My friend, Vanessa, took me to surgery. When we arrived, they took us upstairs in a big elevator with another lady and her husband (I found out later Kandy was also having surgery and we became friends when we met at our follow up appointment a few weeks later). Per the instructions given to me pre-surgery, I was assigned a "comfortable gurney" and given a stupid hat to wear. I got into my hospital gown and sat on the gurney with Vanessa, where we giggled about my stupid outfit and ugly socks. I was so nervous and so excited. But, as I like to say, I have the easy job...I get to sleep!
And sleep I did. FOR HOURS. They ran into complications and my surgery went longer than expected. Most people say when they have the early surgery, they are somewhat awake by about 2-3 PM. Vanessa didn't even get a status on me until 5 PM. I don't really remember waking up until 7 or 8 PM. It was a rough day. I woke up to the worst pain I've ever felt in my life and body spasms. My mom and sister came to visit but I was in and out of consciousness so I barely remember it. Vanessa just reminded that when they finally let her see me, I said, "they cut me." haha! That's all I was worried about. I don't even remember that anymore! Foggy brain!
And even with all of that pain, I wouldn't change my decision to have surgery for the world. Despite my continued battle of the bulge, I am still over 125 pounds lighter than when I started. My weight changes every single day. Last Friday, I was up to 227 pounds, two days ago, down to 224, yesterday up to 226, today back to 227. I still know that cardio is what I need to be doing.
But today, I celebrate the 6th anniversary of my surgery -- my new-birthday as I like to call it (it's great timing since it's about six months from my real birthday...who doesn't need a mid-year celebration to keep the spirits up!). Two years ago, I got a tattoo of a four leaf clover to memorialize my day. Yes, I know...THREE leaf clovers actually symbolize St. Patty's Day, but I was hoping to give myself a little extra luck. :-)
Have a safe and fun St. Patrick's Day! And happy new-birthday to me!
