Some people, those who on the outside looking in, believe that Bariatric surgery is an ‘easy way out’, giving the obese an opportunity to see results without effort. Still others view weight loss surgery as a quick fix for those who lack willpower or are just plain lazy, but this could not be further from the truth.

For example, a basketball player makes his game look easy, but no one knows the countless hours spent practicing and studying game plays. Like the basketball star, obese patients cannot help but make Bariatric surgery look easy because the results are quick and the weight loss seems to happen with little effort but…

Decision for Weight Loss Surgery is NOT Easy

In fact, if you are looking for easy weight loss options, you have been highly misinformed about Bariatric surgery. Those who are obese do not choose weight loss surgery because they lack any self-control and discipline. This huge decision is not an option simply because Bariatric surgery candidates abhor the thought of exercise.

Bariatric Surgery Prevents Obesity Related Health Issues, Saves Lives

You might be surprised to learn that people who choose weight loss surgery have exhausted every other measure. They have at least two or more health concerns that have placed them at a high risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other obesity related comorbidities. In nearly every case, the decision for Bariatric surgery has been decided (as a last resort) in an effort to prevent more serious health concerns and/or to save the patient’s life.

Obesity is a Disease …and It KILLS

Welcome to the year 2016, where people know that obesity is a disease that kills and the American Medical Association knows it. Knowing what we do, why would Bariatric surgery be considered anything less than a necessary plan of action, a method to quickly save someone’s life or avoid additional health concerns? Those who say weight loss surgery is an ‘easy way out’ for the obese have little or no understanding of how this disease works.

Fad Diets and Weight Fluctuation Leads to an Unhealthy Lifestyle

Obese Bariatric surgery patients have tried diets after diets, losing hundreds of pounds and gaining hundreds of pounds back. Their aggressive dieting and constant use of weight loss products, gimmicks, tricks, and diet pills are all more unhealthy and hard on the body than actual Bariatric surgery. Therefore, the decision for weight loss surgery does not come from avoidance of discipline and lack of dieting.

The reasons for obesity abound and are too numerous to list for you here, many of which are documented as genetic in nature. Other causes include socio-economic factors such as a history of abuse where patients sub-consciously shrouded themselves to avoid unwanted physical attention caused by their weight. Obesity also has psychological and metabolic factors at play.

Among the metabolic issues are diabetes, hypothyroid problems, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, and insensitivity to leptin. Does weight loss surgery still sound like a cop-out? Find out more about Bariatric surgery and your options for an ‘easy way out’ by reading the second post in this series, ‘Bariatric Surgery, the Hard Choice’.

Bariatric surgery is life changing. Every aspect of your life will likely change with weight loss surgery, even the medications you are and are not allowed to take. Additionally, your vitamin and supplement needs will change with a smaller stomach pouch or sleeve, thus the body’s ability to absorb these will also be altered. All of these changes can be dealt with in a positive manner, resulting in a smaller and happier you.

Roux-en-Y Weight Loss Surgery and Medication

The type of weight loss surgery you choose will have a bearing on which medications, vitamins and minerals are recommended. For those who choose the Roux-en-Y weight loss surgery, food is digested very slowly and only partially absorbed.

Since the Roux-en-Y bypasses the lower portion of the stomach and a considerable part of the small intestine, medications are not easily absorbed and can irritate the pouch and Roux limb. This can also result in marginal ulcers and deficiencies requiring supplementation.

Medication and the Duodenal Switch (DS)

Perhaps the single most successful type of weight loss surgery, the Duodenal Switch leaves the stomach much larger than gastric bypass surgeries, allowing for the consumption of larger meals. With Bariatric support and planning, weight loss patients can supplement their diets with post-operative protein, vitamins and minerals, avoiding deficiencies. However, only physician approved medication should be taken. If problems arise, the intestinal bypass section surgery section is partially reversible.

