CR8IVE
SPIN
I always believed I was huge, but never knew how big I was till I saw a couple of my old pics. It was a shocker, a jaw dropper. The heaviest I ever was, a solid 194.5 kgs, back in August 2010, at the age of 41. That's when I got the awakening. I figured I had to do something about my obesity before I kick the bucket. Told my wife that I have decided to go under the knife. At first I didn't have any idea what I was getting into. My wife, being the pillar behind me, took the pains and initiative to investigate about all the surgery options, hospitals, doctors, risks, pros and cons. Took her a solid 2 months of nerve wrecking research.
1st visit was to Kerala, India, October 2010. Met 1 of the best doctors in South India, specilizing in Bariatric Surgery. Unfortunately the hospital was not appealing, so we had to take a U-turn. I was very glad it didn't work out because I got to spend some more time on this earth (yeah I had a fear of dying under anesthesia).
2nd visit to Max Healthcare Hospital, Delhi, India in May 2011. We were super impressed, with their customer service, doctor interaction, care, and the overall hospital ambience. However, we had a 3rd destination to visit in our agenda on the same itenary. Ahmedabad, India was our next destination. Turned out to be a shocking shady clinic. Left that place as soon as we could. We had this positive vibe about Max Healthcare, and decided to go ahead with them.
Unavoidable circumstance forced me to postpone my surgery twice the same year. The 2nd being indefinite. You wouldn't believe how happy I was to live those precious extra days and months. Though I couldn't convey that to my wife, but somehow she shared the same feeling.
I finally decided to get the surgery done on December 2nd, 2013. Yes, a solid 2 years later, I was ready. Fixed an appointment with Dr. Pradeep Chowbey, at Max Healthcare Hospital, Saket, South Delhi, India and got a room booked as well.
I was told to loose a minimum of 10 kgs in a month prior to my surgery. I made sure I did just that. November 1st I weighed in at 183 kgs. 1 month of extreme diet, survived on fruits, salads, protein shakes and fresh juice only. By the 1st December 2013, a day before my surgery, I weighed in at 173 kgs, that's 10 kgs down.
Rule of the thump to have a very successful surgery, follow the doctor's advice by the book, pre and post surgery. With God's blessing, rest assured everything went fine. I personally had no complications, nothing to worry about. And made sure I took my medications and controlled food intake as instructed by the dietician.
My post bariatric experience:
Day 1 - In the recovery room. No complications. All went well. However, I had experienced excrutiating back pain. Apparently it was because of the weight of my extremely heavy torso, putting pressure on to my back during anesthesia. Lasted a whole day and night. I could not sleep or even lie down. The nurses were very kind to help me ease my pain by providing controlled pain relievers, pillow padings, conversations to distract my mind, everything they could possibly do to make me ease the pain. Inspite of that, I had to walk within an hour and half post waking up from the surgery, as well as take deep breathes, post surgery (in order to get my blood flowing and avoiding any clots in my legs and lungs and to avoid fluid collection in my lungs). I realised walking helps ease my back pain. Unfortunately I was adviced to lie down because I had drains and IVs. The belly felt bloated because of the gas formation due to the briatric surgery. I can only sip 2-3 ml. of water every hour or so, for the whole day. Was given a sponge bath (day 1 & 2).
Day 2 - By the following morning I was well and good. Urinary Catheter removed (not a very pleasant feeling, trust me). Have to take care of the discharge fluid pouch that comes out of the left side of the belly (will be clipped to the clothes for the next 10 days). All the concerned doctors paid a visit and did their routine check ups on me. I was taken to the room by noon. There was a nurse on call 24/7, when ever I needed assistance. They made sure I was super comfy, medicated on schedule, very caring and understanding. I had to walk every so often to make sure I don't have clots forming. The belly still felt bloated because of the gas formation. I was told that will fade away in a couple of days. I have been put on liquid diet (again small sips up to 125 ml. per cup, every 2 hours) and will be so for the next 2 weeks.
Day 3 - The gas in my stomach subsided, but was still there. Everything else was pretty much the same. Took my 1st mild shower.
Day 4 - Discharged and headed to the hotel. Where I spent the next 10 days.
On the 10th day I had to pay a visit to the doctors. One of Dr. Pradeep Chowbey's team doctors removed the discharge tube form the belly. Not going to be pleasant, but not that painful either. In 21 days I already lost 12 kgs. Till the 14th day I was only allowed to have pure liquids. And the following 2 weeks I was allowed semi thick liquid.
21st December 2013, left Delhi. Landed back in Kuwait, and settled down. I was all set for my new life and started my work in just 2 days. I was and still am on multi-vitamins, for the rest of my life. And will keep my energized and perked up.
Day 31 - Started on semi soft food. What a relief. Every 2 weeks I had to change my food intake pattern (upto 6 months). Not as bad as I thought. Had to chew my food thoroughly so as to avoid any strain to the stomach (this change is for life). Stomach healing time is 3 months. But I had to take care for at least 6 months. Over eating can lead to regurgitation and can be bad for your healing stomach for the first 3 months. Stick to portions equivalent of a 150 ml cup. That should suffice the hunger. But I had to eat every 2 hours. 3 main meals and in between snacks would consist of low-fat yoghurts, fruits, soups, salads, and after the 3rd month solid foods like nuts, grilled meat/chicken/fish. Avoid all carbs, and follow the dieticians diet by the book.
The first 3 months I had lost an average of 10 kgs each month. By the 4th month, it slowed down to 5-6 kgs per month. And by the 6-7th month even slower. Ideally I ought to have followed my excercise routine. Unfotunately I stopped my gym visits by the 4th month (silly of me).
Currently running on the 9th month. I have lost a total of 59.5 (post surgery) + 10kgs (pre op). Currently 113.5 kgs. My target being 100 kgs. Will update my status when ever possible.
Drop me a line for any further queries.