Undecided On Surgery "Need HELP" !

I'm 23yrs.old,and my friend just had the surgery. A month ago. She been trying to convince me to do it. I am 5'5 and I am 228lbs.,my BMI also currently 37.9 . I am very afraid of being cut. I've been scared;with the "Disaters". (that occur in the E.R.'s.) My husband really does'nt approve of gastric bypass surgery. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes,during my pregnancy. It was controlled by p.m insulin and diet. After my pregnancy I was in a size 11/12. Before my pregnancy I was in a size 13/14. I gained back more lbs. I am now in a size 15/16. Oh! I'm 1 pt. away from being diabetic. PLEASE RESPOND BACK NEED HELP !

Hi--I'm not sure what to tell you. You have no information on your profile. Why don't you go and fill that out? It is like a journal of your weight loss journey, including your history. Your BMI isn't that high, and you are still quite young, but diabetes is frightening, might be more frightening than WLS, in my opinion. You need to research, research, research, so that you can make an informed opinion. good luck, and keep coming back to the site. connie

Khalilah, I agree with Connie. You need to really research this surgery. It took me 3yrs to decide to have Gastric Bypass surgery and am very happy with the results but, I weighed 250lbs and am 5'2", so I was alot bigger than you with BMI of 42. Also, I was 56yrs. old. You are still young and not that big to think of this surgery. I don't know what you have tried but, sensible eating and exercise might help to get you started. Before you can have the surgery you must be l00lbs overweight and lose 10% of the weight your weight before you can have the surgery--at least where I had mine done. Really think about it as it is a lifelong commitment. Roberta in California

I was also a lightweight. I weighed 208 & am 5'1". I was hypertensive and took medications for a year and it was controlled by that. Also had & still have left side bundle branch block w/ mitral valve insufficiency which is medical jargon for a weird electrical problem on the left side of my heart & a leaky mitral valve. Since WLS I hardly know it is there & do not take medications for it. I had shortness of breath upon climbing stairs ( I have lots at my job & have to climb them all day) which is totally gone now. I have a very strong family history of diabetes but did not have it yet. I had stress incontinence & painful knees & had had surgury on the left one already. So each case is very different. Comorbids play into it strong not just the BMI as lots of folks think. Keep trying & good luck !

Hello, I am four years post -op and was 26 when I had the surgery. I was what you would of called a light weight at 5'9 and 280 pounds. I would advice you not to have the surgery. I see that you are worried about the surgery it's self and I had no problems with that. I got out of the hospital and was doing great untill about six months out I developed hypoglycimia. I have thee children and my life is tied down to being babysat all the time since I don't know when and were I am going to pass out or go into a seizur. I am going to Stanford on Monday and looking at removing my pancreas in which is a terribly scary surgery that alot of people don't survivre. Prior to surgery I was in exellent health besides being overweight and now I have so many health problems. I eat the right foods and take my vitamins and a am malnurished. I have to get B12 injections and next week will start Iron injections. I go into horrible panic attachs because of my low blood sugar. I see that you have children and are young like me and that is why I thought it was so important to give you my opinion. There is a chance that if you do make it out of the surgery that down the line you will be to ill to be a mother to your children. Your weight is not that bad and you can loose the weight but just don't do it like this. I did loose all the weight and have maintained a weight of 149 pounds for quite some time and yes I look great but I don't feel great. I can't enjoy life anymore and I am in fear everyday that I could die. I hope that you change your mind as being skinny is no fun if you are pinned to a couch all day. Good luck with your desision..