Why did I choose the lap band? Well bypass is far too extreme in my opinion. I like the idea of the lap band being a tool to help me on my journey! Not a fix it all solution! I have been working with a nutritionist for the last year to change my mind set and eating habits. I'm not a huge candy or junk food eater. My problems have always been I didn't eat breakfast, and I like to eat big dinners. And rice, that's my biggest downfall in life. Mmm..rice!! Anyway. With the lap band, I'll still be allowed to eat things (granted in little bitty portions), and I don't mean I can still eat crap! But the lap band can be adjusted to what suits me where I'm at in life. And if there is any complications or problems, it can easily be reversed.
What am I feeling now? Oh boy! What am I not feeling is probably a more appropriate question! My emotions have run the gamut. I thought once I finally got my surgery date I would be thrilled and excited to wear a bathing suit next summer. Ha! If only it were that simple. I think in the last 2 weeks I have probably gone through every emotion known to man. My poor boyfriend must think I'm clinically insane! I mean seriously coo coo for cocoa puffs nuts! But as the dates is getting closer, I'm finding the worries, concerns, doubts, hesitations, etc have fallen by the wayside, and now I'm just coming to terms with what is it come. :)
How did I go about getting this surgery in Sweden? Well here in Sweden weight loss surgeries are covered under the government health care. So it's free or close to it. After you have spent X amt of money (900 SEK = 125 USD give or take) on medical visits here per year you get a free health care card. Which I have for the remainder of the year. So first, it's free! Score! How'd I get to this point? Well that's been a bit of a journey. Feb 2009 I met with a doc at our local vårdcentral (it's like a doc office). And I told him I was interested in the surgery. He would then refer me to the surgeon and I would go on their waiting list for an appt. Well, in our lan (it's like a state I suppose), there is only one hospital that does the surgery. This hospital is about 1 hr away. And there is only one doc who does the lap band laproscopic style and he doesn't work at the hospital full time. He splits his time between that hospital and Stockholm (about 1 hr 15 min away). So the doc I met in Feb, seemed to not really understand my request (as he didn't speak much English and I didn't speak much Swedish). So he never put the request in. Which I didn't find out until like June. So in June I went back to the docs for another medical ailment, and asked about the request (different doc this time by the way). And so he put in the request. Now! In Sweden, practically the whole country goes on vacation from like July-August. So it's virtually impossible for anything to move faster then a snails pace. So I got my appt with the surgeon on Oct 19, 2009. We chatted about life, interest, yadda yadda yadda. And then he said he'd do the surgery. So I went onto another waiting list, for surgery. He told me 4-6 months. But his nurse said more like 6 months. So come Jan 2010 I call to see if there is any news since we were planning on a vacation in Feb/March. Well I was told it would likely be end of March or April, and to call back in the beginning of March to find out more. So I called in March, was told it was now May/June, because of some staffing issues. So then I call back end of May and BAM! Surgery date! Scheduled for June 16. Woohoo!!!! Time to do the jig!
So it's been a bit of a process...but hey, it free! And in the states insurance companies often make you wait a long time too. Plus there were a few hiccups a long the way with communication and holidays and what not. But at least it's finally getting done!
Do I need to do a special diet before the surgery? According to my doctor, no. I have decided to start integrating homemade smoothies with protien powder as well as soups and other oh so tasty liquid meals into my diet. And one week before surgery I am going to attempt to go on a soft diet. I'll still eat things like canned tuna and perhaps salads. But the idea I'm going for is shrinking the stomach some, as well as going high protein and lower in fat to make sure my liver is nice and healthy.
Do I have concerns about the diet after surgery? YES! Not only do I have to completely change my diet for this, but I also have celiac's disease (gluten-intolerant). So when I can start eating real food again, I still have to be extra careful with things like gluten-free breads and pastas and what not. And part of my disease is I consume any gluten it affects my body's ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins and all the good stuff your body needs to function. So it'll be a bit of a juggling act for me. But I'm ready for it! :)
Is there any food I think I'll miss? Well I have read that steak/beef in general becomes a bit of a no-no after surgery. I am a meat eater. Like seriously! My boyfriend and I think I was like a lion or a t-rex or something in a past lifetime. lol. Most women crave chocolate, I tend to crave meat. We always keep lunchmeat in the house for those afternoon snacks when I just want a piece of meat. Freaky, I know, right? Well, being an American, I do love a nice juicy ribeye. Which last week I went out to dinner here in Sweden to eat and say goodbye too. Now, in all honesty, it had been like 2 years since I had a steak before then anyway. So I think i'll miss it, but not as much as I'd miss rice, if I couldn't have that again (you might as well just shoot me then). But in the winter I do love beef stew. And I have recently taken a liking to elk and moose roasts. Hey, I live in Sweden! That's totally normal here! But yeah, I think i'll miss food like that the most.
And that's all I have for now. :) If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. :)
-FXA
-FXA
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