In Weigh Over my Head: That's enough of that...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

That's enough of that...

Pick yourself up by your big girl panties and move forward. That's what I intend to do. I will NOT get rid of my gym membership even though we need the money for my medical bills. Why? Because of I don't make myself a priority, I will have MORE medical bills. I am also going to the Dr. tomorrow to get a new script for physical therapy because my body hurts from all the years of food abuse. I have another appt next week with my hospital nutritionist, I will move forward with OA and I will spend the money I need on my goals without guilt. I can't let these set backs keep me from moving forward. I am going to fight my ins. for this appeal. I have a million reasons to get up and put one foot in front of the other. It's easier said than done, but HAS to be done.

9 comments:

The Sassy Orange said...: I totally agree - you have to make yourself a priority. Keep in mind that medical bills are a different type of debt - you can throw $5/month at them and they have to be satisfied with that.

I head back to my doctor today to have my drain removed. I'm finally feeling better.

Angela/Pretty in Orange; March 14, 2012 at 6:23 AM
The Sassy Orange said...: Okay, not sure if my last comment went through, because I x'ed out too soon.

Anyway, I agree that you need to make yourself the priority. If you take care of yourself, you will feel better and then you can do everything you want to do, including taking care of your family.

I'm getting my drain out today. This has been quite an ordeal, but I know it will be worth it.

Angela/Pretty in Orange; March 14, 2012 at 6:26 AM
Susan said...: Love this.
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!; March 14, 2012 at 6:30 AM
Amanda said...: Good!

If it helps for the mental gymnastics aspect, consider your gym membership a portion of the ongoing rehabilitation and therapy for your body.; March 14, 2012 at 7:29 AM
Judy said...: This is the second blog post I've read this morning that has to do with putting ourselves first. I really needed to read these.
Why do we find it so difficult to do that? I have to keep convincing myself that I'm not neglecting other responsibilities when I take a little time (or money etc) for myself, to get where I need to be.
You are so right when you say, 'if I don't make myself a priority, I will have MORE medical bills.' So, so true. I'm marching right along with you... one foot in front of the other.; March 14, 2012 at 8:44 AM
Debbie said...: Good for you Lisa! You're a fighter! So proud of all you've accomplished!; March 14, 2012 at 11:43 AM
mamajuliana said...: You go girl! Fight for you...when you do that you fight for those who love you and who you love!; March 14, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Mrs Swan said...: Fight, fight, fight! I need to learn to put myself first myself.; March 14, 2012 at 2:12 PM
Christine said...: And that right there is the mentality that will allow you to win. Looking forward to watching you win.; March 14, 2012 at 11:01 PM

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!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

That's enough of that...

9 comments: