Thursday 4 May 2017

Fact or Fiction: You can stretch your stomach.

In my case...fact.

I have had concerns for some time now that I may have stretched my sleeve as I have slowly gained weight.  Thus the barium swallow last week to assess things.

My fears were confirmed today when I went to see my sleeve surgeon for a five year "check up".  I last saw him three years ago and as things were going well, I didn't need to see him again.

Whilst waiting to see him, his receptionist called me and lead me towards the dreaded scales.  I was too scared to look exactly how much I have gained.  I'm ashamed to admit that I've gained close to 10kg, weighing 84.5kg.

When I had my tummy tuck in 2014, my weight on day of surgery was 73kg.  I saw the images of the swallow test and my surgeon said that I have a pouch at the top of my stomach and it's slightly folded over, which he stated is common, but to make sure there's nothing more sinister going on, he's booked me in for a gastroscope, which I will have done on 23 May.

He did outline two options to "fix" things, one being a re-sleeve and the other a bypass, the latter of which I flat out refused.

If I really wanted to, I could get re-sleeved but I'm no longer covered for sleeve surgery on my PHI.

Unfortunately at the moment, my back issues is top priority as I could be facing a spinal fusion but this surgery is an absolute last resort.

I feel like I've failed myself and everyone else but myself more, as I never made it to my goal weight of 68kg.  The sleeve is just a tool, we still have to bust our arses and do the hard yards.

My weight was a constant battle pre-sleeve and even more so now to maintain.

Need to get my shit sorted and fix things.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Nessa, as you say "The sleeve is just a tool and we still have to do the hard yards", do you think it was worth it for you, are you happy you did it now that life has settled down into 'maintaining' the weight loss? I have just booked in for July and it's quite scary for me now. I have been wondering if I could do the 'hard yards' on my own without the permanent surgery and the worry of future surgery and failure.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Clara. After this little hiccup, sleeve is definitely worth it but only you can decide if it's for you. Even if one loses weight naturally through diet and exercise, it's just as hard to maintain. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

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