In Weigh Over my Head: My BIG news is...

Friday, November 4, 2011

My BIG news is...

Meet Baby Girl "C" :)

Born today weighing in at 8 pounds 3 ounces, 19 inches long

The birth mother is a friend of our family and she is nothing less than an angel.

I was allowed to be in the room and cut the cord!

One of the most beautiful experiences ever. We've known since the birth mom was about 7 weeks along. We found out about 2 weeks before my surgery. I knew in that moment that I HAD to do this in order to be able to not only be the mom my other 4 kids deserve, but to be the mom this new little one would need. Today was perfect. I just got home about an hour ago. I am in-love. :)

30 comments:

Missy B said...: Congratulations! How adorable! :) xxx; November 4, 2011 at 1:01 AM
pinkgigi said...: Congratulations, she is gorgeous, and may I say who is that beautiful young mother with the skinny face?
Julie; November 4, 2011 at 1:09 AM
Christine said...: yo! cONGRATULATIONS LISA!!!! how beautiful. Enjoy her.; November 4, 2011 at 1:14 AM
Sheila said...: That is very exciting news indeed! Congratulations on your new little one. She is precious!; November 4, 2011 at 6:09 AM
The Sassy Orange said...: So happy for you! You are just glowing in that picture. :D

Angela/Pretty in Orange; November 4, 2011 at 6:28 AM
Anonymous said...: Ahhhh, enjoy!! :)
Dawn; November 4, 2011 at 7:14 AM
mamajuliana said...: WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS! You are truly blessed!!!; November 4, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Kelly said...: Congratulations Lisa! You look so happy holding that little angel!; November 4, 2011 at 8:33 AM
kristi said...: She is a beauty...I knew it before you even said it!; November 4, 2011 at 9:03 AM
Amanda said...: I thought/ hoped it was another baby! Congratulations, Lisa -- she's gorgeous :); November 4, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Jacqui said...: congrats!!!; November 4, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Lori said...: I am thrilled for you. You are a great mom.

You look absolutely fabulous!
Lori; November 4, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Laura Ward *aka Zaababy* said...: Now that's the way to have a baby!!! How beautiful she AND YOU are! Enjoy enjoy this precious life God has given you.; November 4, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Lyn said...: Oh I am soooo happy for you Lisa! Congratulations!!; November 4, 2011 at 10:25 AM
MPilcher said...: You look AMAZING !!! So skinny !! lol I dont think you have ever looked as happy as you are in that picture. Congrats !!; November 4, 2011 at 12:00 PM
FreeJulie said...: Congratulations!! Wow, you look like a different person - what an amazing transformation you are undergoing, congrats on that, too! I know firsthand how much better you must be feeling!; November 4, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Tricia said...: Congrats; November 4, 2011 at 12:21 PM
sarah said...: Congratulations!!; November 4, 2011 at 6:28 PM
chelle1113 said...: How very exciting!! Enjoy your new blessing :); November 4, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations, beautiful mother and child!; November 5, 2011 at 11:08 AM
indubitably danielle said...: Congratulations!; November 5, 2011 at 1:59 PM
Vicki said...: So Beautiful. Congratulations xx; November 5, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Sarah said...: Congrats!

Sarah
notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com; November 6, 2011 at 7:01 AM
Mrs Swan said...: that is AWESOME and you look WONDERFUL!!!!; November 6, 2011 at 9:41 AM
Robin said...: Congratulations!!!! What a blessing. So happy for you and your family.; November 6, 2011 at 9:46 AM
Taryl said...: Congratulations on your little girl! What a wonderful blessing for your family :)

And might I add, as I haven't visited in a while, that you look fantastic? Bravo!; November 6, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Karen said...: Congrats! I knew it was another baby and I am so happy for your family.; November 7, 2011 at 3:02 PM
Kim said...: Congratulations! This is wonderful news.; November 9, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Anonymous said...: Congrtulations!

And you look radiant! I'm very happy for you.

Deb; November 9, 2011 at 11:37 PM
XBIGJIMX said...: Ii am new just found way over. Congrats!; November 12, 2011 at 2:36 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!

Friday, November 4, 2011

My BIG news is...

30 comments: