Posted at April 29, 2020
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Sleeve Me 3

Choosing which bariatric surgery is right for you is a very personal choice. The surgery you choose will change your whole life. When I chose my bariatric surgery, I did my research thoroughly. I knew I wanted to lose at least 200lbs in order to be under a healthy BMI. I also didn’t want there to be drastic deficiencies. During this time, I had read a number of articles that detailed vitamin and nutritional deficiencies on gastric bypass patients. For those who don’t know, gastric bypass is a “surgical procedure primarily designed for obese patients to alter the process of digestion and aid in weight loss. The procedure reduces the size of the stomach and bypass part of the small intestine to restrict the amount of food consumption as well as absorption of nutrients” (Sanford Healthcare, 2020). Gastric bypass is most often recommended if you have a massive amount to lose and have a history of GERD, among other things.

 

Another form of bariatric surgery is the Sleeve gastrectomy. “In a sleeve gastrectomy, part of the stomach is separated and removed from the body. The remaining section of the stomach is formed into a tube-like structure. This smaller stomach cannot hold as much food. It also produces less of the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin, which may lessen your desire to eat” (Mayo Clinic, 2020). This surgery is less drastic and is the surgery most commonly performed because of its less invasive methods. With time if a patient doesn’t meet their weight loss goal, they can have the step two procedure which is the duodenal switch. “The second step bypasses the majority of the intestine by connecting the end portion of the intestine to the duodenum near the stomach. A BPD/DS both limits how much you can eat and reduces the absorption of nutrients, including proteins and fats” (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

 

Most of the time, the patient can choose the bariatric surgery of their choosing. However, sometimes a surgeon has to take your medical history into consideration and ultimately the choice is up to them. I chose to have gastric sleeve surgery because I was afraid of all the nutritional deficiencies that the gastric bypass entailed. During my research I had read stories of massive hair loss due to the malabsorption the bypass caused. I had also read about the horrors of dumping syndrome. “Most people with dumping syndrome develop signs and symptoms, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, 10 to 30 minutes after eating” (Mayo Clinic, 2020). My medical history allowed for me to have the gastric sleeve procedure. If I wouldn’t have been able to have this procedure, I probably would’ve still gone through with the bypass despite the deficiencies.

 

Undergoing any type of bariatric surgery is a very personal choice. Some people are more open to discussing their experience, they are out and proud. Others have a harder time sharing their story because of the negative stigma surrounding bariatric surgery. I have been the second type for the most part. This is the first time that I am openly talking about my experience. When I began losing the weight and it became noticeable, everyone asked me how I was doing it. It became easy to lie and say that I had only changed my eating habits and started going to the gym, because it was partially true. I had changed my eating habits and I had begun going to the gym to work out. I was eating a high protein low carb diet and incorporating cardio and strength training into my routine. The reality is that I couldn’t have ever lost over 200lbs on my own. I needed the gastric sleeve surgery and I’m not afraid to say that anymore. I have finally arrived at a comfortable place in my life where I am out and proud.

 

Sanford Health. (2020). Types of Bariatric Surgery. Retrieved from:  https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/b/bariatric-surgery/types.html

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biliopancreatic-diversion-with-duodenal-switch/about/pac-20385180

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Dumping syndrome. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dumping-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20371915

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Guide to types of weight-loss surgery. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/gastric-bypass-surgery/in-depth/weight-loss-surgery/art-20045334

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