My Recovery
My Recovery
After I was released from the hospital and made it home, I had to get prepared for my limited diet. For the first week, it was clear liquids, so I stocked up on unsweetened juices, sugar-free Jell-O, and broth. Honestly, I didn’t feel hungry at all, but I knew that I had to have some nutrition, so 3 to 6 times a day, I ingested my liquids.
Low-Impact Exercise
The doctor also recommended that I get some low-impact exercise. At first, it was just a short walk to the end of the street and back. Gradually, it became further and further, until I was able to walk a mile and then two. Walmart just happened to be about a mile away, so it was a perfect walk there and back.
Managing Pain
During this time, there was initially a little bit of pain, but the medications managed it well for the first few days. By about the 4th or 5th day, I didn’t even need pain meds anymore. So far, it had been a relatively easy process.
Transitioning to Blended Foods
The next phase of the diet was blended foods, so I dug out the blender and mixed up a few concoctions. Some tasted great, and others not so much. Still, I didn’t feel any hunger, so I was just going through the motions to get nutrition into my body.
By the end of the second week, I was doing pretty well with my exercise and feeling much better. I had lost 20 pounds before the surgery and was dropping weight every day post-surgery. The scales were showing me success every day. Food became just a necessity, instead of the “eat everything in sight” habit that had dominated my life for so long.
The Tuna Mistake
I slowly began adding soft foods to my diet, but one day, I decided to have tuna fish mixed with a little mayonnaise and some sweet pickles that I had run through the blender. It tasted pretty good. Then I took an extra bite and knew almost immediately that it was one too many.
Warning: Expect to vomit if you take that 5th or 6th bite of food. The stomach pouch just isn’t big enough, and after some retching, it comes back up. Not only did the tuna come up, but so did this thick white liquid. I later found out that the body creates a natural lubricant that you guessed it—looks like a thick white liquid.
Follow-Up Visits and Good News
Sometime during these first few weeks, I had a follow-up visit with my surgeon, who was pleased with my progress. He recommended that I see my PCP as well, just for follow-up tests on my pre-existing conditions—hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol.
I was able to get in to see my PCP at the end of my third week post-surgery. After he got my test results back, he asked me to come back in to discuss them. Well, my mind immediately went to, “What is wrong?”
I was able to get an appointment the next day. When I got there, his staff put me in an exam room as usual, took my vitals again, and told me the doctor would be in shortly.
When he walked in, he had a huge grin on his face, shook my hand, and said, “Your A1C is 4.2, your blood pressure is 110/70, and your cholesterol is 150.” His next statement was a total surprise: “You can throw away your medications.” Wow, I had done it!
Of course, I still had to see him periodically to ensure everything was still okay, but as my weight continued to drop, I was able to keep all of my vitals and A1C in a great range. My life had changed.
The Reality of Dumping Syndrome
Now, it wasn’t all rosy. I soon discovered the true meaning of “dumping syndrome.” It wasn’t super frequent, but 2 or 3 times per week for the next month or so, I dealt with it. As I learned my limits, I was able to minimize it. I quickly learned to avoid sugars and fats completely. Fats make otherwise bland foods more palatable, but it only takes a little to be too much, leading to the thick white liquid and several minutes of retching as my reward.
No Alcohol
My surgeon had also warned me about the amplified effects of consuming alcohol, so I took that off my list. I wasn’t a huge drinker, but I did enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with friends. I just drank water.
In a later post or two, I plan to write about the do’s and don’ts of nutrition in much more detail, but I’ve covered the main issues here for the first few months post-surgery.
Rediscovering Biking
Sometime during these first couple of months, I just happened to see somebody riding a recumbent bicycle. I loved bicycling and had at one point, prior to my weight problems, bought a $20 used bicycle and rode almost daily. The recumbent intrigued me, and of course, I began my research. Within a week, I had purchased the recumbent bicycle you see in the image with this post.
If you’re not familiar with recumbent bicycles, you ride them in a reclined position where the seat completely supports your back and your feet are out in front of you instead of below you.
Riding and Building Endurance
I began riding daily, accumulating 100 or more miles per week. By June, I had the idea of participating in the “Hotter Than Hell 100,” a 100-mile bicycle ride in Wichita Falls, Texas, every August. I also found some shorter organized rides, starting with 5-10 mile courses and progressing to 25+ miles by June.
During one of these rides, I met Greg. Greg had been through similar weight problems, though his were due to a physical condition rather than food addiction.
Greg and I quickly became riding buddies. After a few shorter rides, he accompanied me on my first 100-kilometer ride in early July. We completed three 100k rides in July and one in early August. We both planned on riding the Hotter Than Hell 100, so we cut back our distance for the last couple of weeks but increased our weekly frequency.
The Hotter Than Hell Ride
The bicycling community has some great organized rides that typically support a “cause.” These rides usually have frequent rest stops stocked with fluids, fruits, treats, and medical support if needed. The Hotter Than Hell ride has a major rest stop approximately every 10 miles, with volunteers handing out water bottles, bananas, oranges, etc.
My plan was to skip every other rest stop. I had plenty of water on my bike, and previous rides showed me that I could easily do 20 miles between rests. The recumbent bicycle also gave me the advantage of not having a sore butt from the small seats on standard bikes. I wasn’t going to break any records, but I hoped to finish in less than 5 hours if possible.
On August 25th, I sat near the starting line of the Hotter Than Hell, feeling the excitement among the 10,000+ riders waiting with me. All of the other organized rides I had been on had 500-1,000 riders. This was overwhelming.
And off we went. Mile after mile. I passed the first rest stop as planned. Near the second, I was still feeling strong, so I skipped it as well. I had energy bars for fuel and plenty of water. My legs felt like I was on a short walk to Walmart. Then I passed the third and fourth rest stops.
I took my last sip of water and the last bite of an energy bar around mile 45, so the rest stop at mile 50 was my first stop. I was still feeling great and only took 5 minutes to stretch, refill my water containers, and grab a few bananas. Onward I went.
Hitting the Wall
Five miles past the next rest stop, I started feeling my legs. By the time I arrived at the rest stop at mile 70, I was starting to cramp. I pulled up to the medical tent where they directed me to a comfy cot, gave me plenty of fluids, and told me to rest as long as I needed. About 20 minutes later, I was on my way again with renewed energy. Unfortunately, that only lasted a few miles, and I struggled to make it to the next rest stop.
This time, I took a 30-minute break, making sure to fuel up on fruits and even a dill pickle (which I hate). Again, I felt great and set off. As I neared the final rest stop, I was exhausted but determined. I skipped it and pedaled on, though the bike was getting slower and slower. I was determined to finish the Hotter Than Hell 100—or die trying.
Finally, I could see the finish line. There was still about a mile to go, but I could hear the crowd cheering riders on as they passed through the final stretch. My energy was renewed, and I pedaled harder.
Crossing the Finish Line
As I crossed the finish line, I heard the announcer call my number, and tears of joy flowed down my cheeks, just as they are now as I recall that moment 12 years ago. I found my wife about 50 yards past the line and literally collapsed onto the grass next to her. I didn’t even have the strength to properly dismount.
I had accomplished a feat that just a year before, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of. I was also the lightest I had been in many years—185 pounds.
What’s Next?
In the next post, I’ll share some of the other goals I’ve accomplished since my bariatric surgery, along with the challenges I’ve faced along the way. From tackling new physical feats to dealing with unexpected setbacks, the journey hasn’t always been easy—but each step has taught me something valuable. Stay tuned for the next chapter of my story!