Gastric Banding, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

Weight loss surgeries which restrict food intake while bypassing the bowels (Gastric Banding, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) does not typically result in poor food absorption. Therefore, while it may be necessary to take proton pump inhibitors to protect the pouch and decrease reflux, these Bariatric surgery patients aren’t subject to strict supplementation needs.  If you choose one of these weight loss surgeries, your Bariatric doctor may prescribe ursodiol (Actigall) to prevent the formation of gallstones.

What are Marginal Ulcers?

Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex and Excedrin are medications used to treat inflammation as well as fever, headaches and cramps. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, called NSAIDs, can increase the risk of developing Marginal ulcers between the Roux limb and stomach pouch and should be discontinued after Bariatric surgery.

Speak with your doctor before taking aspirin as he may prefer acetaminophen and opioids for pain relief. While Marginal ulcers are quite uncommon, there are several anti-acid medications your doctor may choose from as a method of prevention. These may be prescribed for up to six months after your Bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness of Medications after Bariatric Surgery

Since your stomach pouch is smaller and the intestine has been shortened, time, delayed and extended release medications may lose their effectiveness. The same is true with anti-depressants and sleeping or nerve medications.  Enteric coated (EC) and film coated (FC) medications are also less effective since they do not begin to work until reaching the stomach and small intestine.

Those with high blood pressure, edema and congestive heart failure may be taking diuretics or Lasix prior to weight loss surgery. Unless the doctor says otherwise, these should also be discontinued to prevent dehydration. Blood thinners such as Coumadin are typically stopped prior to weight loss surgery and then resumed gradually, under the doctor’s watchful eye.

If you are taking an oral contraceptive, speak to your primary physician about switching to a barrier contraception to prevent pregnancy.  It is important to ask your Bariatric doctor before crushing or cutting any medications in half.

Gastrointestinal Problems after Bariatric Surgery

Mild gastrointestinal problems are not uncommon after weight loss surgery and most often, Imodium AD and Gas-X are chosen as safe and effective treatments. Here’s why:

Diarrhea and Constipation

Smaller amounts of food after Bariatric surgery means smaller stools and a higher risk of constipation. Milk of Magnesium taken once every three or four days is helpful, but the primary way to prevent diarrhea or constipation is to consume plenty of water. Bariatric patients can also benefit from fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Fibercon.

Gallstones

A rapid and significant weight loss after weight loss surgery can lead to gallstones in predisposed patients. The Bariatric doctor can prescribe a medication called Actigall to prevent gallstones from forming.

Weight loss surgery is one of the best things you can do for your body if you are obese, but not without changing your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, supplements and certain medications. After Bariatric surgery, many patients will be able to discontinue previously prescribed medications as physicians find their underlying health issues and daily discomforts are gone.

Whether you have already had weight loss surgery or are simply considering it, having some insight into the lives of those who have had gastric bypass surgery can be highly beneficial. From determining what your life might be like if you have the procedure done to connecting with others who are on the same journey as you, here are the best gastric bypass blogs to follow.

1. Beauty and The Bypass

Having struggled with weight loss since childhood, Nicole Bullock finally decided that gastric bypass surgery was the answer to reclaiming her health and happiness. Having been a blogger for 11 years, she decided to document her life and weight loss after having the surgery in February of 2012. Beauty and the Bypass provides an intimate and personal look into Nicole’s life that covers everything from her motivations, empowerment and triumphs to her doubts, depression and “some deep mental health struggles.”

Anyone who has ever struggled with their weight (whether before or after gastric bypass surgery) can relate to Nicole’s journey and the all-too-familiar hardships that she has faced and continues to overcome.

2. Bariatric Girl

Yvonne McCarthy underwent gastric bypass surgery in March of 2001 at the hefty weight of 260 pounds. A woman of creative talents, Yvonne is a photographer, computer geek, artist, musician, animal lover and weight loss surgery devotee. Since her surgery, she has lost and maintained a weight loss of 130 pounds, and devoted herself to helping others who have decided to follow the weight loss surgery route. Choosing to pay it forward, she has become a certified Health & Wellness Instructor and volunteer whose goal is to positively contribute to the weight loss community that provided her so much when she first started.

For anyone who is looking to positively connect with someone who has traveled the gastric bypass surgery road, Yvonne offers support, encouragement and advice to others who are making their own journey.

