The Surgery day...The begining of a new me.

The Surgery Day...The Beginning of a new me.

October 27th, 2010

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowds of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off the weight that slows us down,especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us" (Hebrews 12:1)

Holding to this Bible verse I was up and ready to start a new change in my life that day. I knew it would involve pain and emotional strain...But I also knew that God would be with me. We arrived at the hospital at 6 am. My parents, and wifey accompanied me as I made this huge plan a reality. The nurse came and took us back. I was prepped ,dressed and stuck with my IV for surgery. I met with Dr. Edwards and he went over the plan for surgery and the recovery I could expect.He said Michael this is a new beginning for you. Are you excited? I told him yes for the outcome but not for the pain...lol. my family and I said our goodbyes, hugs,kisses, and tears. I could see the concern in my families eyes and I to was concerned about the surgery,recovery, and new life. However, Sometimes, when those around us are panicking, you must remind them and yourself of Gods Word. Even if you are afraid, as you apply the Word of God to your situation, He will replace the treacherous infernos of life with the focus and peace. Then I was off to the O.R. On my way in I was reminded of this verse: Jesus said, "If you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done" (Matthew 21:21) I prayed for a complete removal of the struggle with weight and for the protection and guidance I would need to get through the next few days. Mountain you must move!!! My life will never be the same...I wont let it! I know now that looking back is simply not an option.

So at 8 AM I went to the OR for surgery. I had chosen the Roux Gastric Bypass and that procedure is slotted to take 2-3 hours...My surgery took about 4 hours. After to surgery the Doctor came to let my family know that everything had went as planned. I was in recovery for an hour and a half. I vaguely remember this time however what I do remember isn't fun. I had trouble breathing and I started to hyperventilate the nurses were there calming me down and monitoring my oxygen levels and all my stats. When they were able to bring me back to reality PAIN is all I remember feeling. They wheeled me into my room where my recovery would begin. My parents were waiting for me there to support me and to make my recovery a family affair. Isaiah 58:8 says;
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." I believe God gave me this as a reminder that there was a purpose for all the pain...Healing will be quick and my story will help others as I walk through my journey. But at this time I wanted the "healing to quickly appear". lol

My pain pump was my close friend and I was in pain. I was experiencing oxygenation issues where my levels would drop really low and I faded in and out of conversing with the nurses and my parents. They kept me on 4 liters of oxygen and set by bed into a chair position in order to get me ready for normal recovery as the anesthesia began to wear off. I wanted to get up and walk...so after 3 hours of taking it easy I was off. I was really unstable and needed help getting around but I did get to walking as soon as they would let me. "Walk on, Walk on, Nothing ever stays wrong that long, Walk on,Oh walk on, Don't just stand there in the storm, Walk toward the light till you find the sun, And you'll be better off in the long run, And walk on" Reba. After my walking was over back to bed I went for one of my many naps. I will continue to blog about my hospital stay and day to day recovery,progress,and new life as the days go on. So stay tuned...