Information on RGB

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB): This operation is the most common and successful combined weight loss surgery in the United States. First, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Rarely, a cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) is performed to avoid the gallstones that may result from rapid weight loss. More commonly, patients take medication after the operation to dissolve gallstones.

Advantages of this weight loss surgery:
greatly controls food intake, leading to rapid weight loss
dumping syndrome dumping conditions to control intake of sweets
reversible in an emergency though this procedure should be thought of as a permanent

Disadvantages of this weight loss surgery:
staple line failure
ulcers
narrowing/blockage of the stoma
vomiting if food is not properly chewed or if food is eaten to quickly
weight re-gain is known to happen if dietary changes are not followed long term

First Doctor's Visit

Well today was my first visit with Dr Hart. it went really well despite the fact that i still have puffy face from getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday and it kind of sounds like i'm talking through a pillow.

We discussed the different surgical options and what would be best for ME. I told him I had done a lot of research on the LapBand as well as Roux-N-Y, and wanted his opinion as to what would be the best for me.

He said that since my BMI is in the 50's that he thinks that Roux-N-Y Gastric Bypass would be the best option for me. He said if my BMI was in the 30's or 40's he might say the lapband was the better choice. Personally, I have to agree with him, as much as I was leaning toward the lapband I know that he is right... he is the doctor after all! Also, with getting the RNY there is an element of behavior modification. I will post more on this later. He did say however that I do have the final choice and I can still go with the lapband if I want to.

Well since the appointment went well and he listened to my heart and got my BP and all that jazz he has cleared me to get the per-op testing done and to start the process.... it's real people! I think i'm still a little shocked that it is actually real.

So the list of things I have to do:
- attend at least 1 support group meeting (going to on March 5th)
- get pre-op testing done (scheduled to have done March 4th)
- have a preliminary appointment with the dietitian (scheduled for March 19th)
- have and evaluation and get cleared for surgery by a Psychologist
- complete my "weight loss journal" chronicling all my previous weight loss attempts
- have a 5 year record of weights from my physicians (already working on this)
- Letter of medical necessity/clearance from my PCP

Once this has all been completed they will package it up and send it to UHC for approval. They said UHC usually takes 2-4 weeks to get back with an approval.

I'm excited but a little scared, as is to be expected.

More updates to come soon :)

-Mel

Welcome

Welcome to my journal to blog about my journey with Weight Loss Surgery. I hope that this journal will provide information for those looking to move forward with this procedure and also to serve as a constant update to my friends and family members about my success and my struggles through this.

Please feel free to ask any questions, and I will answer you honestly and with the best of my knowledge.

I'm both excited and scared about this next phase of my life and look forward to sharing it's ups and downs with you all

Love,
Mel :)