Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Misconceptions about Weight Loss Surgery
I got this from my coordinator. I like it so I'm posting the parts that I like the most.
Surgery is taking the easy way: Losing weight and keeping it off requires a lifestyle change. It requires attending regular support groups and educational classes working on lifelong healthy habits and behaviours. It requires a life long commitment and a strong desire to maintain a lifelong goal of reaching a healthy comfortable weight.
You have to be 300-400+ lbs to have weight loss surgery: Many people who qualify are as little as 50lbs overweight. It does not take much to have high blood pressure, diabetes, IBS or other health issues that are caused by obesity. As long as you have a BMI over 30 you qualify for WLS. Health risks such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high BP and high cholesterol will be significantly decreased and controlled.
You will have a large scar from surgery: 96% of WLS comes with minimally-invasive surgery or laproscopy. This normally requires 5-6 small incisions on the abdomen.
It takes a long time to recover after surgery: Most people recover within 1-2weeks. Some people go back to work and regular activities within just a few days.
After surgery you will not be able to eat any good food: Most people can eat all kinds of food after surgery. Most people can east just about anything, just in smaller quantities. However, a small percentage of people who have had the Roux-En-Y gastric bypass experience an unpleasant sensation (referred to as dumping syndrome) when eating large amounts of sweets and desserts. The Vertical Sleeve does not have this issue.
Surgery is taking the easy way: Losing weight and keeping it off requires a lifestyle change. It requires attending regular support groups and educational classes working on lifelong healthy habits and behaviours. It requires a life long commitment and a strong desire to maintain a lifelong goal of reaching a healthy comfortable weight.
You have to be 300-400+ lbs to have weight loss surgery: Many people who qualify are as little as 50lbs overweight. It does not take much to have high blood pressure, diabetes, IBS or other health issues that are caused by obesity. As long as you have a BMI over 30 you qualify for WLS. Health risks such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high BP and high cholesterol will be significantly decreased and controlled.
You will have a large scar from surgery: 96% of WLS comes with minimally-invasive surgery or laproscopy. This normally requires 5-6 small incisions on the abdomen.
It takes a long time to recover after surgery: Most people recover within 1-2weeks. Some people go back to work and regular activities within just a few days.
After surgery you will not be able to eat any good food: Most people can eat all kinds of food after surgery. Most people can east just about anything, just in smaller quantities. However, a small percentage of people who have had the Roux-En-Y gastric bypass experience an unpleasant sensation (referred to as dumping syndrome) when eating large amounts of sweets and desserts. The Vertical Sleeve does not have this issue.
Feeling better today. I have a feeling I'll be alternating alot between different emotions as my surgery comes closer.
Easter will be my last solid meal. We're having some family come and stay with us for a few days and they leave on Easter Sunday so its perfect timing for me. We will have dinner on the Saturday and then Sunday I start my liquids only. The tuesday after Easter, we fly to San Diego and the next day, we're off to Mexico! I spend one day in the hospital and then move to a hotel. They have a free recovery house with meals and everything but I wanted my privacy and there was a chance that hubby wouldn't be able to stay there with me if the house is full so I'd rather just go to a nearby hotel instead. So we're staying at the Hotel Ticuan in the Suite :D
I have the best husband ever. He's paying 75% of the cost of this from his tax free savings account so I can get this done. He is excited and happy for me and of course only wants me to be happy. I'm a lucky girl.
Easter will be my last solid meal. We're having some family come and stay with us for a few days and they leave on Easter Sunday so its perfect timing for me. We will have dinner on the Saturday and then Sunday I start my liquids only. The tuesday after Easter, we fly to San Diego and the next day, we're off to Mexico! I spend one day in the hospital and then move to a hotel. They have a free recovery house with meals and everything but I wanted my privacy and there was a chance that hubby wouldn't be able to stay there with me if the house is full so I'd rather just go to a nearby hotel instead. So we're staying at the Hotel Ticuan in the Suite :D
I have the best husband ever. He's paying 75% of the cost of this from his tax free savings account so I can get this done. He is excited and happy for me and of course only wants me to be happy. I'm a lucky girl.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
nerves, cold feet, nerves
I go back an forth from fear to calm, from excitement to dread. Sometimes I think, what am I doing? Should I go on just ONE MORE diet? Should I try one last time? Then I realize I've been fighting my body for 15 years. I've done everything right and I simply cannot keep the weight off. I was tested and found out its not my thyroid so I've exhaused every other avenue that I am willing to take. I'm not willing to drink shakes for the rest of my life, or stick myself with needles, or eat only 500 calories... this isn't living as I am now, but neither is that. As I get closer each day to leaving for my surgery, I have mini thoughts of darkness. Should I complete my will? Just in case? Should I tell my family? Just in case? My husband will be with me every single step of the way and I trust him to take care and protect me. But the unknowns happen... today is one of those questioning days for me. I know that this is the right decision and I'll be feeling better tomorrow. But for today, I'm scared.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Surgery date
I have a date.
April 27th. That's my new birthday.
I will be "sleeved" in the Jerusalem Hospital in Tijuana Mexico with Dr Almanza Reyes
I've spent a great deal of time researching not only the procedure itself but also the hospital and the doctor. I'm confident in this choice.
Why did I choose Mexico? Cost and time.
It would be at LEAST a year or more before I *might*be able to get the surgery here.... and if I did it self pay at home, it would be $20,000. That's money we just don't have.
The surgery is nearly a 1/3 of the price in Mexico and I can do it in mere months from making the decision. I of course still have to qualify but with a BMI over 30, I'm in a good category.
April 27th. That's my new birthday.
I will be "sleeved" in the Jerusalem Hospital in Tijuana Mexico with Dr Almanza Reyes
I've spent a great deal of time researching not only the procedure itself but also the hospital and the doctor. I'm confident in this choice.
Why did I choose Mexico? Cost and time.
It would be at LEAST a year or more before I *might*be able to get the surgery here.... and if I did it self pay at home, it would be $20,000. That's money we just don't have.
The surgery is nearly a 1/3 of the price in Mexico and I can do it in mere months from making the decision. I of course still have to qualify but with a BMI over 30, I'm in a good category.
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