Last of the four surgeys that we will discuss here. "The Sleeve"

Well here is the last of the four surgery's that I will discuss here. I believe there may be others but these are the tried and true and the ones used most today in the USA. Here is another little tip, you can go to other countries to have procedures done and for less money. But when a complication sets in where do you go? Most doctors do not like trying to fix someones mistake. I remember from being a mechanic that it was always harder to fix something someone else messed up. Do you really want to put your life in this much danger? Just get a professional locally and save yourself from the problems that could occur and money in the long run

The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Or

“The Sleeve”

This is the surgery that I selected for a few reasons.

1.      It is pretty strait forward. No cutting of the intestine to pull up and attach.

2.      This procedure, also done Laparoscopic; completely removes a large part of the stomach.

3.      The part that is removed also releases the hormone called Ghrelin, which is what tells the brain that you are hungry. There for you do not feel hungry all the time.

4.      One of the biggest reasons, no pun intended; is that this is a pretty straightforward surgery. The surgeon goes in and cuts and staples the stomach. Then folds over the remaining [art pf the stomach and stitches giving the appurtenance of a sleeve. Hence the name “Sleeve”.

I will have approximately a four ounce stomach when it is done. Also for a large person such as myself it is not as complicated as trying to go down and get the intestine and pull up to attach to the stomach. One of the advantages of the sleeve is if for some reason you do stop losing weight they can go in and then do a Bypass or a Duodenal Switch to help you lose more weight. However I think I will work hard and just do the one surgery. But there are options if needed. Now I said strait forward but that does not mean there are not risks. My surgeon told me, because of my size that it will be a super high risk however at my size he said that it is also super high risk that I would not see the end of 2012. So I figure it this way, if I go out I am going to go out fighting. Because of my belief I also know that death holds no bounds on me. I am not saying I want something to go wrong. I truly believe this is the right time and right place and right surgeon. I have tried two other times to do this with no avail. This time, so far; everything is running like clock work. I am attempting to get pictures of all my tests and reports to post here so you can see what you might have to do. I say might because not everyone has the same issues and there is not a “regular” set of tests. (not that I know of) Like me I have sleep apnea so I had to see a pulmonary specialist, I had a chest X-Ray, I had a EKG, an electrocardiogram, and of course my favorite, The EGD. If you do not know that is where they stick a tiny camera down in your stomach. The reason for this is I was to large to do a standard upper GI. But all went well. Also if you had a chance to read my surgeon Bio that I post here you would know why I am so confident. Like I said, the right time at the right place and right person. God is good!

If you are thinking about WLS I would advise finding a seminar near you to go to and listen and ask questions. That would be my advice for a first step and then if you think it is right for you step forward and go for it. This is NOT a magic pill or cure. This is not “The easy way out” are you kidding me. Getting cut open and having you insides turned on end or removed? What part of that sounds easy to you? Like I said this is not a cure or a magic pill. It is a tool that if used properly will assist in losing large amount of weight. Your Bariatric team should be with you every step of the way, to answer questions, solve concerns, or just be a support on a rough day when you just need a calm voice to talk to on the phone. As I understand it I will check into the hospital, be prepped for surgery, After I will need to be up walking as soon as possible. I will spend the night and go home the next day. I am also aware that because of my size there may be an extra day or two stay but we will cross that road when we come to it. As I started to say though was if you are able to watch surgery and not get quizzes, I thought watching a surgery would answer some of my questions. Wouldn’t you know it YouTube has all the surgeries. All you do is type the type of surgery in and there it is. This is truly for self awareness and should not effect your decision at all. I just like knowing what will be happening while I am dozing. The surgery should be 90 to 120 minutes. Maybe a little longer including recovery room. So I hope these past four days has given you some insight but remember there is nothing like getting the news from the horse’s mouth as they say.n

Stress Reducers:
Having People Who Care
Deep Breathing
Reading The Bible

Words of Wisdom:

When we are aware that each moment of each day, each gesture and step we take, is truly guided by our Creator and full of wonder, we will live our lives with greater thought and care. We will also have greater respect and appreciation for the lives of others.

May The Lord Continue To Bless Those Who Walk In His Way. 

Tom