Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi - (Page 52)

3 Kinds of Weight Loss Surgery Gastric bypass creates a very small upper stomach pouch-less than 1 ounce- by transecting the stomach. Because it doesn't take much food or liquid to fill the new, small pouch, the person enjoys eating a lot less. In addition, food is not absorbed as well as it once was, contributing to rapid weight loss. Laparoscopic adjustabLe Gastric band surgery consists of placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach and filling it with saline. This creates a new, smaller stomach pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. Gastric band surgery is the least invasive of the three procedures, as it does not require stomach cutting and stapling or gastrointestinal rerouting to bypass normal digestion. Laparoscopic verticaL sLeeve Gastrectomy generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that may be consumed without bypassing the stomach or a portion of the small intestine. A portion of the stomach is removed and a new stomach pouch is formed. This procedure helps to reduce the sensation of hunger by possibly eliminating some of the gastrointestinal hormones responsible for the hunger pains. While the stomach is reduced in volume, it functions normally so most food items can be consumed but in smaller portions. 52 SU M M E R 2 014 Billy Abbott Breaking the Pattern: Billy aBBott Billy Abbott of Mantee lost both his parents at an early age-and he was determined to do what he could to prevent that from happening to his kids. "When I was in the first grade my mom passed, and my dad passed away when I was in the eighth grade," Abbott says. "That is something that I did not want my kids to go through." But by 30, he was already battling diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea and rising blood pressure-and his weight was largely to blame. "Weighing 447 pounds kept me from being able to tie my shoes, run, play ball with my kids and ride horses," Abbott says. "At work the weight hindered me when moving around on the equipment. I couldn't go to theme parks or water parks because I was too big for the rides. I could not stand for a long time without my ribs and back hurting." Abbott underwent laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy on Oct. 30, 2012, and began losing weight immediately. "My diabetes was gone the day of the surgery," he says. As the weight disappeared, so did his arthritis pain and sleep apnea, and his blood pressure dropped to normal levels. Abbott has since lost 207 pounds and continues to lose. "I have more energy and don't get tired as quickly," he says. "I know that I have done what I can to be there for my kids-to see them grow up, graduate and get married."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi
Contents
From the CEO
Back in Action
Top Honors
Stress SOS
The Truth About Sunscreen
The Transformers
Get Your Head in the Game
The Journey Continues
On the Cover
The Foot Follies
Friendly Fat
Virtual Health
The Eyes Have It
Worth the Weight
Small Wonders
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi