In Weigh Over my Head: Update

Monday, March 21, 2011

Update

This is Lisa's husband, Eric. She is doing well after the surgery. The surgery went well and they were even able to take some pictures that she will upload when she leaves the hospital. She is in pain right now because her body is adjusting to the change, but she is in good spirits. :)

31 comments:

Stacy said...: Thanks for the update! Feel better soon!; March 21, 2011 at 10:53 PM
MEG said...: Prayers coming from somewhere south on I-35! :-); March 21, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Stacey said...: That is so great! I am so happy for her. :)

Thanks for the update Eric, you have a wonderful wife and some beautiful kiddos. Good luck to you all!; March 21, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Tracey said...: I'm so glad everything went well!

My thoughts and prayers are with Lisa. It's wonderful that you updated for her.

Let the healing begin!; March 22, 2011 at 2:40 AM
Kelly said...: Thank goodness she's ok.; March 22, 2011 at 6:32 AM
sue said...: Thank you for the update. Hope she feels better in no time, and heres hoping for a speedy recovery.; March 22, 2011 at 7:01 AM
WWSuzi said...: Please give her hugs from me :) I hope her pain lessens quickly.; March 22, 2011 at 7:32 AM
Brits said...: Awesome! I hope she feels better very soon!; March 22, 2011 at 7:38 AM
jenfromtheburgh said...: Please let me know she is my thoughts and prayers.; March 22, 2011 at 7:39 AM
Amanda said...: SO GLAD that the surgery went well with no complications so far. Thanks for the update.; March 22, 2011 at 8:06 AM
Lori said...: Thanks for the update. I'm glad things went well.
Lori; March 22, 2011 at 8:38 AM
Laura P said...: Thank you for the update, glad to hear all went well.; March 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM
Jean said...: Eric,

Jean Esposito here (from the Rancho Cucamonga days; we lived on Trivento Place with Sveta!)

Give Lisa tons of hugs and kisses from all of us -- me, Tony and Sveta. We want her to get well real soon and we're so excited for all of you Hills on this wonderful new journey as Lisa gets her life back!

Many hugs and much love,

Jean; March 22, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Still Trying said...: Here's wishing her a fast recovery!; March 22, 2011 at 9:40 AM
Kristin said...: Great news! I hope recovery continues to go well!; March 22, 2011 at 10:11 AM
A said...: So glad that everything went well. Thanks for the update!; March 22, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Diamond said...: I'm glad for the report. I have been thinking about Lisa all day yesterday I hope the recovery goes just as well.; March 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Anonymous said...: Hope she is feeling better soon
!; March 22, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Wendy said...: Yeah Lisa! I'm thinking of you and praying for you. Can't wait to hear all about it and hear that you are feeling better too. ;-); March 22, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks for the update! Can't wait till Lisa feels well enough to post.

Get better soon! :D; March 22, 2011 at 3:23 PM
Amanda said...: Thank you so much for the update! Lisa, here's hoping for a smooth recovery for you :); March 22, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Jess said...: I'm so happy to hear this! I hope you have a speedy, uncomplicated recovery, Lisa. :); March 22, 2011 at 6:22 PM
Ashley said...: Thanks for the update, Eric! I'm so happy for you, Lisa. Now I'm praying for an easy and speedy recovery! xoxo; March 22, 2011 at 6:27 PM
angie said...: Thanks for letting us know, Eric! Sending prayers for fast healing.; March 22, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Kelly said...: Thanks for the update Eric!; March 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Elle Bee said...: Wonderful news. Thanks for the update!; March 23, 2011 at 1:15 PM
Sarah said...: Awesome! Can't wait to hear how it is going!!

Sarah
notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com; March 23, 2011 at 2:22 PM
Lisa said...: So great! Can't wait to hear from her!; March 23, 2011 at 3:30 PM
Tracie said...: So glad she is doing well and can't wait to hear that she's home and moving forward.

I admire all that she's accomplished so far!; March 23, 2011 at 9:04 PM
Dawn said...: Thanks so much for posting, give her our love x
Dawn; March 24, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Miss E said...: Thank goodness the worst is over, I hope? Looking forward to news of great healing and a wonderful new life.; March 28, 2011 at 1:38 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!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Update

31 comments: