I didn't see it. But I'd like to address the types of surgery (wish I'd seen the episode)

If she indeed had a lap band, the stomach is NOT made smaller. A band is placed around the opening to the stomach and is restricted by injecting saline into the band, likewise the restriction can be lessened by removing or suctioning out the saline from the band.
Many people I know (yes many) have had no good luck at all with the lap band because they weren't disciplined and their doctors allowed them to have adjustments whenever they wanted to 'feast' ie: go to a wedding or a banquet, they could eat till their hearts content and then restrict intake at a later time.
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The Gastric Bypass operation, also known as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is one of the most commonly performed weight loss surgical procedures. It involves creating a very small 2-3 ounce gastric pouch and connecting it to a limb of small bowel. The reduction in the size of the stomach is the most significant of all weight loss surgical procedures. It is, however, important to note that the smaller stomach pouch does not function in the same manner as the original intact stomach. When you compare the stomach of the Sleeve Gastrectomy or the Duodenal Switch operation, their function and physiology is very similar to the normal anatomy. This is, however, not the case in the Gastric Bypass operation. The remnant stomach that connects to the small bowel does not, physiologically or mechanically, function the same as a normal intact stomach. This ultimately results in a number of complications that are unique to the gastric bypass operation. Complications include marginal ulcers, dumping syndrome, stricture at the site of the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis (where the stomach is attached to the small bowel), and nutritional deficiencies including iron and B12.
Even though the short-term results of the gastric bypass operation may be acceptable when measured by excess weight loss, the outcome of its long-term maintained weight loss, along with the associated complications of the surgery, make it a procedure that a lot of surgeons no longer recommend.
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The Biliopancreatic Diversion with a Duodenal Switch is a hybrid surgical procedure that has two aspects that reduce weight.

The smaller stomach size limits the amount of food that can be taken in to about 120-150cc (1/2-3/4 Cup).

The small bowel is reattached in such a fashion as to keep the biliopancreatic juices away from the food until the last portion of the small bowel, limiting the absorption of the food that is eaten. The stomach is decreased in size by doing a Sleeve Gastrectomy, which uses proportional amounts of the stomach areas that make important enzymes and chemicals. The hallmark of the Duodenal Switch operation is the preservation of the pyloric valve. The pyloric valve is at the last portion of the stomach and acts as a gateway to the small bowel. The food needs to be of the right chemical and mechanical consistency before the pyloric valve allows it to progress into the small bowel. The appendix and the gallbladder are also removed.

Duodenal switch provides the best remedy for failed gastric bypass.

When necessary, the revision or reversal of the Duodenal Switch operation is technically the safest and easiest of all revisional surgical procedures.

Well dear friends, it's that time of year again. Where did the months go?

I want you all to know just how much your openness and caring has meant to me. Your willingness to share and pour out your hearts has always amazed me.

I'm so glad we have this tiny spot on the internet to console, commiserate, love and help each other along.

As the season is in full swing, may you all find some comfort in the joys you shared with those you grieve.

May your hearts be full of love and remembrance for the loved ones no longer with you.

Most of all, may you feel some sort of healing in whatever form that takes for you specifically.

To those of you who read and don't post it's ok. If and when you EVER need us, we're here.

I truly have fond affection for each of you.

May the coming year find you all healthy and prosperous.

Know that I (and many others) care for you.

with love and deepest respect.

kesha.

Summer's gone and Autumn has arrived and along with that a great longing ...

I don't know what it is about this time of year. I really do love the cooler weather, the changing colours the smell of the air.

It's also the time of year (can't figure out why though) that I miss my Mum the most. There's so much I miss, to many things to list.

How about you all?

How are you doing?

I think of you guys and gals all the time and I'm privileged to even correspond with a couple of you apart from DU.

Check in ok?

kesha.

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all of the NEW people who have been participating

in our group lately.

It's nice to have you here.


(some have shown up and been PPRd but a few have been genuine and stayed)

I look forward to reading more from each of you.

all the best in 2013


kesha

your co- host with NRaleighLiberal

AlienGirl: A message from her family. Important to read.

I have been ill and away for a few days and received this message. I was asked to post here on DU so that everyone who is familiar with AlienGirl is aware of what is going on.

Here's the message I received

I think it would be a good idea to let people on DU know what is going on with that event in Clearwater that is in Shelly's name. Maybe people here can help to straighten things out. It would mean a lot for her family, and frankly, if it is DUers speaking out, it will cancel out any kind of impression that people are opposing the event because it is a Democratic related event and not because it is just plain wrong for someone who treated Shelly so poorly to be organizing anything.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/former-democratic-state-house-candidate-shelly-leonard-dies-of-cancer/1215436



Many of my friends here are also family and friends of Shelly Leonard. Please take a moment to look at this article, and to leave a comment in its comments section. Please also consider calling the journalist, Mike Brassfield, whose number is at the bottom of the article. PLEASE read this entire comment first, though. It's long, but it will give you context.

The writer of this article was given incorrect information, and passed that information on. He does not have Nathan's birthday right. He does not have the state where Nathan and Quinn live right. He seems to have taken only Van Farber's word for everything.

Van Farber was once a friend of Shelly's, but ceased to be a friend to her in July of 2011 for reasons that are private and personal. She did not want to speak to him or see him. Mr. Farber did not honor her wishes then. He refused to accept that she did not want anything to do with him any more. He harassed my family on the phone and in person. Because of Mr. Farber, Shelly had to be a confidential patient wherever she was. Yet, he has the audacity not only to speak for her, but also to organize this fundraising event without attempting to consult with Shelly's family or close friends.

Please do not misunderstand. The cause is worthy and one that Shelly supported. The event is not. The venue is not. Mr. Farber is most certainly not, and ought not be allowed to speak for Shelly or to take political advantage of her life or her death.

**AlienGirl Update 12/13/11**

As I posted last night, AlienGirl is scheduled for 4 more rounds of chemotherapy and is resting as much as she can in preparation for this and to try to regain some strength. She's trying to keep her weight up too.

I got this message from her caregiver and I'm posting this here with permission.

"Knowing that there are people out there who care means a lot. Somebody who's in her situation often wonders what they did that ever affected anybody's life, and how the world is different for them being in it. That there are so many people who know her through DU, who care how she is doing and who are looking forward to having her back is evidence that she has made a mark on the world and on the lives of others. It's evidence of that meaning that people look for to give them peace and to give them courage."


I'll post as I get updates.

thanks.
aA
kesha