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Update on Patti's Success: Gastric Sleeve, Lapband or Mini Gastric Bypass? That is the question. It has been four and a half years since I had my first bariatric surgery for weight loss. Wow, what a journey! The main thing I want to convey to each person is: Each bariatric surgery has its place in the weight loss community, and each procedure should be considered before making a decision about the appropriate surgery for an individual. I am going to try and explain the course of events that brings everyone up-to-date. Thanksgiving 2005, I went to the doc for a fill of my LapBand. They informed me that I had a "band erosion"; this was something that I had been watching out for since the beginning. Because of my poor health to start with and all the medications that I had been taking, it was a concern that the doctors had for me throughout my banded life. In January 2006 the band was removed, and it was very saddening for me. The one tool that seemed to actually work was being taken away from me. I have to say that the first half of 2006 was very difficult… I gained about 95 pounds over the next 8 months (once the LapBand had been removed). I started doing a lot of research on doctors and looked for a surgeon that not only understood the different types of bariatric surgery but a surgeon that specialized in revision type procedures. I found a group of excellent doctors, and because of their knowledge of "revision" type surgery, they were willing to address my case. Understand one thing: I've had 4 hernia repairs, LapBand removal (w/ paratenitis), gall bladder removal, and a lower tummy tuck… My insides are a mess! I have tons of scar tissue and adhesions, which makes it very difficult for the doctors to do their work. Well, the doctors started out with the intention of doing a Mini Gastric Bypass (per my request). When they spent an hour and a half removing scar tissue around my stoma, they were still unable to see my intestines. They said that my intestines are actually frozen and the internal damage would not allow them to even move in that direction. The doctors worked long hours, and finally made the decision to do the Gastric Sleeve procedure instead. I am grateful that I was given back a tool that was taken from me. Since the Gastric Sleeve procedure in August 2006, I have lost the 95 pounds that I had gained. Now I am headed in the right direction and I have been able to gain the control over my battle with food. I feel great and know that I will reach my goals. |