3. Miles To Go

Julia Holloman finally made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery after her weight had reached more than 300 pounds in 2006. Faced with obesity and a myriad of related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid problems and sleep apnea, Julia made the decision (as a last resort) to have weight loss surgery. Since then, she has lost more than 160 pounds and no longer needs over half of the medications that she did before the surgery.

Today, her passion is to share the lessons that she has learned with others who are undertaking the same challenges that she did. Having been trained and certified by the Bariatric University as a Certified Bariatric Coach and Bariatric Support Group Leader, she now shares her story via blogging, speaking engagements, one-on-one sessions and local support groups.

In 2014, Julia published her book Out of Obesity and into the Promised Land in which she shares her incredible journey of struggle, weight loss and Christian faith. For those who are struggling to face their health problems, weight loss and faith, Miles To Go offers a safe haven of understanding and encouragement from someone who has lived it.

4. National Bariatric Link

Similar to the above mentioned Bariatric theme blogs, National Bariatric Link offers a blog filled with personal success stories but there is so much more! This blog responds to your medical questions on everything from pre-op diets to insurance coverage. It is imperative that National Bariatric Link provides the necessary information to answer all your questions so that you too can begin your Gastric Bypass journey. Enjoy a better quality of life and share your journey with others as you morph into the person you want to be, whether you choose to write a book, start a blog or simply tell your friends and neighbors.

Don’t miss out on these top gastric bypass blogs to follow and connect with others who are living their weight loss success stories. From stories, encouragement, tips and advice to one-on-one personal support sessions, these blogs have it all.

Weight loss surgery is not a quick and easy fix as some might think, but rather a constant reconditioning of your life, and that includes your approach to exercise. It isn’t too difficult to get yourself up and moving when its warm and sunny, but depending on where you live, you may find yourself feeling reluctant to leave the house once the fall season has rolled around.

Fitness Tips to Beat the Fall Blues

Another reason fall can be a difficult time of year is due to the many upcoming food and candy focused holidays. Additionally, when you feel a bit trapped indoors, it is easy to make bad choices out of habit or convenience. Here are some fall fitness tips to help you lose weight and feel better about the person you are slowly and steadily becoming making the choice to have Bariatric surgery.

How to Get Fit for a Healthy Fall Holiday Season

#1 – You and your Bariatric doctor has already determined what your goal weight should be, but it is also important to set small weight loss goals such as one or two pounds per week, especially with the upcoming holidays.

#2 – Keep a food and exercise journal to mark your progress. Research shows that weight loss patients see much better results when keeping track of what is being eaten and how many calories are burned.

#3 – If you are like most who have undergone Bariatric surgery, you probably have a pair of jeans or a little black dress you are working your best to get into. Don’t hide these items in a drawer or hanging in a closet. Instead, put these goal items where you will see them several times a day.

#4 – Make an effort to go bicycle riding or walking two to four hours per week. Not only will your body appreciate the fresh air, but your goal weight will be that much closer.

#5 – Rid your pantry of any and all food items that are not agreeable with your Bariatric diet by donating them to the local mission or food pantry. Getting rid of the temptation will also cleanse your life.

#6 – Keep numerous protein rich choices in your pantry and refrigerator rather than the traditional fall sweets and sugary candies around your home, opting instead for yogurts, tuna, chicken and other healthful options.

#7 – Replace your candy dish with a bowl of vegetables kept inside the refrigerator, allowing you to snack on carrot sticks, celery and other convenient finger foods.

#8 – Get your family on board for the extra support and make some changes they will also benefit from as well. Purchase skim or fat free milk instead of whole milk and replace regular products with reduced fat or fat free options.

#9 – Stop consuming liquid calories! Announce that your home is a soda free zone and keep bottled water on hand. By drinking bottled water, you can keep track of your intake and help flush away unwanted fat cells. Switch up the flavors with lemon, cucumber or mint.

#10 –  While you are probably used to dining with plates, it is recommended that you downsize to smaller plates, bowls and saucers. This will keep you from dishing out more than what you need, helping you eat slower and smaller helpings.

