Struggling with weight has been a significant part of my life since I graduated high school. From late childhood through adulthood, the battle with obesity was a constant companion, impacting not only my physical health but also my emotional well-being. I tried countless diets and weight loss programs, but none seemed to offer a sustainable solution. The cycle of losing and regaining weight took a toll on my body and spirit, leaving me feeling defeated and frustrated. Compounding the problem were all of the silent killers, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance–a cluster of conditions known as Metabolic Syndrome. At the age of 50, the race was on.
As my health began to deteriorate due to the excess weight, I knew I needed a more permanent solution. This realization led me to explore the option of gastric bypass surgery. Initially, the thought of undergoing surgery was daunting. There were many questions and concerns swirling in my mind. Would it be safe? How would my life change post-surgery? Was this truly the right path for me? However, after thorough research and several consultations with healthcare professionals, I felt more informed and confident about my decision.
In this blog, I want to share my weight loss journey with gastric bypass surgery. From the initial struggles and the decision-making process to the surgery experience and the long-term changes, my journey has been one of transformation and growth. I hope that by sharing my story, I can provide insights and encouragement to others who might be considering this life-changing procedure. Weight loss surgery is not a magic fix, but it can be a powerful tool when paired with dedication and the right mindset.
The Decision For Incision
For anybody struggling with weight loss, the decision to embark on a surgical option for changing the capacity to store food can be a daunting one. My gastric bypass surgery path began approximately two years prior to my surgery date. At the time, I was not morbidly obese, but was tipping the scales at 285 pounds, which on a six foot frame is significantly overweight. I have always been thought of as an intimidating person physically because I did have a tendency to carry my weight pretty well. Unfortunately, due to the excess weight, I was in a Catch-22 because it was too painful to run or walk for exercise. I have osteoarthritis in my back, hips, and legs.
I began my revolution by educating myself on gastric bypass as a weight management solution. I leveraged all of the typical medical sites, I explored case studies and testimonials from other gastric bypass patients. I began asking thought-provoking questions about the types of food I would no longer be able to enjoy, or at least as I know them. I decided to schedule an initial consult with a bariatric surgeon to discuss if I was even a good candidate for the procedure. After a battery of consultations with doctors, surgeons, and nutritionists, I selected Lonestar Bariatrics to continue my journey.
I went into the consultation with an open mind and with all options on the table, so to speak. Together, with Dr. Chad Carlton, we explored sleeves, duodenal switches, and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. With a stated success rate of potentially losing 90% of the excess body fat and other “extras”, together, the doctor and I selected the Roux-en-Y method. With the Roux-en-Y procedure, there are many pros and cons to the procedure.
The Benefits, in my situation, clearly outweighed the negatives. The following are some of the identified pros and cons of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure:
Significant Weight Loss: My goal entering the gastric bypass journey was to dip below the 200s to enable a flywheel of health. My rationale was that if I could shed a portion of my excess body weight that there is a good chance that the constant pain in my lower half would recede. With Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, patients can expect to see rapid weight loss within the first 12-18 months post-surgery. My target weight is ultimately between 200 and 215 pounds, but I want to shed the fat before building muscle tone.
Improvement in Comorbid Conditions: In addition to dropping weight, my gastric bypass journey was about eliminating comorbid conditions– Metabolic Syndrome to be specific. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery provided hope in eliminating risk factors in my life. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the 2010’s. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery often see patients experience a significant improvement or complete resolution of diabetes. Furthermore, patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass observe stronger Cardiovascular health, with reductions in risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Finally, I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Roux-en-Y has been known to improve or resolve sleep apnea symptoms.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By lowering my weight, I was most excited about the potential ability to be more mobile and participating in light to moderate exercise. Lower weight would mean less stress on my joints and bones and thus, less pain. In addition, patients of gastric bypass surgery may experience improvements in self-esteem, confidence, and reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Long-term Benefits: There are many long-term benefits to gastric bypass surgery. Perhaps the biggest benefit to patients is sustained weight maintenance. Unlike traditional diets, Roux-en-Y should be approached with a time horizon of the remainder of life. Most diets are temporary and result in the lost weight returning. Long-term studies of gastric bypass surgery patients show that many patients maintain a significant portion of their weight loss even years after the procedure. When weight is maintained at a healthy level, there is a lower risk of death from obesity-related conditions.
