Mixed Feelings

Hello Everyone,

Last week I received great news "Approved" for gastric bypass but as time pass, the very thing I wanted most got me worried.  People I talk to personally do not have anything good to say about it so today I'm venting on the board to people who have actually done it.   "Should I worry"...

I am going through sort of the same thing.  I have my last visit tomorrow and then everything will be submitted for BCBS for approval.  Everybody has something bad to say about it....you don't need this....you can do it on your own....what if you die....everybody gains the weight back.  Lots of negative comments.  I made this decision for me, and I am following through with my decision.  Believe in yourself!  I have received a lot of support and great information from this board.  Please keep coming back here.  Not many people post on the weekends, but I am sure you will get comments tomorrow.  Again, please come back.

Kim

Hey - These people that you're talking to, have they had surgery?  Or just "know someone who's had it"?  Sometimes you have to consider the source.  Also, I think we've all been there too where we wondered if we're making the right decision.

You didn't say how much weight you need to lose or how long you've been overweight but I know for me I researched and prayed and thought about the surgery for 10 years before I was settled in my mind and heart that this is what I needed to do.  I'm 3 months out and I've been remarkably lucky in that I've had no complications at all and the only regret I have is that I didn't have the surgery sooner.  So surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable and honest.  It may not always been easy but it'll be worth it.

GreysMom, I am 31 years old and about 417 pounds, it took me a while to find a doctor who would accept my insurance, and it took almost two years for my doctor office to get my paper work correct to be approved. I have been researching it for about four years, and have read all the risks repeatedly, I even watched a video that the doctor posted on his sight, so I am well informed, and I know all the important questions to ask whenever he and I have that really serious talk.  

I was fine with it all until some of the unfriendly remarks came up such as “you know sometimes the surgery goes downhill…" Something you just don’t say to a person whom you know has made their mind up. Sometimes I wonder how people can be so selfish, but then I think am I being selfish for not considering the people who love me.

Worry is normal.  As long as you have reviewed the medical risks with your Dr. and have made an informed decision.  Always know that you have made the right decision for YOU.

I have learned that a lot of family and friends are intimidated by us losing weight....it brings out and makes them focus on their own insecurities.....there could be various reasons people make nagative comments and become unsupportive.

Hang in there and best of luck!

Leslie

It's not the total answer.  It is a tool.  I'm sure you've heard that by now.  Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat!!!

Do I personally know people that have died from RNY surgery?  yes
Do I personally know people that have gained their weight back?  yes
Did I do my homework when deciding this was my solution?  yes

I know one person that died right after surgery.  HOWEVER, his health was so poor he was going to die from obesity related issues anyway.  I know two people that had serious complications.  I know several that gained weight back, although not all of it.

The two that had serious complications, one did exactly what she was supposed to, the other did not,  The several that gained weight back--DID NOT CHANGE THEIR LIFESTYLE ONE BIT.

I pledged when I committed to this surgery that it would be a tool to help me regain my health and to keep me alive.  I also committed to a total lifestyle change:  eating right AND exercising.  A lot of exercising.  Is it easy?  No--many days I'd like to sit on the couch with a bag of chips and jus****ch TV.  But I don't.  I am still sticking to my commitment.

I am down 170 lbs and am in the best shape of my life.  DO NOT listen to the naysayers.  Yes, there can be complications, and yes, there can even be death.  But I'd venture to say that you can also have complications and death if you choose to remain super morbidly obese.

I just wish I'd done it sooner!

I wish you the best!

Kim

ALways something to worry about.  All surgery of any kind is dangerous.  They all have risk.  I never heard anything but bad things when i finally decided to have RNY. I never worried. I was either going to die from surgery or i was going to die from an Obsesity related illness. I have lost 140 lbs and feel great.  Would i do it again, YES.

Susan, gastric bypass was the best thing I ever did for myself in my entire life.  My doctor had told me I was a walking "time bomb".  Now, if that didn't scare me, I don't know what did. I was going to die if I didn't have surgery.  Go for the gusto girl and never look back.  I never had any complications directly from surgery. Have I been sick since surgery?  Of course, but never from the surgery itself.  Don't listen to all those people trying to talk you out of it.  They are just jealous.  It's taken you all these years for a reason and now God has allowed you to get to the point that you can actually have the surgery.  There's a reason and a time for everything, and now it's your TIME.  Just remember, you can do ALL things through God.  Let Him be your guide, your strength, your Comfortor.

Best of luck and be blessed.

Elle

Congrats on the approval.  I just want to say that I had GBS September 13, 2005 and would do it again.  I have had no problems, with the exception of the ones I caused by eating too fast or overeating.  Over time, you will be able to eat more than at first, which you will see, you eat very little at first.  Now, over 5 years later, I can eat most anything, with the except of too much sugar.  That still makes me sick (too much starch foods, etc.)  I still cannot eat steak well or anything dense as steak.  Noodles are hard to digest.  HOWEVER, I love my life now.  I have stopped losing and in fact, am losing now around 8 pounds that I put on since summer.  Yes, I could gain all of my weight back if I wanted.  But I don't want to.  I pray every day for help with an addiction to food that I still have not conquered, but it is much better than 5 years ago.   In the end, you will have to decide whether to have WLS or not.  I know many who have had complications.  I know many who have gained weight and I know many more who have now a vibrant and healthy life.  I wish you all the best!!!!