 

 

Not only am I a blog writer, but I am also a one year and four month veteran of weight loss surgery, choosing the Lap Band in May of 2014. Since October is the month of all things scary and dark, I feel it is a good time to discuss…

What’s so Scary about Bariatric Surgery?

Once you have been given a Bariatric surgery date, the whole weight loss journey starts to feel ‘real’ and you start to worry about anything and everything that could possibly go wrong. Far scarier than Halloween spooks and ghouls, below is a list of the things that scared me most about Bariatric surgery and how to mentally overcome those fears.

#1 – What will others think about my decision to have weight loss surgery?

Yes, I was worried about what others might think or say about my decision. In fact, I might have been concerned that someone would talk me out of it. I was also embarrassed that I had allowed my weight to get so out of hand. I decided to keep the information private, sharing my secret with whom I wanted to know. Today, there are still very few family, friends and acquaintances who know I had Bariatric surgery. There’s no reason to tell anyone if you don’t want to, but I am fairly certain that, eventually, you won’t mind sharing your story.

#2 – Am I making a bad decision by having Bariatric surgery?

A lot of doubt will come from people who do not know what it feels like to be morbidly obese, and how hard it is to motivate and carry out the simplest daily tasks. Therefore, your decision to have Bariatric surgery is a personal one because no one knows what it is like to walk in your shoes and all of the difficulties you face because of obesity.

You must also remember that a lot of people will not understand that weight loss surgery might actually be safer than the risks of carrying around all that extra weight. I was even told by someone that weight loss surgery was the ‘lazy way’… I guess he thought the weight just starts coming off, all by itself rather than a journey to better eating and exercise habits. So you see? Some people are too clueless to have an opinion about Bariatric surgery and what might be best for you.

#3 – What if I have weight loss surgery and still cannot lose weight?

Do yourself a favor and stop thinking like that! You will definitely lose weight after Bariatric surgery… how much weight depends on how much you change your lifestyle. Are you going to mess up? Yes, over and over again but each and every day of your weight loss journey is a new beginning, a chance to start over. Never let the fear of failure prevent you from chasing your dreams.

#4 – Am I at higher risk if I messed up on my pre-op diet a couple of times?

My Bariatric doctor instructed me to drink only protein rich shakes that were very low in sugar three times daily for one week prior to my surgery. It was very difficult to follow this diet but I managed, slipping up only two or three times. By slipping up, I drank one extra shake two different times when I felt as if I was starving and had one bite of meat on a night when I couldn’t resist. I spent the rest of that week worrying that my weakness would somehow sabotage my weight loss surgery.

The day before surgery, I met with the doctor in his office and found that I had lost about twelve pounds – in just that week! After my surgery the next day, the doctor came to my room with pictures (yes! awesome color pictures) taken of my stomach and liver during Lap Band surgery. They bragged on what a great job I had done on my pre-op surgery, explaining they could tell this from the color and size of my liver.  The pre-op diet is an important part of the surgery process, keeping the liver small and out of the way for Lap Band placement. I felt like a hypocrite but I was so relieved!

#5 – Will I ever be able to dine out with my family after weight loss surgery?

Some people might think this is a silly thing to worry about but family time is very important, and it’s likely one of the reasons you have decided upon weight loss surgery to begin with. The answer is yes, you can dine in restaurants but very carefully! I still go out to eat with my family but my orders are very different than what they used to be. I have to spend a little more time reading through the options and sometimes, I have to pretend that I really like something because I don’t want the kids to think I am not enjoying myself …that might take away some of the fun.

#6 – Will I regret having weight loss surgery?

That is something that I cannot answer for you because all of our weight loss journeys are different, but I can tell you that I highly doubt you would have any regrets. I have not seen the level of results that I had hoped (my own fault) but I have lost a significant amount of weight and feel so so much better than I did before having surgery. I have increased energy and my body aches are now minimal. I can walk without getting winded and I continue to lose weight, slowly but surely. If asked if I would do it again if I had the option, I would say yes, absolutely and without a doubt.