While there are plenty of benefits to embarking on a gastric bypass procedure, not everything can be considered a positive when considering the procedure. The following are a listing of potential risks and complications that make gastric bypass not the right solution for everybody:
Surgical Risk and Mortality: Gastric bypass surgery is a significant surgery that requires many things to go correctly during the procedure to ensure safe outcomes for patients. Risks include infections, blood clots, leaks in the gastrointestinal tract, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Though low in probability, there is a small risk of death associated with the surgery.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Malabsorption of necessary nutrients is a direct result of altering the digestive system, which can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and Vitamin D to name a couple). To combat this malabsorption, gastric bypass surgery patients must commit to lifelong consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements.
Lifestyle Changes: Patients must adhere to strict dietary guidelines, including portion control and avoiding certain foods to prevent complications like dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal cramps. It often occurs when consuming high-sugar or high-fat foods. In addition to dietary restrictions, gastric bypass patients must form a commitment to exercise and regular physical activity.
Psychological Impact: For people considering gastric bypass surgery, rapid weight loss can lead to emotional and psychological adjustments that some find challenging. Furthermore, the rapid weight loss can introduce new body image issues, as excess skin and muscle atrophy happens during the journey. These body image issues can last even after losing a significant or all of the excess weight.
Lifelong Follow-ups and Health Monitoring: One of the challenges that I face is that the journey through bariatric surgery to achieve my weight loss goals requires a lifelong commitment to my healthcare provider. Although at this point in the adventure, my appointments are being spaced out farther and farther apart, it does require frequent check-ins with Lonestar Bariatrics. This is necessary because of the macro adjustments that need to be made to ensure that vitamin and mineral levels are where they need to be.
After weighing the pros and cons of the procedure and discovering that I was an ideal candidate for the gastric bypass route, I decided on the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. I chose this option as it offered me the most comprehensive weight management solution and also directly addressed the comorbid conditions that I was diagnosed with. Dr. Chad Carlton masterfully and patiently answered all of my questions and concerns, and we scheduled the surgery for March 5, 2024.
The Surgery Experience
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure begins long before the actual incision date. The steps involved a plethora of medical evaluations and clearances, nutritional and psychological assessments, a pre-surgery diet, the cessation of nicotine and alcohol, physical preparation, and preparing for recovery:
Preparation for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Medical Evaluations and Clearances: Gastric bypass surgery involves a variety of medical evaluations and clearances in order to proceed. In addition to blood tests, imaging studies (endoscopy and colonoscopy), and a comprehensive health check-up, I was required to visit a nutritionist and a psychologist.
Pre-Surgery Diet: In the weeks leading up to March 5th, I was required to adhere to a special diet consisting of liquids and Jell-o. The purpose of this diet, which offers a high protein, low carbohydrate menu, is to help shrink the liver, making the surgical procedure safer and more manageable. I began my liquid diet on February 20th. In the two week lead up to my procedure, I lost 14.9 pounds.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use: In addition to having to adhere to a strict nutritional diet, I was required to quit dipping Zyn nicotine pouches and eliminate alcohol consumption. Tobacco can impede healing and increase the risk of complications, while alcohol can affect the liver function and interfere with the absorption of nutrients post-surgery.
Physical Preparation: Light, physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health and enhance the post-surgery recovery. I began walking around my neighborhood in preparation for my procedure, which may have contributed to the pre-surgery weight loss. Unfortunately, I could not do more here, but it was something and every little bit helps.
The Day of Surgery
On March 5th, my wife and I arrived at the hospital at 5:00AM local time for a 7:30AM procedure. Upon checking in, I was escorted to a pre-operative area where I changed into a hospital gown and completed final preparations for surgery. This included a checking of vital signs, the insertion of an IV, and meeting with the anesthesiologist to discuss anesthesia and pain management. As I was the first patient in Texas top receive the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with the aid of a medical robot from Levita Magnetics, I did have some extra attention and observation. After going over pre-operative procedures, I was given the anesthesia to ensure I was comfortable during and immediately following the procedure.
