So, most people have heard of bariatric surgery and are probably familiar with at least one of the different forms that it takes. Gastric bypass, Lap Band, gastric sleeve, all of these are types of bariatric surgery procedures that are used as tools for weight loss. Please note, I am not a doctor so look to more authoritative resources if you want to learn about these in depth. I am just writing this in the context of showing the difference between the procedures and which one I am going through.
Gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y, is probably the most common one and the most commonly referenced. It creates a pouch in the stomach that is then connected to the intestines, bypassing the majority of the stomach and the duodenum, or where the small intestine attaches to the stomach. That all still remains in place, but is just bypassed.
Lap Band, or any gastric band, is a temporary, adjustable procedure that places a physical band around a portion of the stomach. This reduces the amount of food you consume by making you feel fuller sooner. It has had its ups and downs as far as image is concerned but is still a tool used.
The last one is the gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy. In this case, about 80% of the stomach is removed during the procedure, leaving behind something that is about the size of a banana and will hold about one cup of food or liquid.
I didn't specifically seek out the sleeve surgery; that is just what the local hospital performs for their bariatric procedures. That being said, it is the one that is most appealing to me. The parts that are removed include a portion of the stomach that makes you feel that "growl" when you are hungry. It can alter the way certain chemicals in your body are released reducing insulin resistance. It seems like the best option.
The intention is for the procedure to be done laparoscopically. It can be done in open surgery if there are complications, but obviously that involves more invasive methods and a longer recovery time.
For any of these methods, it is intended for use after diet and exercise have been tried already with little to no success. It is for those with a BMI over 40 (or for those with a BMI of 35-39.9 if there are other significant health concerns that could be mitigated by weight loss). I'm over 40 with my BMI and I have significant health concerns. So it's a two-fer for me.
To say I am excited is an understatement, but I am still nervous. This is my first surgery. Sure, I had my wisdom teeth out, but this is a little more involved. Any surgery has risks and I am aware of that. This also isn't going to be just a walk in the park. I have mentioned that this isn't easy and referred to it as a tool. This is for good reason.
A lifetime of overeating is a hard habit to break. Overeating after this surgery is not a pretty thing. Think about how sick you feel when overeating at a buffet with a full size stomach and then imagine only one cup of food filling your entire stomach. Drinking any liquid while eating a meal is something to be avoided and you should wait 30 minutes after finishing before drinking again. Carbonation is out the window. Sugary foods can induce what is called "dumping," which isn't explained very well in many places, but the term alone can give you a good picture.
Then, you can stretch it back out. That is a very real possibility if you don't keep up with things. You can also put weight back on if you do not follow the guidelines. Including exercise in your routine is important. You also have to utilize vitamin supplements for the rest of your life because you will not be able to take them in through your food consumption. You are ingesting roughly one-third or fewer calories than that of a normal person which will cause you to lack energy while your metabolism changes and you adjust.
These are the things you often don't hear about with these surgeries. I don't know if I will be successful; not everyone is. I am going to try my best at it, though, to be a healthier person for myself, my family, and my Scouts. To be able to do the things I want to do with them.
Anyway, that's enough for now. Off to enjoy a fundraising event for Scouting. It has good timing being the Friday before my pre-surgery liquid diet starts.
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