So I just got back from the surgeon’s office and after a conversation
with him about my habits, my history, etc. I have decided to proceed
with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I also, much to my surprise, got
to schedule my surgery date today!!!! I feel so fortunate that the only
requirement is that I have a psych eval done, which again, lucky me,
will happen in just over an hour and a half from now, since they had a
cancellation for today.
So I’m sure you all want to know when that surgery date is, right?
Well, drum roll please…………………….
***JUNE 11, 2012!!!!***
That’s right, just over 3 weeks from now! I can hardly contain my
excitement! I’m excited to start on this journey, make the changes I
need to make and have a real shot at being able to live! Live a life
without horrible pain, as losing the weight will likely reduce my pain
to a point where I will no longer need the pain medicine! Not to
mention, save me from the ills of diabetes and heart disease! To top it
off, not having to shop in the plus size section anymore!
As I progress through this journey, I make this promise to both you
and myself, I will not sugar coat things. I will do my best to keep
things as real as possible about my successes as well as my failures.
The good, the bad and the ugly will all be showcased here and possibly
with some video blogs as well.
With all that being said, I need to run for now, as I have a psych eval to attend!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Deciding on the type of surgery
As my meeting with a bariatric surgeon draws near, I have been doing a
lot of research on the types of Weight Loss Surgery that are available.
I’ve been devouring everything I can about the good, the bad and the
ugly regarding each type of surgery. So that naturally bakes the
question of which one have I decided would be best for me, right?
After tons of research, and some really sore eyes, I am leaning more towards the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), or the sleeve. There are several reasons I have chosen this surgery over the LapBand and the Roux-N-Y operations.
First, the risks of complications with the VSG are comparable to the relatively low risks associated with the LapBand, and much less than the RNY.
Second, the VSG can be done fully laprascopicly. This means a faster recovery time and the ability to have this procedure done as an outpatient.( ie – go into the hospital in the morning and back home the same night.)
Third, the risks of malnutrition and deficiencies are very, very low, since this procedure does not bypass any part of the intestine.
Fourth, if I do not lose enough weight with just the VSG done, it can be revised to either a RNY or a duodenal switch procedure in the future.
Of course this, as with any surgery, carries some risks. For me, the risks of staying obese outweigh that I would endure by going under the knife. Also, while I may have settled on the type of operation I would like to have done, I’m going to leave the ultimate final decision til after I speak with the surgeon on Thursday morning and get his opinion on what would be best for me, both now and long term.
After tons of research, and some really sore eyes, I am leaning more towards the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), or the sleeve. There are several reasons I have chosen this surgery over the LapBand and the Roux-N-Y operations.
First, the risks of complications with the VSG are comparable to the relatively low risks associated with the LapBand, and much less than the RNY.
Second, the VSG can be done fully laprascopicly. This means a faster recovery time and the ability to have this procedure done as an outpatient.( ie – go into the hospital in the morning and back home the same night.)
Third, the risks of malnutrition and deficiencies are very, very low, since this procedure does not bypass any part of the intestine.
Fourth, if I do not lose enough weight with just the VSG done, it can be revised to either a RNY or a duodenal switch procedure in the future.
Of course this, as with any surgery, carries some risks. For me, the risks of staying obese outweigh that I would endure by going under the knife. Also, while I may have settled on the type of operation I would like to have done, I’m going to leave the ultimate final decision til after I speak with the surgeon on Thursday morning and get his opinion on what would be best for me, both now and long term.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The start of the journey to a new me!
I have decided to make some BIG life changes. The biggest of them
being the choice to have Weight Loss Surgery. After years and years, try
over 20, of battling my weight, I finally decided that I need something
permanent to help me get control of this.
I’ve tried almost every diet, lifestyle change, exercise program, gadget, and pill out there. I have given this serious thought and have scheduled myself to see a surgeon for the final OK on May 17, 2012.
On top of this, I also struggle with the condition known as Fibromyalgia. Over the years, the pain and other symptoms have gotten to the point where I’m pretty close to housebound a great majority of the time. After some extensive research, one of the benefits I stand to gain from getting the Weight Loss Surgery is the very real possibility of being able to eliminate my need for pain medications. This excites me very much.
I decided to start a blog on my journey through this process, really more for me to document the things that I have gone through, and will go through on this. I’m sure I’ll have ups and downs and everywhere in between. I’m really excited about this journey and hope you’ll follow me through this and be a source of encouragement.
I’ve tried almost every diet, lifestyle change, exercise program, gadget, and pill out there. I have given this serious thought and have scheduled myself to see a surgeon for the final OK on May 17, 2012.
On top of this, I also struggle with the condition known as Fibromyalgia. Over the years, the pain and other symptoms have gotten to the point where I’m pretty close to housebound a great majority of the time. After some extensive research, one of the benefits I stand to gain from getting the Weight Loss Surgery is the very real possibility of being able to eliminate my need for pain medications. This excites me very much.
I decided to start a blog on my journey through this process, really more for me to document the things that I have gone through, and will go through on this. I’m sure I’ll have ups and downs and everywhere in between. I’m really excited about this journey and hope you’ll follow me through this and be a source of encouragement.
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