The procedure itself took about 75 minutes to complete. Dr. Carlton made 4 small incisions in my abdomen: 2 were for him to perform the procedure, 1 was for the robot to hold my internal organs out of the way during the procedure, and 1 for a small camera so Dr. Carlton could see what he was doing. Dr. Carlton created a small pouch from the top of the stomach (about the size of an apple or egg), and connected it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large portion of the stomach and the initial section of the small intestine, called the Duodenum. Immediately following my procedure, I was taken to the post-op recovery room where I slowly came back to my senses.
Within 4-6 hours, I was highly encouraged to begin to walk around the floor of the hospital. Doing this helped the gases escape and prevented complications such as pneumonia and blood clots. I was given a breathing apparatus to perform breathing exercises. The pain was minimal outside of the bloated feeling I had while the gases escaped.
I elected to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Honestly, I felt I could have gone home the same day if I had to. I began drinking clear liquids after about 8-12 hours. I was sent home with a set of Sequential Compression Devices to help promote circulation and prevent blood clots in my legs.
Beginning the Post-Op Journey
The first few weeks following my gastric bypass surgery consisted of adjusting to a new food diet (which was slightly more restrictive than the pre-op diet). I pureed soft foods and relied on Premier Protein’s protein shakes for nutrients and sustenance. I rested comfortably for the first week at home, faithfully following doctor’s orders to begin incorporating light exercise into my daily routine. Again, while I had budgeted 2 full work weeks for recovery, I felt I could have returned to work in 2-3 days without any risk or discomfort.
As my body adapted to the changes that were occurring inside of me, I felt a sensation of having a renewed energy level to accomplish things around the house. I began sleeping better, and without the aid of a CPAP. I was not starving, or even hungry for that matter. When I did feel a hunger sensation, I ate very small portions of food and used baby utensils to slow my rate of consumption.
As time continued, my diet became less and less restrictive. After 2 weeks, I was able to begin eating soft foods. By 6 weeks, I had returned to an even less restrictive diet, minding portion sizes and consumption rate the entire way. I began to exercise, noting that the walks of the dogs around the block were beginning to happen much more easily and with much less pain.
As the first patient in Texas to receive a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure with the assistance of a medical robot, I had a fair number of public relations opportunities in front of me. After a handful of interviews, I began to see stories and writeups about my case study. NBC Dallas, New York Post, and ComputerWorld Venezuela all featured stories about my journey. I had a direct line to the robot manufacturer and to Lonestar Bariatrics via their excellent Facebook Community.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
As I reflect on the totality of the gastric bypass journey, I do not need to look any further than the empirical data to provide the narrative for the overwhelming success of the procedure. I was 285 pounds when I began my journey on February 20th, 2024. On March 5th, I was 257.5 pounds. One month after that, I was 239 pounds. I use an application called Baritastic, available on the iPhone to track my weight on a daily basis. As of today, I am 218 pounds, and approaching milestone 7 of 10 to get to my target weight of 180 pounds.
The weight is nice, but what about the comorbid conditions? With respect to my blood pressure, I have gone from having a managed blood pressure of 150/109 to 88/62. My A1C has dropped from 8.3 to 5.8. My cholesterol is trending in the right direction, and I have shed 3 inches from my waist. I have ditched the CPAP, and have shed a couple of my medications that treat Metabolic Syndrome symptoms.
Advice For Others
Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgery and requires a strong commitment to making wholesale lifestyle changes. The importance of research and finding a quality physician cannot be understated. The following is a list of tips and advice for those considering the procedure:
- Get educated. Gastric bypass surgery has advanced significantly in the past 10-15 years. However, it is important to note that there are risks associated and the change is a lifelong commitment.
- Select an experienced surgeon. Select a reputable surgeon with extensive experience in performing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Look for certifications, patient reviews, and success rates before committing. If you are in the North Texas area, I cannot recommend Dr. Carlton and the staff at Lonestar Bariatrics enough. They have been first class this entire journey. It is in their DNA.
- Understand the dietary requirements. Knowing what you are being asked to commit to is perhaps that greatest success factor in predicting a successful journey. You will need to adhere to a high-protein, low sugar diet for the rest of your life. You will likely need to take nutrient supplements to prevent malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies.
