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Bariatric (Obesity) Surgery
The day I realized I was fat was a horrible one. I was at a movie theater in Baie-Comeau, and saw myself in the reflection of the glass ticket window. I no longer blended in with the other citizens of Baie-Comeau; my weight made me stand out. A lifetime of dieting and a recent diagnosis of Hashimodo's Thyroiditis had destroyed my metabolism, and with a non functional thyroid, losing weight had become insanely difficult. Medication for thyroid replacement will hopefully prevent future gains, but what to do about what I'd already packed on? I was completely hopeless and overwhelmed, until I began researching my options.
There are many reasons that people of all ages, sizes, nationalities and genders contemplate having bariatric weight loss surgery. For some, their lifelong dysfunctional relationship with food has brought them to a point where their health is at serious risk. Others may have come to the realization they will never be able to control their food addiction and surgery is their last hope. Still others just want to gain control of their lives. Whatever the reason for considering bariatric surgery, there are serious questions to ask before coming to a definite decision to move forward.
I had Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery on July 14, 2005. Nearly 3 1/2 years later I have lost and maintained a 145 pound weight loss. Bariatric surgery was my savior and absolutely the right decision for me and for my family. However it is not the right decision for everyone. This is an example of some of the things I had to consider before I moved forward in my life changing decision. I hope this can help those who are thinking about bariatric surgery decide whether to move forward or to find another avenue to achieve their desired goal.
The first thing you need to consider is the risk versus the benefit. You need to ask yourself, "Is the best possible result worth the worst probable outcome?" The risks, however slight, do happen in a low percentage of patients. Risk of fatal complications is between 1% and 2% and the risk of death is less than 1% according to New Jersey Bariatrics, PC. There are several different types of bariatric surgery to choose from. You and your doctor can decide which is the best for you. Depending on the type of surgery you choose to have and the physical condition you are currently in will determine what your risk factors are. Even for those patients who are young, relatively healthy with no conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, the risk of serious complications, including death, are possibilities. Some risks can include infection of the surgery site, intestinal obstruction, stomach or intestinal leaks, blood clots, vitamin deficiency, obstruction of the stomach opening, and hair loss six to twelve months after surgery, to name a few. There are others and you should read and re-read all of the possible risks associated with the type of surgery you are considering.
The benefit to having bariatric surgery will obviously vary from patient to patient. In the event that the complications are minor or non-existent, the immediate benefit will be better health. Most gastric bypass patients see things such as high blood pressure or diabetes either completely goes away or greatly improves after surgery. Gastric patients will have longer lives and better qualities of life. Things such as bending over and tying your shoes, riding in an airplane, taking a bath in a regular bathtub, running for any distance, crossing your legs, sitting in a public venue like a ball park or football stadium or riding amusement park rides become things that you can once again do without thinking about them. Then, of course, there's feeling great about the way that you look. An added bonus.
The next thing to consider when deciding on surgery is, "Have I sincerely tried every possible avenue of losing the weight on my own?" If you have sincerely tried and failed time and again throughout your lifetime to maintain a healthy weight and a healthy attitude towards food and fitness then bariatric surgery may be for you. However, it is imperative to remember that surgery is not a "magic pill". You will still have to make healthy eating decisions and develop a new attitude and relationship to and with food. Regular exercise will also be a very important new (or improved) part of your life. These changes can be very mentally challenging. I suggest attending group meetings prior to surgery in order to gain a true understanding of the way in which your lifestyle will forever change.
Another very important factor is the cost. This could make or break your decision based on whether your insurance company will cover any of the costs. Insurance companies have come a long way when it comes to covering gastric bypass surgery. For some, verifying cost and coverage will be their first step, others will decide to have the surgery regardless of cost. If you don't have a copy of your insurance company's benefits booklet you can simply give them a call and ask what exactly is covered. Keep in mind that even though your surgery may be covered, the amount covered will vary between insurance companies. You also may have to meet certain criteria to be covered. An example would be demonstrated proof of a doctor supervised weight loss plan in your past, an extensive physical to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery, and some companies require that you go on a liquid diet for up to 30 days prior to surgery. Others will require that you are drug and tobacco free.
Some other things to consider when thinking about bariatric surgery are the mental changes that will happen to you. This aspect gets overlooked by many patients, especially patients whose doctors do not stress the importance of your mental health post-op. After surgery and losing a great deal of weight, individuals can go through many different emotions. Their spouses may suddenly become jealous and it is, unfortunately, very common for gastric patients to go through break ups or divorces after surgery. There is the chance of transfer of addiction. This is when the patient no longer can allow their addictive personality to manifest in the way of over-eating, but is transferred to another dangerous behavior such as drug use, alcoholism and even sexual addiction. You and your doctor should thoroughly discuss the mental aspects of surgery before you proceed in your decision.
Another aspect gastric bypass surgery that doesn't get much discussed is the fact that you will forever have to say goodbye to some of your most favorite things in life. All patients are different but most gastric patients will have to forever give up some of their favorite foods not only because they are bad for you but because they will forever after make the patient ill. For me, this is anything very high in sugar like ice cream, cake and certain fruit juices. Any food that is very greasy is very upsetting as are foods very high in carbs. Understanding that you really will never again be able to eat certain foods that you now take for granted is very important before moving forward. This is certainly not something you want to learn while in the recovery room.
Making the decision to have bariatric weight loss surgery is a life changing one. The most important thing you can do for yourself is research, read and educate yourself to the point where you feel you could do the surgery yourself! You will need very strong support of family and friends, a reputable and researched doctor and bariatric facility and a very firm and grounded realization of what life will be like for you post-op. Once you are certain you have a firm grasp on all of these factors you can make your decision with conviction and strength. The only person that has control is you - seize it, own it and know that whatever you decide you are worth knowing, being respected, appreciated and loved, no matter what your size.
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