal values, so it appears that my body is now absorbing some B12.  I was told that was not possible but clearly it is from my lab values.  So, that has allowed me to cut back on my B12 injections.  I have not had one in about 3 months and don't intend to take it anytime soon.

Noticed in some of the replies there were doubts about the surgery and if it works.  From my experience, it worked and it completely changed my life for the better.  I made the right decision but never, ever discount the things that you have to give up.  Oh my...what I would do for a giant bowl of chocolate ice cream or a banana split!!!  But, that is not possible and gone forever.

Overall, I am still in good shape and the years that I was able to enjoy made the bypass well worth it. I often wonder what would have happened if I had not had it and I guess I would probably be pushing 350+ lbs and completely miserable, if not dead.

I don't get a lot of views anymore so I quit posting.  If you have questions, post them for me and I can give you the details