The Fed Diabetic Runner

Weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery as it’s known in the medical world helps those that are obese to lose weight with surgical intervention. There are few different types of weight loss surgery but the most common are sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve), Rox-en-Y gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric band. Ultimately the decision on what type of surgery is best for you is between you and your surgeon. Due to my health issues, the surgeon felt better with the sleeve gastrectomy.

What is sleeve gastrectomy?

The second-best part of the sleeve gastrectomy is laparoscopic surgery. After surgery, you may have 3-4 tiny incision sites. I had 5 incision sites because of surprise hiatal hernia. The new stomach resembles a banana shape and can hold approximately 2-5 ounces. The new stomach holds less food and liquid thus reducing how many calories are consumed.

Benefits and risks of surgery

Just like any form of surgery, there are benefits and risks to the sleeve. First always talk to your PCP about weight loss surgery. My PCP was onboard, but my insurance would not cover the procedure. I’m going to put this again and again. Any form of bariatric surgery is a complete change to your life and takes commitment and time. Any form of weight loss surgery is a tool and can be used successfully. If not ready to commit do not go forward with surgery. Without the commitment and willingness to change old habits, weight loss surgery is useless.

• Biggest benefit of sleeve surgery is weight loss. It isn’t unusual for food preferences to change after surgery either. I cannot eat very sweet foods, that includes protein shakes that are more like dessert flavors than just basic vanilla or coffee ones. I used to crave and want McD’s fries! I can now safely drive without French fry eating after a stressful day.
• Improved mental health has also been noted as a benefit. With weight loss comes improved self-image and confidence. I don’t know about you, but I felt pretty good trying on a pair of size 14 jeans and buying them.
• Weight loss also helps those yearly labs the PCP likes us to get. During my post-op follow-up appointment with my PCP, labs were drawn. All my labs where within normal range! My A1c was also 5.9!
• Resolution of many obesity related diseases has been attributed to gastric sleeve surgery. My diabetes is managed and within limits set by my PCP. I keep close watch of my blood glucose and rarely need to use insulin. Some other disease that have been resolved after sleeve surgery are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, gout, polycystic ovary syndrome, and assist with pregnancy. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and results are different for everyone.

Now for the risks of surgery. One downside I have had is constipation. I would take constipation to the other risks. Always be on the watch for complications or risks after surgery even if you are many days, months, or even years post-op. It is easy to slip back into old habits especially when stressed out or during difficult times.

• Intra-operative complications like bleeding, leakage, or gastric fistula are common complications. Many leaks and bleeds can be attributed to staple lines, cauterization, sutures, sealants, and clips.
• Early post-op complications include pulmonary emboli (PE), hemorrhage, chest infections, abscess, incisional hernia, relaparoscopy for retained drain (if used), anatomic leakage, wound infections, and GERD. Dumping syndrome can also occur after eating foods that are not a good fit for your new stomach. Always follow the diet the surgeon and nutritionist have given you!
• Nutritional and metabolic complications can occur due to reduced food intake and not taking the vitamins as prescribed by the surgeon and nutritionist. Depending on your PCP, lab draws may occur every 3-6 months after surgery. Common micronutrient deficiencies are vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. I cannot stress enough how important it is to take your bariatric vitamins! More on vitamins here.
• Insufficient weight loss happens and does occur. The sleeve is most effective within the first 6 months. On average after sleeve surgery, most people lose 2-4 lbs a week or 8-16 lbs a month. During this time, it is important to dial in the nutrition, become active, and not cheat yourself.

Ultimately having gastric sleeve surgery has been beneficial to me and my journey. No matter if you go on a healthcare holiday or have surgery in the US, do your research on the surgeon and facility.