Winter's Day

Well, I have now lost a total of 155 lbs. I weigh 170. I think these bad snow storms helped me lose more weight. I spent a total of 8 hours clearing the snow off my driveway and walk. I'm looking forward to spring time. Cutting grass is a drag: however, if you let it go for a day or so, you can still get out of your house safely.

The Olympic games have been interesting. There have been a lot of great victories for competitors from many nations. The only blemishes have been the death of the Georgian luger and the Russian Federation skater who doesn't know how to lose with grace. Figure skating is a competition of precision skating and jumping coordinated with music. You need to do all aspects well-not have the highest jump with the most revolutions. Retire Mr. Plushicko if you can't compete in all aspects of your sport-and can't accept losing as a way to learn to improve yourself. Russians win with grace, try doing the same in defeat.

I haven't put anything new in here for some time. Let me start by saying life is good. On March 5th of 2009, I had gastric-bypass surgery. I weighed 325 lbs, After 10 months I am down to 173 lbs. I feel great. I was an insulin dependent diabetic. I have taken nothing for my diabetes since the day I was operated on. All my blood test come out super. It's like being reborn. I have a new and better chance on life. I eat what I want,( you have to make better choices than before the weight loss) but much less than before. I stay away from ice cream and other sweets which led me on the path to obesity. I thank my wife for her support and most importantly, God for his everlasting strength and resolve.

March 6, 2009

Today begins with a trip down to ex ray. I have to swallow some liquid while the techs watch for leaks in my new plumbing. Once again the prayers have worked and I have no leaks.

Now I get my catheter out of my bladder and I can begin consuming a diet of clear liquids. If I keep them down, I get to go home after 6:00PM. At 7:30 my wonderful wife is taking me home. I still have a drain in my belly which I must empty 4 times a day. Ah home sweet home. My own bed -life is great!
b

March 6, 2009

It's 5:45 AM and my very supportive wife is driving me to the hospital. I am very calm and confident in the eventual outcome of my surgery. I enter the hospital armed with dozens of prayers from my family, church members, co-workers and friends. I'm a strong believer in prayer and I want to thank everyone for praying for me.

I went into surgery at 8:00AM. the operation takes 3hours and I wake up in recovery foggy, but feeling great. The nurses keep asking me about my pain . When I tell them I have little or none, they are amazed. I've had 5 back operations in the past; because of these my back was killing me. I had to stay in recovery for 5 hours because there were no open beds in the hospital.

Finally, around 4:30PM I'm in a room. the nurses are very attentive and quickly make me comfortable. They tell me I need to walk to avoid blood clots. Again, the nurses are amazed because I walk up and down all the hallways on my floor.

I'm still not allowed any food or drink, so I use a sponge to keep my lips wet. Sleeping was difficult because it was very warm in my room. Plus, the nurses did checks on me about every 30 minutes.

March 5, 2009

Well here it is - Happy operation eve! For the last 10 days I have lived on protein powder-fun huh! After I eat my breakfast, consisting of sugarless jello, I have to swallow a small bottle of caster oil. Well, as bad as that sounds, it really wasn't all that bad. I'm nervous and still asking myself if this is the right thing to do. However, the only reason not to go through with my operation would be so I can still over eat. I go to bed knowing this is the right thing to do.

Wick

Feb. 28, 2009

Hi! I am a sixty year old male, who has fought weight problems all my life. I have gone on many diets only to eventually gain the weight back. It has hurt my health as well as my mobility. In December 2001, I ran with the Olympic torch in Martinsburg WVA. Today I have trouble walking around in Wal-Mart. After much thought and prayer, I have decided to have Gastric-bypass surgery. My surgery is scheduled for March 5, 2009. For 10 days prior to my surgery, I am required to eat only 3 meals consisting of an 8oz glass of protein mix. Yummy!! The first day I was ready to quit. However, I am now on day 7 and doing fine. I do crave food, but I'm not really hungry. When a food commercial comes on TV, I change the channel. I don't miss sweets-just food. I'm reading a book where one of the characters eats peanut butter and olive sandwiches, Normally, I would say yuk! But right now that sounds like a real treat.When I started this preparation, I weighed 319 lbs. After 4 days I weighed 307lbs.

I writing this blog, to share with others my experience with this procedure. I know there are many other people who are constantly fighting their weight. So, please pray with me, as I take this new step towards a more healthier life.

Wick