It's All Good

I was able to get comfortable enough to snuggle in bed with my husband last night for the first time since surgery 1 week ago and it did my heart good! Especially after reading what I did last evening. During my last pre -op appointment with the Dr. they gave me a booklet that they said would be my “bible” for the time leading up to the surgery and in particular after. Tons of info that I needed to know was contained in this booklet. I read it, but somehow in the busyness of raising 3 boys, I managed to miss 2 entire sections. Very important sections. Things I needed to know. I was reviewing some of the info last night when I discovered these sections. They contained things like….When I begin eating a regular diet about one month after surgery, I should always avoid foods containing sugar, but foods containing artificial sweeteners may increase hunger in some people. Significant constipation is to be expected but I can’t take fiber in a pill form because it can swell in the stomach pouch and cause blockage. Sometimes you can develop a red meat intolerance and you must wait 3 months after surgery before attempting to eat steak. I should no longer take ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil because they can cause an ulcer. I’m only allowed to take Tylenol for pain. 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, some patients experience a significant drop in their energy level along with irritability or mild depression. This is caused by the body’s attempt to conserve energy as much as possible in the face of severe calorie restriction. This usually lasts a few weeks. Fabulous! (that’s my sarcasm coming out in case you didn’t notice) Like I need a drop in my energy level. I already had a hard time keeping up with the demands of raising a family. And the kicker was this…A high percentage of patients get divorced within the first two years after weight loss surgery. I’ll say this right away. I’m not accepting that. My husband and I have a strong marriage that is rooted and grounded in Christ and were fully committed and dedicated to each other through the good, the bad, and the ugly. And sometimes, the very very ugly! So this time in our lives is no different. But still. I didn’t need to read that to put doubt in my mind. When I read that, I kept it to myself until Tom put the boys to bed, and then I laid it on him. We talked, I cried, he reassured me, we prayed. And then we snuggled. Life was good once again. I love this man!