Three types of surgery were thoroughly explained to me with the focus on two. As in Goldilocks, one was too big, one was too small and one was just right. The most involved being Gastric Bypass surgery which one of the oldest methods and least used currently. That one felt more risky to me and after all that's what the sister of the woman in my group had so I wasn't going there. The Lap Band surgery was a thought, but the one thing that resonated with me was that the surgeon described it as being more forgiving. In other words, the patient is left to discipline themselves more than the band would. It could be adjusted. If I could discipline myself, I wouldn't need surgery to begin with. If I was going to do this, it was going to be by the strongest method. I needed strong policing that was permanent. I had given myself too much margin for error over the years and enough was enough.
The Gastric Sleeve would be it. Reducing the actual size of the stomach by cutting it lengthwise and stapling it permanently is what I gravitated towards. It seems radical, but I needed a radical change. When he told me it was laparoscopic and the recovery time was only about one to two weeks I felt calm. I could do that. I could get used to the idea of this change. Now for the big stuff; complications and death rate. When I heard him speak of complications that could come from any surgery and precautionary steps were taken, I felt even more calm. I could breath. Surprisingly, a very small percentage of patients had leakage in the actual staples and other complications with the surgery itself. A much lower percentage than I expected to hear. The next part was amazing because this sealed the deal for me. The surgeon had told me he never lost a patient. It made me laugh because it reminded me of when I was a kid and my brother and I would play basketball, he would always say, "Watch, I never miss, I never miss a basket". It was like a little comfort to have a similar tune to my brother in this decision. And to hear that after his performing thousands of these surgeries and not losing a patient, a trust was born. It was his confidence that got to me; it made me feel like there would be no question, I would be ok with this radical change to a major organ. All my fears had dissipated in that one discussion. It was visceral; I knew in my soul this would work for me.
I knew he would do his part, but could I do my part? For the next six months that would be the one thing on my mind. Would I be able to comply to my stomach's limitations? To this day, time will tell. It was required by my particular insurance company that I show six months of weigh ins before they will authorize this surgery. I also had a list of medical clearances that I had to obtain for just about every major system of the body. I actually thought this was a good thing, I would take my time, and think about it further, have time to do more research, feel it out even more. I was in no rush and it would lead me up to my busy season at work so I could take off without reservation. I thanked him and left his office feeling changed and ready to plow through a list of referrals for tests and examinations.
As a side note, let me just say that I am not a walking ad for weight loss surgery. It is absolutely not for everyone. It is a very personal decision not to be taken lightly. I am truly just expressing how I came to my decision to those who are grappling with the thought of surgery or those who have had decided but are really afraid and their fears are paralyzing them. It is to ease not pressure.
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