Gastric Bypass Surgery

I went for a consult about gastric bypass surgery. Sometimes people think by choosing this option, it's an easy way out. Easy? No way, that's the hard way. Here's the thing, there's a lot to research, and when you do, you realize how much is going to change.

Imagine some of these restrictions, because these are important to understand, like having to use shot glasses to measure an ounce of water. That's how much you'll be drinking at a time, but you must sip your water all day long.

I drink a lot when I eat, but there's no drinking with your meals. For a short while, your meals will be liquid! Eventually you'll move up to creamed liquids, soft solids and then solids.

Do you know what a 4 ounce juice cup looks like, have you looked at it? It's not very large. Picture yourself filling it 3/4 of the way. That's how much you'll be eating, and you'll be doing it about 6 times a day.

After you eat, then you do something called "flushing" an hour after you eat with water. It's a series of things you do, to help your body adjust to these eating patterns and more. So if you think this is an "easy way out", you didn't do your research.

You'll also be going through surgery, not minor surgery, but major surgery! You'll be on vitamins for the rest of your life. You don't want to become deficient. Deplete your B1 and B12 levels and things can get scary. You won't know, because there are no side effects, until it's too late.

Then there's malabsorption and dehydration issues to worry about. This is no easy road, so cut people some slack and do the research. It's something that takes a lot of time, a lot of research and a lot of courage to go through.

Now, if you're considering having surgery, you may have to run around in circles for insurance coverage. You'll need proof and documented information saying you've tried supervised diets. You'll want records, not just saying you tried something at home.

You also get to visit with other doctors to get approvals. I went to a cardiologist, and a gastrointestinal doctor. That's where the road ended for me. I have malabsorption issues. I can't get surgery. You'll also need to get a note of support from your primary care doctor. You may need to go for a sleep study.

This is not a decision people take lightly. It's long, drawn out, and not a snap decision, but it may provide light at the end of a very long tunnel.

There are many different books to read, and while many are textbook like, there was one that had a very conversational tone and helped me feel good about the decision I was making. It's Carnie Wilson's "I'm Still Hungry". It was a good read, and kept my attention. I had a hard time putting it down.

This book follows Carnie's process after gastric bypass surgery. What I found important, and really hit home for me, was that even years later, she still struggles at time. This was no easy road, but it gets better. There are a lot of changes. She's found her comfort level, and I love that she was brutally honest about things. I truly appreciate how open she was, and honestly, it's a frank read.

As I read the book and saw the success she had, my own emotions started to flow. I was torn, as I was reading it and the doctors were making decisions about my future, I knew I might not be able to have surgery. I felt jealous and hurt. Why did my own body have issues absorbing food correctly. It felt so unfair. I cried because I wanted to lose 100 pounds, and here she had lost 150 pounds. Would I ever reach my goal? I was thrilled for her, but sad for myself. What was my answer going to be?

I was amazed at how quickly my emotions came out, and that means it touched a nerve. It's a well written, true to emotions kind of book, and you'll want to read it cover to cover. If you're looking for what other people's experiences are, she's honest, open and shares it all. I thank her for that.

Carnie Wilson also wrote a book called, "Gut Feelings" which was written about the process of the gastric bypass and other topics.

The next place I want to tell you about is Renewed Reflections. This is an excellent message board with caring people who are there to help you with answers, support you, and just chatter. Bookmark this site, and check out the pictures for inspiration.

Renewed Reflections

I wish you peace in your decision, health and happiness on your journey. Here's to the light at the end of the tunnel.

As for me, I had to find another option, since this door closed. I'm now currently walking 4x a week, and am seeing a personal trainer 2x a week. I'll get there too! :)

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