Changes.

Two weeks post op and I'm seeing changes in his body. His face, neck, and shoulders are slimmer. I can see his colar bones now and his shoulder bones. His calve muscles are much more defined when he walks or moves around. He still lacks energy, and he stays cold most of the time. He is noticing small changes too. He is able to prop his legs in positions that previously he couldn't, or that would have been very uncomfortable. As of today, he weighs 412 lbs! Look out 300's, here we come.

A Little Set Back.

Back to the ER we go. They weren't able to give us a definite answer, but they're trying to reassure us it's not a blood clot. Possibly gout, so taking meds. Also a small possibility it's a stress fracture from all that walking around city lake, even though the X-rays don't show anything. We're going to baby the foot for a few days and see how it feels then. We will just keep on keeping on. 

My Suggestions So Far.

So what have I learned these past two weeks.....plenty, and not nearly enough! 

If someone interested in this surgery were to ask my opinion, I would have to tell them that this isn't an easy trip. Not for the patient, or their caregiver. It is a physical battle, as well as a mental battle for both of you. If you do not have someone to be your full time caregiver following the surgery, I would say this surgery just isn't an option for you IF you're severely overweight. People with lower and lower BMI's are having this done all the time, and in many ways it is an easier transition for those individuals. They tend not to struggle with every day activities to the same extent morbidly obese people do. Things like walking, or dressing themselves. 

I don't regret Bobby's decision to have this surgery, personally, but I will say that in many ways it's like having a baby again. We have to preplan any trip outside the house. We have to pack a bag for sippy cups, foods, medicines and vitamins, and of course, the schedule so we don't forget what gets taken when. Every day has to be pre planned. Prepping is a big key to our success I am finding.

I would also suggest, to anyone severely overweight, that your spouse or caretaker take just as much time off from work as the patient does. In the beginning they will need basic help that anyone following a surgery will need. After they begin to heal, they will need your encouragement and support with keeping active. About 2 weeks in, they will need you there for full time mental support. I don't have this luxury because I just started a new job and still in my probation period, but every day I long to be home with him and keep his mind active.

We are starting to become more settled with this new lifestyle but it's still very taxing. Finding ways to destress is important at this stage.