Frightened

Seriously considering WLS, but I have to say, some of the post op experiences described here and the apparent frequency of them are scaring the heck out of me. I've been researching pretty extensively and have been aware of the various complications and the supposed odds of having to deal with them. But there's a big diffence between reading about this stuff and getting first hand accounts and it doesn't seem as if the claims of "rare" complications (1 in a hundred is 'rare'???), is really as rare as they claim. From this board, it seems like almost everyone has gone or is going through some pretty painful complications in one form or another.

Lisa, there are a lot of us that haven't had any issues. We just tend to "lurk" around her more than most. I'd pop into other rooms to see what is going on. I did that. I would look at the month ahead of mine, then mine and now I check this one to offer any help to those coming after me. I think you will see that while some due have some complications, most are easy to fix. You can also click on peoples names and view their profiles. They tell you a lot sometimes too about what people go through. So use this board to really get a good picture. Good luck on your choice.

Thank you so much for your response. What you say, I suspect, could very well be true. I would like to personally request and suggest that it's just as important for people to relay their "non-eventful" experiences as it is for those who have complications. Because I'll tell you. I don't necessarily trust "official" statistics, and find it very disconcerting to find so many bad experiences here. But, I agree. It's possible, when things are going smoothly, people are less motivated to share those experiences. They're too busy going on with their lives. But, for those of us who are just investigating things, we need to have as an accurate representation as possible. The uneventful stories are every bit as important as the eventful stories.

15 months out, no complications all co-morbidities resolved (sleep apnea, GERD, High BP, etc.), off all medications, down -142 pounds (7 pounds below goal) You are welcome to read my story http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Hope this helps, ~Michelle

Thank you. Encouraging to read. It's not that I only want to hear good news. It's just that I started wondering if perhaps the complications were more frequent than the studies and information claim. It's just in today's world with so much fraud and lack of regulation. It's hard to know what to believe.

Lisa, I had no real complications, but I won't lie. It was a rough recovery and much longer than expected. Took 6 mos. till I felt halfway decent and 9 mos. till all of a sudden I felt like myself. I was rare in that I had a lot of barfing (most don't with the DS) and, in general, had a lot of trouble getting used to my stomach and how it (and new bathroom issues) worked. Now at 2.5 years out that's all behind me. Do I still worry? Sometimes, yeah. I have doctors to see now I didn't before like an endocrinologist [definitely get a bone density scan preop so you'll have a baseline test]. I am obsessive about getting in my protein and vits/minerals. Make sure you're willing to live with that commitment [protein and vits/minerals] as it's for life. My wind and stool smell are definitely worse. But, again, not serious complications -- just annoyances. Do your homework to decide if WLS is for you and which type. It'll serve you in good stead.

I think that something you also have to look at is that the folks who are having WLS are morbidly obese (or super morbidly obese) so they are more likely to have complications from surgery than those with lower BMI. For example, my BMI at surgery was over 60. I had RNY. One incision became infected -- it was through an area with a LOT of fat. Fat has fewer blood vessels and less blood supply and infection is more common. Did I worry about it? No. I knew it could happen. I'm dealing with packing the wound daily and keeping it covered. Another incision has begun to open up more with every shower because it gets wet and the scab loosens up and then it opens up because it's vertical just above my belly button -- and it over an area which gets a lot of stress. Would I do it again? You bet! In a heartbeat. Tonight I ate too fast and didn't chew my food well enough. It came back up. Let me tell you I won't do that again! It hurt being too full but throwing it up felt so much better. Do I plan to do that again? Heck no! I'll know that if I have to leave at a certain time, not to rush eating -- especially chicken. Good luck with your decision. Susan

Thanks for the additional responses. It is scary. I'm about 150lbs overweight. Extremely uncomfortable and some days very painful. And my life has been on hold for over a decade now. I need help to lose this weight. Have tried most everything else.