My Banded Time

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Thyroid Surgery Today...And thankful for the band...and my word for 2011

One of the things I learned during my WLS pre op was that I had tumors growing on my thyroid.  So today, I'm getting a thyroidectomy (my thyroid is being removed and I will take synthroid everyday).  If I hadn't had WLS I would never have found this out.  My thyroid tests were always borderline, approaching hypothyroidism (under active).  And I lost my ability to sleep well.  It turns out I had a rather large tumor bending my trachea which probably caused me to wake up frequently at night.  The endocrinologist said it had probably been growing for several years. 

I actually feel relieved that my surgery is today and that it will be over in a couple of hours and that I will be able to address many health issues that I haven't been able to understand.  One thing that WLS has taught me is to prioritize my health, to advocate for it and to not be shy because of my weight.  Each time I went to my general practitioner, OB, ophthalmologist; I'd be lectured on my weight as the cause of all my health issues rather than asking for specific tests etc.  I think the shame of being overweight prevented me from seeking out more specific medical attention, asking more questions.  The reason I love my WLS office is that the staff really treats me with respects and listens to my health needs versus just making assumptions that a lot of my health issues are caused by my weight.  For me I think the thyroid/weight issue are like the chicken and egg issue...which came first?  What caused what?  I'm sure they are integrally inter related.  I'm just glad to make some changes.  I'm hoping surgery will accelrate my energy level and weight loss; we'll see.

Word for 2011:


PRIORITIZE (my health)

To function optimally on a physical, mental and spiritual level; I need to prioritize my health.  I need to make time for:
  • meal planning
  • exercise
  • medical appointments
  • blog!
  Happy New Year Virtual Friends...I'm thankful for you and appreciate you.

10 comments:

  1. Wishing you a speedy recovery, keep us posted!

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  2. Saying my prayers for you today! I'm sure you will begin to feel so much better.

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  3. Thinking about you today and looking forward to when you return! Great word for the year!

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  4. Sending you lots of luck today! Get better soon and keep us posted :)

    I think your word choice is wonderful!

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  5. Best wishes for an extra quick recovery. So glad you discovered this problem and will get it taken care of. Hope you feel better soon!

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  6. Good word choice! Sending you quick recovery vibes. {{HUGS}}

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  7. Great post, love what you said about other doctors' offices as opposed to your surgeon's office - that's the way it's ALWAYS supposed to be. But I guess some doctors don't train their staff as well others. I'm so tired of everyone assuming everything that might ever be wrong with an overweight person has to do with how much they weigh. It's absolutely ridiculous.

    Oh, and great word! So glad your surgeon found the tumor - and praying for a quick and pain-free recovery!

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  8. Good luck with the surgery today. Let us know how it goes.

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  9. I'll be keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you today... And keeping you in my prayers.. Post when you can, and feel better soon my Friend

    (((((huggggsssss))))) and Happy New Year,

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  10. Great word! Hope you feel better soon.

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