Gastric Bypass operation

One of the treatments for morbid obesity is Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery, where major alterations are made to the digestive tract to decrease food intake.

Not for the faint hearted.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery - Part `1 of 2

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery - Part  of 2

Gastric Band or Gastric Bypass

I have decided to go with the Gastric Bypass surgery, rather than then Gastric Band.

Whats on my mind?

For those who have gone through the same journey I have to say that I am thinking about a number of things, including but not limited to:-


•Weight Loss - How much over what time?
•Excess Skin - Well I guess additionally surgery can solve this if needed. 
 What looks better now or then?
•Food intake - Ok I have to change - no bread, rice burger in a bun,
  think I need to research more?
•Drinking - well not really a beer drinker these days, but like a pint like
  every man. Love my Whiskey?
•The operation and the risks - 1 in 200 people die with Gastric Bypass 
  and 1 in 500 with Gastric Band?
•Recovery - Will this be 2 or 3 weeks or even longer?
•Work - I know I am sad, but everyone has to make a living?
•Family - support and will they cope?
•Talk to - Who should I tell, why and when?
•Cloths -Will they fit me or will the weight loss be over a longer period of time?
•Cost - How much?
•Operation - Which one?
•Social interaction - Will I ever be able to go out for a meal.
•Lifelong medication - How long, yes for life and every day?
•Support - Can I get any?

So many questions and now time to think hard and do my research.

Is this journey for me?

Follow up letter from Consultant

Today (02/08/2011) I received a letter from the hospital, and oh boy did my heart drop.

Good news or bad?

Well my jaw dropped to the ground, the letter seemed to detail all of the points raised in my 1st hospital appointment (15/07/2011), almost to word. Very detailed....well impressed.

The consultant that I saw was a Professor of Surgery and this of course gave me some confidence at the time that I was seeing a professional and not just some junior doctor.

The letter included weight loss history, medical history, employment, social history, support network, exercise, diet, motivation / current barriers to weight loss &| recommendations. The offer to make contact by e-mail to hissecretary was made and this was very reassuring in the modern day of communication.

The letter detailed my first choice, which was the Gastric band surgery and was very clear that whilst they will plan a final assessment nearer the time of surgery if my weight had increased they would have to regretfully cancel the operation.