I figured I would start from the beginning so I have everything on here documented and ready for anyone else who needs information on this! And so I have something written down :)
The process started in August of 2011. I went to my primary care physician and told him what I was thinking about doing. We talked for a while about what I had done before and if I was sure I wanted to get this process started. I told him I wanted to get the ball rolling and talk to the surgeon. I figured that's how I would know more about the surgery itself and whether it was right for me. In my mind at that time I was thinking I was going to have a Gastric Bypass because that's what 2 of my friends had and that was the only surgery I saw results from or even knew about, besides the dreaded lap band. (if you are considering this surgery - I STRONGLY recommend against it - click here for more info.)
After seeing my primary care physician I was nervous that I wouldn't get my referral to see the surgeon. I was pleasantly surprised when it went through and I was in the surgeons office the following month (September). While waiting for the surgeon I had to watch a 20 minute video about Gastric Bypass and weight loss surgery in general. It was great to see people on the video who had gone through the surgery already and to hear their testimonies. I was surprised though how much it scared me. I was thinking it wouldn't be that bad since 2 of my friends had it and it was becoming more and more popular.
After the video I met with the doctor. He talked to me for a while and asked me a lot of questions about my history and dieting issues. Then he showed me a sheet that had 4 choices on it. There was the lap band, the gastric bypass (or RNY), the gastric sleeve, and the duodenal switch. The lap band I understood right away because I had heard of it before. Same as the GB since I had close friends who had it done. The sleeve and the duodenal switch were the ones that were strange to me. Basically with the sleeve, they cut 85% of your stomach off and that's it! With the switch, they do more intestinal switching around (basically cut out your small intestine) and cut 85% of your stomach off. The switch is designed for people who have over 200 pounds to lose.
The surgeon told me never to go with the lap band because there are a lot of complications with it right now. He also didn't recommend the GB, which I was SHOCKED at, and did recommend the sleeve. He explained the difference between the GB and the sleeve is that the GB has a bad malabsorptive affect that no longer allows the body to naturally break down food (because the stomach is gone). Which is why there is more risk doing that surgery because of the long-term health issues that can arise if you don't take your vitamins for life and really watch what you are eating.
He explained that the sleeve does not have this because you keep your stomach. There is no re-arranging of your intestines or stomach or creating a pouch from something that wasn't used for that before. He went on to tell me that GB patients also do not have a naturally occurring change in their metabolism. They have a "honeymoon" period of about 3 years because of the rapid weight loss, but goes away. With the sleeve, it naturally speeds up your metabolism for life. They are not sure why, but it does. That was the kicker for me! I have had a problem with this for my whole life! I really knew at that point I wanted the surgery that was less invasive, less traumatic to my body, but will not only give me the same results, but allow me to live my life without all the restrictions GB does.
I am not knocking GB at all! I think people who have had it needed it, but I don't believe it was the surgery for me. For my body type, my history, etc. it was the right decision. I wanted something that would allow me to still be excited about cooking and trying new things. I didn't want to never eat something again, just learn portion control. And let me tell you - this surgery has done that! Believe me, cause even if I wanted to over eat I wouldn't be able to or it would just come back up!
I hope this helps anyone who is searching and needing more answers. This is my personal journey with Weight Loss Surgery and I hope it encourages someone!!
Thanks,
Cortnee :)