- Consult With a Multidisciplinary Team. Meet with a team of healthcare providers, including a surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, and primary care physician, to get a comprehensive evaluation and personalized plan.
- Be Realistic About Results and Focus on the Big Picture. Set realistic expectations for weight loss and understand that surgery is a tool, not a cure. You will have weeks where you will not lose any weight. This is normal! These stalls will test your commitment and faith in the long-term process. Do not let the stalls sway you from the big picture goals. You will find that the stalls are only temporary. Baritastic allows you to export your weight loss logs to an Excel spreadsheet. Use that spreadsheet to create a chart. Add the trend line (linear, forecast 90 periods forward) and be amazed!
- Commit to Follow-Up Care. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are essential for monitoring your progress, adjusting your diet, and addressing any issues that arise.
- Elect to use the robot. Some people are naturally fearful of advanced technology. I can understand the apprehension; however, as the first patient in the state of Texas to have it done, I can speak from experience that it was revolutionary in my post-op care and recovery.
Conclusion and Current Reflection
Reflecting on my journey with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery so far, I am struck by the satisfaction of knowing that I finally have addressed root cause of many of my ailments and risk factors. From a state of constant physical pain and emotional turmoil due to obesity and its associated health conditions, I have emerged healthier, more active, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
The decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery was not made lightly. It followed years of battling obesity through various diets and exercise programs that ultimately proved unsustainable. The cycle of losing and regaining weight left me feeling defeated and exacerbated my health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. At 50 years old and weighing 285 pounds, I realized I needed a more permanent solution to reclaim my health and quality of life.
The extensive research and consultations with healthcare professionals provided me with the confidence to proceed with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. This procedure offered the most comprehensive solution for my weight and health challenges, promising significant weight loss and improvement in comorbid conditions. The journey began with rigorous medical evaluations, a strict pre-surgery diet, and mental preparation, all of which laid the foundation for a successful surgery and recovery.
The surgery itself, performed by Dr. Chad Carlton with the aid of a revolutionary medical robot, was a seamless experience. Despite the initial discomfort and necessary adjustments to a new lifestyle, the immediate post-surgery period was manageable and marked the beginning of a steady path toward weight loss and improved health. Walking around the hospital just hours after surgery and adhering to a liquid diet were the first steps in a series of adjustments that have now become part of my daily routine.
The initial weeks post-surgery were critical in establishing new habits. Transitioning from a liquid diet to pureed foods and eventually to soft foods, I learned to appreciate smaller portions and nutrient-dense meals. The support from my healthcare team, along with the use of tools like the Baritastic app, helped me track my progress and stay motivated. Each milestone, from losing the first few pounds to gradually reducing my dependence on medications and medical devices, reinforced my commitment to this new lifestyle.
One of the most significant outcomes of this journey has been the improvement in my overall health. My blood pressure, once dangerously high, has normalized. My A1C levels have dropped to a healthy range, and my cholesterol levels are improving. The resolution of sleep apnea has dramatically enhanced my quality of sleep and daily energy levels. These health improvements, combined with the weight loss, have allowed me to engage in physical activities that were previously too painful or difficult.
The psychological benefits have been equally beneficial. The renewed sense of self-esteem and confidence, coupled with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, have made this journey transformative on multiple levels. Sharing my story through various media outlets has not only provided me with a sense of accomplishment but also allowed me to connect with and inspire others considering or undergoing similar journeys.
For those contemplating gastric bypass surgery, my advice is to approach it with thorough research, realistic expectations, and a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. Understand that the surgery is a tool, not a cure, and success depends on your dedication to following dietary guidelines, staying active, and maintaining regular follow-ups with your healthcare team. The support from a multidisciplinary team, including a surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, and primary care physician, is invaluable in navigating this journey.
In conclusion, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has been a life-changing decision for me. It has provided me with the tools to achieve significant weight loss, improve my health, and enhance my overall quality of life. The journey has not been without challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. I am grateful for the support of my healthcare team, my family, and the community of fellow bariatric patients. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of gastric bypass surgery. If you are considering this procedure, I hope my journey so far provides you with the insights and encouragement to make an informed decision and embark on your path to a healthier, happier life.
