I admit that for most of my life, I was adamant that weight loss surgery was not for me. I wholeheartedly supported others who made the choice to have it, but I could work on losing weight on my own. I was overweight but otherwise healthy. Then age, a chronic lack of sleep, and chronic stress came into play. Approximately every three years, I would randomly gain 30 lbs. I would plateau at that new weight until it increased. I changed nothing. I continued to exercise, meal prep, and eat healthy foods.
Weight Set Point Theory
When I started with the Weight and Wellness Program through my local hospital, I learned about the weight set point theory. In a nutshell, the weight-set point theory states that every body has a weight range within which it is programmed to function optimally. Each person has a predetermined weight that is determined in the first 5 years of their life. Factors that determine the set point are genetics, the environment during pregnancy, and the environment as an adult. Environmental factors are sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and poor sleep.
I admit, my environmental factors were 2.5 out of 3. My diet was good, but I was an undereater. On my days off, I lacked the energy and motivation to make sure that I was eating. This led to my metabolism being completely out of whack.
The Surgery Process
During the six months leading up to my surgery approval, I tried several medications to help spark some weight loss, but they did not work. I met with the nutritionist throughout the process. She reassured me that I was eating the right foods in the right portions. I learned about what to expect before and after surgery in regards to food. I also met with a behavioral health professional at the program to ensure that I was a mentally fit candidate for surgery.
Halfway through my process, I met with the surgeon for my consultation for surgery. After reviewing my medical history, my surgeon advised that either the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or gastric bypass surgery would be appropriate for me. I chose the VSG because I would keep some of my stomach, have the ability to digest food with my stomach acid, and absorb nutrients better. Personally, I never liked the thought of gastric bypass surgery, so I was happy to qualify for the VSG.
It was a long process, but I was approved for surgery in early January. The process was worth it because it proved to me that I needed to have the surgery and that the other options did not work for me.
Not the Easy Way Out
What I want people to know is that every person who has had weight loss surgery is different and has had a different journey to get to surgery. There is a stigma in the world that people who have weight loss surgery are taking the “easy” way out. This surgery can in no way be considered easy. I know that this stigma led me to feel like people would judge me if I told them about the surgery. I kept my surgery a secret for a long time. The month before my surgery, I started telling people exactly what surgery I was having. I didn’t be vague about it or try to hide it. I came to realize that there are some of us that do the right things, but our bodies need help resetting.
Choosing surgery is unquestionably a personal decision based on each individual’s experiences and circumstances. It is not for everyone, but being a month out from surgery, I am glad that I chose to do it.
-Cheryl
Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash
