This week has been an intense one. While I was thrilled when I received confirmation that I could have my surgery before we relocated out of state, the timing couldn't have been worse! We close escrow on our current home tomorrow, and then head westward for a family reunion before traveling for work for nearly three months straight. The incredible amount of work necessary to pack and move a two-bedroom condo had me feeling motivated to push through my sagging energy and to get us ready, but as I soon found out, that is an incredibly foolish thing to do.
Here's the thing about bariatric surgery that I suppose I understood cerebrally, but definitely did not internalize until recently: your entire body changes! There following are just a few examples of unexpected body developments so far.
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For anyone who knows me personally, it may have come as a bit of shock to learn that I have been preparing for vertical sleeve gastrectomy for quite some time. I don't fit the picture of a typical VSG patient, as my Body Mass Index barely met the obesity requirements for surgery, I live a very active and healthy lifestyle, and eat high quality, organic food (I'm a naturopath, for Pete's sake!). Still, my labwork told a different story. With every blood panel run, every tightening of the pressure cuff, and every injection of glucose-lowering medicine, my body lost its vitality, and eventually, I became too sick to be employed. In the year away from work that I've taken to reclaim my health, I've faced some hard truths: I cannot correct my imbalances with natural and lifestyle interventions alone; I cannot correct my imbalances with medication therapy, either; I cannot pursue motherhood via pregnancy safely in my condition; if I don't do something to dramatically change my life, I may not ever be healthy (and happy) again. So, last fall, I picked up the phone, and registered for a Weight Loss Surgery Orientation Night hosted by my local bariatric surgeon.
Two days later, my wife and I sat in a small auditorium at our local hospital, and listened to Dr. Craig Floch explain the differences between the various types of bariatric surgeries, the success rates of each, and the lifestyle modifications necessary after such interventions. I was riveted, and to my surprise, Allie was, too. On the drive home, we discussed what we had learned, and hashed out our feelings about the prospect of moving forward with this super-scary-but-really-exciting thing. From day one, she has supported this decision, shuttling me to and from specialists' offices, taking FMLA leave to care for me after the operation, and even adjusting her own eating habits to complement my new dining schedule. The process has made our family healthier and stronger, and that has made all the difference in my success. So, why VSG? Here's a little personal background. My mother had Roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) surgery fourteen years ago, when the technique was still relatively new.This procedure reroutes the gastrointestinal tract, connecting the stomach (which has surgically been reduced in size) directly to the large intestine. By eliminating the food pathway through the small intestine, a significant decrease in calorie and nutrient absorption occurs, and significant weight loss is inevitable. Unfortunately, this procedure has long-term complications, as several important nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine (including B12, essential for nerve and blood cell health), so diligent supplementation and evaluation is necessary. As a person with a smaller weight loss goal than most, and as a naturopath, I did not want to alter my anatomy and physiology this drastically, so I gave it a hard pass. I'll be honest, I was intrigued by the "less invasive" options of the Orbera balloon and lap band procedures, but was ultimately dissuaded from these as well. For those just beginning to explore bariatrics, Orbera balloons are inserted into the stomach through the nose, and are filled with saline. When food enters into your stomach, there's less room available, and less surface area to absorb nutrients, so it can be an effective way to restrict food intake without permanently altering your anatomy. This solution seemed very practical for my situation, but because it is a pretty new technique, insurance companies often do not cover it, and for as much as we pay in insurance premiums, you can bet I'm going with what CIGNA gives a green light! The lap band procedure also seemed like it might be a good fit for me because it is not as drastic of a procedure as VSG or Roux-en-Y, and does not produce as much weight loss as these. By inserting a band around the top of the stomach (that is then tightened or loosened by your surgeon via saline injection at regular intervals), this procedure also restricts the amount of food you can consume at one time, encouraging weight loss. The upside is that no permanent changes to your anatomy are made, and recovery time is really minimal. The downside to this technique is that follow-ups with your surgeon are frequent (so that your band can be adjusted according to your needs), and with my family's travel schedule and cross-country moves every other year, long term maintenance just wasn't possible. So, I was left with the sleeve, and honestly, it was absolutely the best choice for me. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy essentially reduces the size of your stomach by stapling off the J-shaped pouch, and creating a slim tube. This reduces the amount of food you can consume (and therefore the amount of nutrients you can absorb), but does not alter the food pathway at all. Recovery time is typically a 2-3 day hospital stay, and you can technically begin consuming clear fluids on the same day of surgery. With modern technology improving the accuracy of the surgeon's cuts and the quality of the staples, this procedure is fairly low risk and reliable. Knowing that VSG would be permanent but not drastic, that choosing high quality foods in smaller amounts would go far in meeting my body's nutritive needs, and that I would be able to live my very active and mobile lifestyle after a brief recuperation period sold me on the #gsleevejourney. There are so many factors that play into a decision as life-altering as weight loss surgery, and I share my own thoughts here to illuminate only one example. If you're curious about the possibility of surgical intervention, or want to work through your thoughts in a nonjudgmental and affirming space, don't hesitate to reach out! I'd love to help you along this journey in any way I can. In #healthandhumanity, Sarah |
AuthorSarah Ouano is a naturopathic doctor and writer. Currently on a #gsleevejourney, she frequently writes about the intersection of naturopathic medicine and metabolic maintenance, throwing in personal anecdotes and tasty, practical recipes along the way. ArchivesCategories |