Day 28 - Would I do it again?

These are moink balls. They are the most delicious appetizer on Earth.

I'm celebrating the 4-week milestone today. Four weeks ago today I was slumbering out of the hospital feeling like my insides had been torn out. The ride home was so painful. Jennifer was trying to be easy, but I swear there are 15,000 pot holes between the hospital and home.

These past four weeks have felt like four months. But I've been so fortunate to have the loving support from my mom and dad. And I can't even begin to describe to you how supportive Jennifer has been. Without these folks, I'd be nothing. They stood by me, without pause, through the entire process and I'm so very thankful.

I had a friend tell me yesterday that I was making it look easy. It was quite the complement. It certainly hasn't been "easy." But I will say that it hasn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be.

The surgeon that I used, Dr. Edward Facundus, makes his patients go on a 2-week pre-op diet. It's all liquid, and you must drink 3-5 protein shakes a day. Those two weeks were critical both physically and mentally. Physically, it helped me dump some fat and get my liver in shape, which made the surgery both easier for the surgeon and easier for me to recover from. Mentally, however, this was the point where I had to deal with the loss of food. It's much easier to do that when you're not in pain. So I'm glad that I was prepared.

I had the question asked of me a few days ago if I'd do it again. Right now that's a tough question to answer because the scale isn't moving. I feel like I'm busting my ass trying to meet all the nutritional requirements on a daily basis, which takes a directed and concerted effort, and I'm not seeing the results on the scale. BUT, I know that it is now physically impossible for me to not lose weight. So I know the weight loss will come.

I'm able to exercise without pain. I'm able to stop taking medication for blood pressure. I'm able to get out of bed in the morning without aching. I have much more energy during the day. Food expenses are down so I'm saving money. I'm losing inches in the waistline and thighs. My feet don't hurt. I feel more confident.

So yeah. Absolutely I'd do it again. Even if those are the only results I see, it was worth it.

I have my first post-op family event coming up this Thursday - my 33rd birthday. I've decided to handle it by being an enabler. I'm going to grill some burgers and dogs. I'm also likely going to smoke some moink balls (homemade meatballs wrapped in bacon, dipped in BBQ sauce and smoked over hickory). There's not much of that I can eat, aside from maybe a few ounces of hamburger, but it will be fun feeding the family (as well as breaking in my new Weber Genesis grill and dusting off the Weber Smoky Mountain Smoker).

Thanks for all the continued support. I'm so touched by messages from near and far, and the awesome network of support provided by family and friends. It's truly been a safety net.

Weight this morning: 391 (-50lbs)

Regards,
The Vanishing Taylor