Gastric Bypass Surgery: Last Chance Saloon? I Don't Think So!

If you read my blog regularly then you'll know that I have been preaching self awareness where our plus size bodies are concerned and research into the medical information on obesity we are given in order to really get at the bottom of health for the plus size.  A blog post or two back I posted that my doctor had insisted that to get my health back on track I would need gastric bypass surgery.  I insisted I wanted to lose weight slowly myself and over a considerable amount of time so as not to 'shock' my body (especially as it has taken a considerable amount of time to put the weight on) but he was insistent that with my condition it was an absolute urgency.  I wasn't comfortable with this and came home to post this to you all.  I still am pondering the decision and it was when doing some research when I came upon Lisa's youtube vlog.  It was like an Amen!  She echoed everything I have said or thought about weight loss surgery options and I wanted to share this with you.  I have decided I want to lose the weight myself.  The surgery like all things health today is a very risky quick fix and it feels like the attitude is well yes it's risky but you may as well die trying?!  You're going to die anyway if you're obese they seem to be saying so why not risk death to make yourself more acceptable and visually appealing to society?  I began to question the doctor's decision to put me forward for the surgery.  I asked what it was about my health that was so bad it required urgent life risking surgery.  The response?  My back ached and my recurring plantar faciitis.  Really?!  On that basis?  Well also joint pain he said.  Was he saying smaller people didn't get a lifetime's worth of back pain or plantar fasciitis?  That can't be true since smaller people get these too.  I don't see them being recommended for risky surgery.  I've always felt that when a doctor sees an obese person enter their office and as caring and compassionate a person these doctors might be they just don't have the necessary information or ability to help.  They become deaf and dumb to what you're telling them and without saying have given up on you before you've had a chance to explain. I met a man at the airport this week whilst travelling back from Germany.  A standard sized man who preaching to me the wonders of alternative and holistic medicine regarding my weight loss.  I listened intently.  You know why?  He was not coming from an accusatory place.  He seemed very knowledgeable about what he was saying and told me where I could go to validate what he was saying.  I did!  That is what I should have been getting from my doctor instead of putting me under the knife!  He explained that his wife and daughter had similar bodies and chemical make up through their genes and both had been ill for many years.  The doctors because like with obesity don't actually study all medical topics for considerable lengths of time in medical college so when you go to them they are searching medical journals for the answer.  They don't know!  I keep telling you this.  It baffles me why they are the authority on where to go if you are obese?!  It's like going to the butchers for advice on vegetables!  They know a bit about nutrition but unless they specialise in obesity you might as well try Dr Google yourself! Anyway they both tried alternative medical therapies and are doing much better.  But I'll put a disclaimer here:  You should always start by seeing your doctor and follow their advice as far as you are able.  If you get results all well and good.  But this is where I say to my fellow plus sized persons Research, research, research!!!  If you have a medical condition related to your weight go to your doctor by all means but find out what else is out there and make sure they know a little more about obesity than just its study of one part of a term or module at medical college!  Some ethical health professionals who have not been influenced by drug companies and artificial food agencies are helping people like us plus sized to achieve health the realistic and more achievable way!  Lisa speaks about some in this clip.  I'll put some links in the bottom of this post for you to check out for yourself.  But you need to learn about your body.  Seriously.  Study yourself like your studying for a degree!  What do you crave?  Where are you always sore?  What medicines tend to work for you?  etc. etc. etc.  Study your personality and moods as well. What are they linked to? Not all but most of us end up with a lot weight which stems from an emotional issue.  Do you recognise this?  Do you know what the problem is?  Find out!  Find out what foods you like and which you dislike.  Are you a late sleeper or an early riser?  You better know yourself! There is so much to know.  I keep finding things out about myself and it's exciting as well as frightening sometimes but overall it brings a comfort to know who you are.  Once you know this you will be able to identify how to solve your weight issues in a safe way.  Just an example of what I discovered about myself.  I love carbs!  I eat huge portions at meal times.  So I've been making a small changes in that area.  One meal a day I can have carbs.  Cuts it down but not out!  That's my thing.  I'll try it.  If it doesn't work I'll try something else.  I also found a recipe online for a pasta made from courgettes or carrots etc.  You cut long julienne strips of courgettes and cook like pasta.  Add a protein sauce of your choice.  I can have a huge amount so it fills and satisfies but it's a vegetable not a carb so it tricks the mind a little.  I will keep experimenting until I find what's right for me.  When I have finished 'designing' my healthy eating programme I will be on my way to some weight loss and a healthy me.  That's just one example of a change or changes I made by studying myself.   Look out for my ebook coming soon with lots of tips for plus size living.  It will include health & hygiene advice, travel advice, home living advice, etc.  I'll let you know when it's on Amazon.  I'm putting the final touches to it as we speak.  Within the month it will be on there.  But if you're considering weight loss surgery and you're not sure you want to do it watch Lisa's video.  Drop her a line if you have questions or check out the links below for contact details to query.  If you want to go ahead and have the surgery then I also applaud you for the bravery and courage to regain your life.  No path to a healthy life is completely wrong. Only when it is forced upon you!  Learn about you!  You are the first step to discovering healthy weight loss.  Find friends.  You don't have to do it alone.  A support Group is a good place to start. You don't even have to leave your house!  If you can't find one start one online.  There are many like you.



Stay beyoutiful   bigYoutifuls!



RayRay xx



http://180degreehealth.com/

http://eastwesthealing.com/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eat-Fat-Lose-Healthy-Alternative/dp/0452285666