subject: Gastric Bypass - A Lifelong Commitment [print this page] Gastric Bypass - A Lifelong Commitment Gastric Bypass - A Lifelong Commitment
Gastric Bypass A Lifelong Commitment
By Donna Stubblefield
Gastric bypass surgery, a last ditch effort to get control of weight that has run amuck. Losing weight, in all the traditional ways, has been repeatedly unsuccessful. The dieter starts by omitting total food groups or by trying the newest fad diet, found on the cover of a grocery store tabloid. These temporary solutions cause the dieter to move on to a more structured weight loss program. Some of the options available provide a support system that encourages the dieter by giving incentives along the way such as praise by others or ribbons celebrating successful weight loss. Other programs are supervised by doctors that make dietary plans, daily exercise regiments and/or prescribing medicines to assist in appetite control. All of which can be financially draining. Gastric bypass is also expensive, but to some it is the best choice when you feel you have reached the end of the road.
I lived this battle. Starting with numerous diets found in tabloids, books by doctors, and offers on television, some proving to be successful. The pounds would disappear until the structured diet stopped and then they would creep back, often bringing friends.
The additional weight was straining on my body causing other medical issues. I had high blood pressure, walking became painful and even little activities became a chore. Then, like I needed something else to deal with at this time of my life, depression followed. I had to have help and believe me the decision of gastric bypass was not made lightly.
After talking to insurance companies and doctors, looking up websites on the subject, talking to others I met who had been through the process and asking questions along the way, I believed this was my only option.
The doctor I chose was suggested by a friend. Lucky for me, the doctor did not make this process quick and easy. She met with me several times prior to surgery. We discussed the foods that would be needed to keep me healthy. Why to avoid foods that would cause unwanted side effects. During this time we had to submit numerous documents to the insurance company including a psychological exam. Who could blame them for being cautious? It was a lot of money.
It has been four years since I made that decision. The first three years, were easy. I ate foods on the list that were high in protein, low in carbohydrates and the fat seemed to melt away. I was not prepared for the year to follow when I started being more adventurous in the food choices, and regained 20 of the 101 pounds I had lost. Reevaluating my situation was essential to getting back on track.
I had forgotten that gastric bypass was a life-style change, not to be a temporary fix unless I let it become one. I asked myself, "What have I done differently in the past year?" Then, it dawned on me. I had not been paying attention to my diet like I had done in the beginning. I had quit listening to that inner voice that reminded me of the benefits of my choices. I was shoveling food in without thought. I started keeping a detailed list of the foods I ate for a few days to see how I could improve my situation. I found that eating a box of wheat crackers with Swiss cheese over a 24 hour period may not be such a good choice. I was no longer exercising consistently. Fluids were not being consumed as instructed; vitamins were a hit or miss. Sweets were not being monitored as they were those first three years, a piece of chocolate here and there. My diet lacked the 70 grams of protein a day, which is not surprising considering the amount of crackers I was consuming.
What was I doing to myself? I was repeating old patterns. So, I quit buying crackers even if they sound healthy and buy pork rinds that are higher in protein to satisfy that needed crunch. Yogurt went back in the refrigerator along with fresh fruits and vegetables for snacking. Exercising took a prominent role in daily routine. Vitamins were placed on the counter to remind me of their importance. The surgery provided me with a tool to lose weight; getting back to the basics because I am worth it.
