kcg

A quote from my surgeon`s feedback after the op. I have an excessively huge stomach (beer belly). I had always had this feeling that whenever I become stressed or depressed, my tummy bloats and I start gainning masses of weight, whether I over-ate or not.
I had been a yo-yo dieter for two decades and I attributed the greater part of that to stress and depression. I had not done any research on the above or fatty omentum for that matter and most of the time, I was told it was all in my mind.
Contrary to it all being in my mind or being a myth, research has proved that fatty omentum is connected to stress.
My findings are that the omentum stores cortisol (stress hormone). High stress therefore stimulates the growth of the omentum and it is difficult to reduce the size by diet alone. Stress relief such as therapy or relaxation techniques is also required.
Considering that fatty omentum starts inflammatory process which can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and hardening of the arteries, I was really "an accident waiting to happen".
In regards to the mild steatosis liver pathology, I feel that mine was caused by obesity and the revolving door starvation or rapid weight losses over the years.
I`m therefore thankful that I made a decision to go for the surgery after 3 years of contemplation!!! I regret not going for it earlier.
Now the question is, is it at all possible to totally reverse the above two pathologies?
Do I need to go for therapy in regards to stress relief?
Can I ever have a normal omentum and therefore a flat tummy? Will I ever have a healthy liver? Anyone with experiences, wisdom, knowledge or comments to share?
I need to know that 1 year down the line I`m going to be alright and if not what could be done to rectify that as I go on my weight loss journey.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Masses of support and advice required.

Highlandlass

I found the following on the internet - it might answer some of your questions.:-


The Omentum: A 'fatty apron' that provides a protective cushion
StoryDiscussionBy: BRADLEY J. FIKES - Staff Writer | Posted: Sunday, April 15, 2007 12:00 am | No Comments Posted

Font Sizeefault font sizeLarger font sizeCall it what you like: Beer belly, protruding gut, spare tire or other creative names. What you're referring to is the visible consequence of the omentum.

Often described as a "fatty apron," the omentum is a sheet of fatty tissue that hangs down in front of the intestines, providing a protective cushion.

Of course, many people have more protection than they need or is healthy for them. The omentum, technically the "greater omentum," is one of the main fat-storage depots in the body. It thickens with accumulating fat, expanding the skin into that well-known shape.

The omentum hangs down, like an apron, from the bottom of the stomach. Its lower edge descends to near the pelvis. It's folded, and the other point of attachment is to the transverse colon, just below the stomach. It varies greatly in thickness, depending on how much fat is stored there.

But the omentum isn't just a passive recipient of fat, a sometimes wayward padding. It's also packed with nutrients and growth-stimulating chemicals, along with stem cells, the "ancestral" cells that turn into various body tissues and organs.

The omentum has germ-fighting cells that migrate to infections in the abdomen. The omentum actually adheres to places of infection, helping to seal them off. For this role, the omentum has been dubbed "the policeman of the abdomen."

The omentum is a handy tool for surgeons, who use it as a kind of biological duct tape. Sections of omentum are grafted onto cut areas or lesions to help them heal. It's been used on the gastrointestinal tract, heart, spinal cord and brain.

The omentum can be also a source of problems. When its blood supply is interrupted, symptoms such as severe pain and tenderness can mimic appendicitis. And of course, an omentum enlarged with fat makes people look unsightly.

One might think it would be easy to get rid of that beer belly by removing the omentum, such as through liposuction. But that would be dangerous. Since the omentum is closely connected to the large intestines, its removal could cause damage. There is also a risk of peritonitis, an infection of the inner abdomen that is extremely serious and can be fatal.

If there's some excess omentum you'd rather not have, the old stand-bys of exercise and diet are the safest way to go. Your omentum will give up the fat naturally and that beer belly will -- with enough effort -- flatten out.

__________________
*** Rhonda ***

Highest weight - 292
Height - 5' 7"
Weight on date of surgery (15.6.09)- 270.5
Today - 228
First Goal - to be in Onederland

kcg

Rhonda, thanks a lot for this. Quite informative. I need to get my boots on and work hard on the exercise routine then. It`s good to know that there is the possibility of spotting a flat stomach in the future. That will be the day! Miracles do happen. Right?

kcg

Watching TV this morning, a presenter kept referring to GB as cosmetic surgery and I kept thinking what an ignorant statement to make. If only they do their research before presentation.
I will not go through all this hassle for cosmetic reasons. I feel that for most of us, the physical appearance part is a much welcomed by-product.