The Last Crab Rangoon

I have now officially eaten my last crab rangoon. Ok, I will probably be able to eat one again, but last night was the last time I will ever be able to eat two crab rangoons, hot and sour soup and an entire order of sesame chicken (from China Wall in Round Rock, of course) in one sitting. Tomorrow my journey to Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) begins! My journey actually began a long time ago as I’ve been thinking about this for many years. But tomorrow is when I start my pre-op diet, which is basically a lot like the Atkins Diet. I’ve met with the surgeon and I’ve decided to have the Sleeve Gastrectomy (the Sleeve). My surgery date is two weeks away – on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011! I am more excited than I am nervous, but I know the nerves will come.

The Sleeve involves dividing the stomach and stapling it vertically, creating a sleeve that can hold a small volume of food. Approximately 85 percent of the stomach is removed. It sounds scary, I know. But, it’s actually less invasive and complicated than the Gastric Bypass surgery and after weighing all the options, it’s the best choice for me. Most patients loose on average 60-70 percent of their excess weight.

I’m usually very wishy-washy and have trouble making decisions, but not this time. I am absolutely, without a doubt, ready to change my life and be healthier. I am paying cash for this surgery because my health insurance doesn’t cover it. And the only reason that I am able to do this is because I received some money from my mom’s life insurance policy. This is an unbelievable gift that my mom has given me and I know that she is looking down on me and smiling about this decision. This surgery is not a magic cure-all. There is still a lot of work ahead of me, my life will be completely different. This surgery is simply a tool to help me on my journey. I feel like I haven’t been living my life to its full potential and I am READY. Next year I will be 40. So 40 is the new 20, right? What better way to start this new era: a healthier, happier, Slim Jenn! J

For those wondering, there are descriptions of the various surgeries located here: http://www.southwestbariatric.com/essentials.asp#Sleeve