I hate roller coasters. Big time. They scare the bejeezus out of me. When I was 17 I went to Disney World with my friends and practically threw up on Space Mountain. I vowed never to ride again. And I didn’t. Until May 10, 2010, the day of my gastric bypass. This time I really did throw up.
I don’t remember much about the day of the surgery. I don’t think I slept much the night before, showered early and got to the hospital at 6 a.m. Erica and I waited for a short time to be admitted. Then they are sticking a needle in my arm and I’m trying to back out. Erica said she’d kill me if I backed out, after putting her through months of emotional build up. I remember thinking how that seemed more appealing than surgery. Then my wise man T. Don showed up and somehow convinced me to sign the consent. Next thing I know, I’m lying in a regular hospital room clicking the little thingy for pain meds and checking out the hot nurses (I haven’t mentioned that part to Erica yet.)
I felt pretty good. I mostly slept and clicked the narcotic button the first day or two. The pain was negligible. They started me on Crystal Light and protein shakes a short time later and I went home just two days after the surgery. Big mistake that turned out to be. I spent two days sitting on the couch rejecting all the liquids I needed to stay hydrated. I simply couldn’t swallow anything. Period.
By the weekend I was in the hospital being rehydrated. They tanked me up with four liters and sent me back home, where I promptly stopped drinking again. I was bloated and full; I couldn’t swallow anything. By the next night I was back at the hospital, re-admitted. I wasn’t dealing with much pain, but there was no way I could keep myself hydrated. It took a few days of rest, but I guess some swelling in my belly finally started going down about a week after the surgery and I could swallow.
They let me go home on a full liquid diet about two days ago. I’m drinking and taking short walks, and I’m finally feeling a little of my strength return. But I think I’ve still got a ways to go. The good part is I’m already down 32 pounds.
Big Fat Mike 
32lbs!! that’s amazing! i know this is so hard, but you’re doing it for all the right reasons. i think you’re an incredible person and i’m really proud of you. and i like it when you’re all woozy and out of it because then i can kick your ass at facebook scrabble. xoxo!
Yay Mike!!! So glad to hear from you. I have been worried about you. Andrea kept us up to date for a minute and it was great to hear from her. Wow, she loves and respects you bunches as I know you do her as well. Soooo nice…. Glad you are doing…well. =)
Hi Mike,
So glad to hear you are on the mend and that 32 lbs is great news – good for you! Welcome to the loser’s bench!!
MJ 🙂
Mike – We are so very proud of your accomplishment thus far and your drive to go through the surgery and all that came after it. Keep up the positive attitude and keep pushing yourself to the victory, dropping over 100lbs. GO FOR IT ! Magic not the Cletics !!!! HA HA HA Love ya and thinking of you daily.
Love Uncle Merrill and Aunt Marla