MINDSET-MASTERS

Mindset Masters Biliopancreatic Diversion: This particular weight loss surgery was developed in the late 1970’s as a variant to the disasters of the first bariatric surgeries. This operation remains the most powerful and drastic of all obesity surgeries. A hybrid surgery was developed, called the “Duodenal Switch” (DS). The original BPD operation involved removing 65% to 75% of the stomach. With the addition of the DS procedure, the intestines are rerouted. Reconnecting the intestines so that they may carry digestive juices and combine with food delays mixing of these digestive juices and causes the majority of fats and proteins consumed, to pass through in an unchanged state. This process results in as little as 30% of fats and proteins being absorbed. The BPD DS surgery is successful, especially for the morbidly obese person. The body simply cannot fully digest the food for absorption. This is highly complex and should be considered a high risk procedure. An experienced surgeon and treatment team is key in your success. I had the BPD-­‐DS surgery on October 2, 2009. I have now lost a total of two hundred and twenty pounds. Why not just eat? Be happy. Society is more accepting of fat people now, right? Despite the fact I was miserable, I was still a beautiful woman inside a self-­‐made fat cocoon. It took me a good year or more to take a first step. I was scared. Very. What would I look like? Would my love still love me? Is my life with food over? Will I be able to handle the attention I might get? What will I be able to eat? Not a small endeavor, I love food. I cannot stress this enough. Food is and was my coping mechanism. I return to this behavior briefly now, but fully aware and now I know when and how to stop. Food has turned into 33