Bariatric Surgery: A Firsthand Account

Bariatric surgery is a serious procedure. Only people who have tried, and failed, at traditional methods of weight loss, and who have a BMI over 40 or those with a BMI over 35 who have weight related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other life-threatening conditions are candidates.

While bariatric surgery does make it easier to lose weight, the person still has to put in the effort to succeed. Changes in diet and exercise are still the only ways to overcome obesity and be healthy. The surgery just makes those changes less challenging.

I had researched weight loss surgery for articles before, but had no firsthand knowledge so to speak, until a friend of mine went through the procedure in October of 2010. I will admit I was scared for her because of all the possible complications, but she was dead set on the surgery, and it turns out to have been a good choice for her. I asked her to do an interview with me so we could learn more about the procedure.

I want to thank Pennie Gregory for taking the time to do this interview. I hope we all learn something, and by putting herself in the spotlight, Pennie may help others who are thinking about having gastric bypass make the right decision.

Angel: What made you finally decide to have weight loss surgery?

Pennie: I had been trying for years to get a handle on my weight loss again. I felt like the diseases and issues I had would surely send me to an early grave, and I couldn't bear the thought of abandoning my family so young.

Angel: Which form of bariatric surgery did you have?

Pennie: Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (Often called Lap RNY)

Angel: How long did the surgery take and did you have any complications?

Pennie: I was actually IN surgery for approximately 30 minutes. I didn't have any complications during the procedure itself.

Angel: What was the length of your recovery stay at the hospital?

Pennie: My surgery was on Thursday at 8am. I was discharged on Friday at 4:30pm.

Angel: What were the first few weeks after surgery like? Did you have any complications that showed up during this time? Were you still able to do normal every day activities, or if not, what were the restrictions?

Pennie: Restrictions and post op activity varies quite a bit from doctor to doctor. Most will say you can resume normal activity in a couple weeks. Some only warrant taking two weeks off work. Some say four. Some still say six. For a lot of people, there are no complications and they can resume normal activity pretty quickly. I developed an ulcer in my incision line, which isn't unheard of but it gave me a lot of problems. It was pretty difficult to deal with, as eating or drinking hurt my stomach very bad. I feel like it took me a full eight weeks to be able to function relatively normally. I wasn't prepared for the amount of pain I experienced. Having a high tolerance for pain, I figured I'd be up and about rather quickly. The ulcer really set me back quite a bit. Other common complications are strictures, nausea, vomiting, intolerances, aversion to smells etc.

Angel: How much weight did you lose in the first month? How much have you lost to date?

Pennie: From the day of surgery (10/21/10) to 11/12/10, I lost 28 lbs. From 10/3/10, which was the date of my '˜liver detox diet' to current (5/31/11) I have lost 130 lbs.

Angel: How have your eating habits changed since the gastric bypass?

Pennie: I can't eat nearly as much as I could pre-surgery. In fact, sometimes it takes me by surprise how quickly I fill up. Memorial day was a prime example of that. I ate half of a 6 oz hamburger patty, a very thin slice of tomato, three Ore-Ida crinkle French fries and one tiny bite of Bush's baked beans. My plate didn't look like it had hardly been touched. I have to make myself aware constantly of the amount of protein & carbs I'm taking in. Protein is my absolute priority. More than anything, you have to chew very slowly and 20 '" 30 times before swallowing. Also, no drinking for at least 30 minutes before eating, and 45 minutes to an hour AFTER.

Angel: Do you believe you'll be able to keep up your new eating habits? If so, why?

Pennie: Yes. Because it's physically impossible for me to overeat. Non surgical patients can eat and stretch out their stomachs quite a bit to accommodate a large amount of food. I cannot do that. If I eat too much, it will come right back up. The pouch is formed out of the '˜toughest' part of the stomach, which has very little '˜give'. So when it gets overfilled, it cannot stretch to accommodate the extra food. That said, different surgeons make the pouch differently, and I've read about some people being able to put nearly that much food away at only a few weeks post operative. I can tell you, in the early days & weeks, I was eating VERY VERY LITTLE!

Angel: What health markers have improved since having the surgery?

Pennie: ALL OF THEM J I'm rid of my diabetes completely. My blood pressure is great, although I'm still on medication for that, but at least now it's being controlled, whereas before, even with meds it ran too high. I FEEL better physically too. No weird chest pains or anything anymore.

Angel: What do you think is most important to your ultimate success in losing and keeping the weight off?

Pennie: Continuing monitoring my protein and carb intake and be diligent about taking my supplements. And working the tool that my wonderful surgeon gave me!! Also, prescribing to a lifelong exercise plan.

Angel: What has been the reaction of friends and family when you tell them about the surgery?

Pennie: All my friends & family are very supportive. Some will ask more questions when they find out, some will totally drop the subject. I answer questions honestly and truthfully when asked, including the question of '˜what's your secret' or '˜how are you losing weight'. I figure why hide it? Especially if I could help someone!

Angel: Would you recommend gastric bypass surgery to others?

Pennie: Yes and no. Any type of weight loss surgery is a definite risk, and it's not to be taken lightly. It's a TOOL and not a solution. People need to do their research in ALL areas of surgery, not just read an internet article, but actually RESEARCH surgeons, procedures, risks, complications, failures, pros and cons, etc. They need to speak with other weight loss surgery patients as well as understand that their lives will forever be modified if they go through with something such as this. It's certainly not for everyone. I didn't think it was for me either though honestly, until I attended a Weight Loss Surgery seminar held by my surgeon. Several things that kept me from inquiring about WLS turned out to be complete myths.

Angel: Is there anything else you'd like to add about your experience?

Pennie: While I had some complications that could have had SEVERE repercussions, I feel like surgery was a positive thing for me, and if I had it to do over again, I would in a heartbeat. I must stress again, that people considering the surgery should really do their research before pursuing it. Weight loss surgery isn't a cure, but a tool that must be utilized in the correct way to achieve weight loss. As many different Weight Loss Surgery patients there are, you will find that many different scenarios. Tastes could change. Food intolerances could develop. As well as much more serious complications.

As you can see, bariatric surgery is not a walk in the park, but, sometimes, it could be the only option left for a person. Follow Pennie's advice and research, talk with other bariatric patients and doctors, and get the support of family and friends so you are well prepared before considering weight loss surgery.

Leave comments here or email Pennie at PennieJo333@aol.com with any questions.

http://www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/overview/