Your Weight Loss Surgery Options

If you are considering weight loss surgery, you are not alone. I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy and I want to share some real information to help you decide which surgery might be right for you.

Why Consider Weight Loss Surgery Options?

Anyone who tells you this is the easy way out is a complete asshole and knows nothing about this topic. Weight loss surgery is by no means easy. It’s a long, hard process; but, it does give you a tool that is much needed: long term food restriction. Most people who have gotten to the status of needing weight loss surgery are food addicts. (see my post about food addiction here). Food is the worst type of addiction. As a food addict, you have to find a way to still use our drug of choice and moderate it. If you have gotten to a high enough weight to be eligible for weight loss surgery, you probably use food for a plethora of cases. Weight loss surgery gives you a tool that helps moderate the usage of your drug (food).

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Weight happens

Listen, weight happens. It happens to a lot of us at certain times in our lives or sometimes it’s been your whole life. Food can be used for happy times, sad times, celebrations, punishment, gatherings, loneliness, boredom, the list goes on and on. Some people can find acceptable weight loss on their own and some people need extra help. There is no shame in reaching for help. Be proud of yourself for making way for a change in your life. The goal is not to be skinnier, but healthier.

3 Weight Loss Surgery Options:

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, also known as VSG, is a surgery where 70%-80% of your stomach is removed. The stomach left is about the shape and size of a banana. It helps you feel full after eating a small amount of food. VSG is considered less invasive than gastric bypass. VSG does have many cases of increasing GERD; so, if you already battle with acid reflux or GERD, talk to your doctor to see if another surgery might be a better fit. VSG is used for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is another option of weight loss surgery where the stomach is divided into a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The small intestine is then rearranged to connected to the smaller pouch. Food will go into the small pouch and then directly into the small intestine, bypassing most of your stomach. You will definitely need to stay on vitamins lifelong after this surgery. Of course, that is true for all the surgeries but you are less likely to get the vitamins needed daily from the food you consume after Gastric bypass. It’s used for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater.

Duodenal Switch

Duodenal switch, officially named biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), is a less common weight loss surgery. It has two steps. The first step is a sleeve gastrectomy (described above). The next step bypasses most of the intestine by connecting the end portion of the intestine to the duodenum near the stomach. Even though there are two steps, it is generally performed as one procedure. Malnutrition is a greater risk with this option. This is usually for a BMI greater than 50.

Extra Weight Loss Surgery Info

Each surgery can cause malnutrition and requires lifelong vitamin substitution.
Surgery is not a stand-alone cure. Proper meal planning and prep will be necessary to achieve weight loss and prevent regain. Click here to receive FREE meal planning tools!
Each surgery has different pros and cons and discussing each with your doctor is the best way to figure out your path.
Exercise is the best aid to your new meal plans to help you lose and keep weight off.
You will most likely have many improvements to your health such as joint pain, blood pressure, sugar levels etc.

Start now, with your new eating habits. Get my FREE Dump & Go Recipes for Bariatric Moms Ebook. These recipes are so freaking easy and totally delicious while still keeping that healthy factor!

Consult With Your Doctor

As always, after some basic research online, consult with your doctor. You will need to find the bariatric surgeon of choice and location and make an appointment with them. There you can discuss all your options, details, health history, and more.