In Weigh Over my Head: Even BIGGER changes... Geez

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Even BIGGER changes... Geez

Copied this from my FB page... So my revision surgery is scheduled for Feb. 12th. (19 days from today) My liquid diet starts in 5 days. So much has happened in the past few days to lead me to this decision. Basically, we were going to try to work the fertility issue but I keep gaining more and more weight. If I don't fix this now, it's only a short hop to going back to the miserable quality of life I had 2 years ago. My husband and kids deserve better than that. I deserve better than that. I can't let my heart make the choices. My mind knows I would be no good to anyone if I can't get this weight under control for good. I will post the exact name of the surgery in a couple of days. It's some weird long name so I have to call and ask the Dr. what it's called. (It's called something because apparently it is done on quite a few patients who lose their restriction or never had any to begin with. one size does NOT fit all and some sleeves need to be smaller than others.) They will fix the scar tissue growth then take my sleeve and fold BOTh sides making it VERY restrictive. Please pray for me! I am a little scared but happy with this decision to take back my life. Again. I hope you can support me. I am a food addict. I CANNOT do this without fixing this surgery. I just can't. Looks like this roller coaster begins again. And I'm almost sure I will blog about it. :)

12 comments:

The Lovely One said...: Your health is important! I hope this works out for you!; January 24, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Christine said...: keep on keeping on Lisa...I am rooting and praying for you!; January 24, 2013 at 10:59 PM
Tamzin said...: It sounds like the right decision, and I wish you best of luck for your surgery coming up!!; January 25, 2013 at 8:53 AM
Lori said...: You remain in my prayers. I look forward to reading about the success of the surgery and even a pregnancy down the road. Remember Abraham and Sarah. God can do anything.
Lori; January 25, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Melissa said...: My prayers are with you now and after..you need to do what is right for you and don't ever think you need to apoligise because others reading might not agree. Its your life and you know your limitations..its not for anyone to judge. We are here to support!! Much love!; January 26, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Unknown said...: Good Luck! You will be in my prayers. It is so hard to lose the weight...I have also been trying for years. This time my husband and I are going to do it! :); January 26, 2013 at 6:10 PM
The Paris Chronicles said...: Sounds like you are getting gastric plication. I've read excellent things about this newish WLS. You are a trailblazer! I'm sure you'll go back to good losses with this.; January 27, 2013 at 3:08 AM
Sheila said...: Sounds like a plication type surgery. I am hoping and praying for the best outcome (no matter what the surgery is called but yes please look it up and tell us!) I'm sure it will be great to have restriction again. Best of luck to you! I think you are probably smart to do this now rather than keep waiting.; January 28, 2013 at 11:18 AM
mamajuliana said...: I ditto all the positive statements already posted here. Praying for you...no one knows your life and circumstances but you...Peace and Prayers!; January 29, 2013 at 7:00 AM
Shannon said...: Positive thoughts and prayers headed your way!!!; January 30, 2013 at 1:38 PM
Unknown said...: Your thinking & steps are right for you. Just need to be confident on that.; February 3, 2013 at 2:23 PM
Lyn said...: Just checking on you and hope you are doing well. Thoughts and prayers going your way.; February 9, 2013 at 10:58 AM

My Weight Loss Surgery - NOT THE BAND OR BYPASS!

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) - Also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy

The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by approximately 20 surgeons worldwide. This forum is titled “VSG forum” to include the two most common terms for the procedure (vertical and sleeve). The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach.

It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band® procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals.

Anatomy

This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions.

Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s)

The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons:

1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss.

2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that “stretches” the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness).

3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below.

Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons

Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and protein deficiency is minimal.

There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients.

The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal.

There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass.

It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur.

The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007).

Let's Shrink!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Even BIGGER changes... Geez

12 comments: