scared out of my mind

Ok I just read a post on the RNY forum by this women named Joy. She stated that this surgery is basically a self induced bulimia. She said she is almost 9 years out and has many complications like seizure's. The doctors are refusing to help her and she feels like this is going to kill her. I am scheduled to have my surgery on April 4 but I might rethink this. I have health issues now but they are all under control.. I want this surgery to prolong my life and the quality of my life. I just want to know how far out some of you are and if you are experiencing any complications. I have always known there are risks but this women really has me thinking.I keep telling myself it it only one person out how many post and I am just freaking out over nothing. Then on the other hand I do not want to be dead in ten years like she is saying might very well be her fate. Please help go read her post  it is on the rny forum and the headline says something like being miserable and her name is joy.

I had some scar tissue that needed to be cut out but I consider it a little hiccup in the process. Everyone has a different experience. Some people sail through while others have problems. There is no guarantee with what will happen. I can tell you am so glad I had the RNY done and I would recommend it to others. I think you are talking about Melting Mama and I have read some of her post and she really has had a difficult time and I truly feel bad for her. I would tell you to talk to your surgeon about your concerns. He is the best one to talk to. I do know they have perfected the surgery from even 5 years ago. I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted about your plans.

My best friend had RNY 12 years ago and is fine. She got a little sick at one point because she was failing to take her vitamins like she should. Everyone is different but if you follow the orders of yourdoctor then you should be fine. I am getting a DS because the people I know who have had RNY have gained back some/all of their weight.
Good luck. Everyone is not going to have the same results. You have to do what is best for you.
Gina

Kimberly,

I think Elizabeth hit it on the head when she suggested you talk to your surgeon about your concerns.  Just a few things to think about, each person handles pain at different thresholds.  For example, while many women need to have epidurals when they give birth, there are many others who have chosen to go it natural.  Some folks deal with issues better than others and some can be more dramatic.  In no way am I belittleing or being non-empathic to anyone's issues and pain, so please don't misunderstand.  I am not a medical professional and in a setting such as this we don't always know if you're getting the full story on a persons complete medical history or an abbreviated version.   

If you haven't done so already, one thing that might help is to go to a WLS support group meeting where post-ops share information amongst newbies or pre-ops.  This way you will hear from all types of folks and hear their successes as well as their struggles.  It would be a great place to reach out an express any concerns there as well.

As for me, I just celebrated my 2nd year surgiversary.  I have never had any issues or complications from my RNY.  I have dumped but I know honey wheat pretzels in excess is not my friend but lesson learned.  I have eaten chicken too fast and didn't cut it up enough and I got the foamies, again lesson learned, I now cut it up really well, especially when I am eating left overs.  That's as bad as I have ever experienced.  On the flip side to that, I am diabetes free, my cholesterol is normal, my high blood pressure is gone, and my asthma is now under control.  I can hike, fit into regular clothing, sit in an airplane seat without an extended, put the meal tray all the way down and I can play with my 3 year old grandson and actualy keep up with him.  I have NO regrets and would recommend RNY to someone who was like me and had stopped living and begun to grow old at a rapid pace.

Surgery is a scary thing and nothing to ever take for granted.  Our WLS surgeons are especially trained to give us the best care possible but we have to our part as well.  Following the protocol set by the surgeons, working the tools and being vigilent will give us the best chance possible to be successful. 

Please know that we're here for you each and every step of the way and are here to offer advice or answer questions if you need assistance.  I wish you nothing but the best as you embark on your journey to better health whichever way you decide.

Hugs,
Barb

Hi Kim...I can't add anything more to what the prior 3 posters have written...2 of them are great friends of mine and you can count on every word they have posted. ^_^

What I do want to pass on....every major surgery has its pros and cons...and how you will react to the surgery is an individual case by case situation.  Have you had surgery or major dental work before?  How did you handle it? the pain, the recovery...are you committed to making life changes?  Eating habits, adding/increasing your exercise routine...learning new rules?

I'm almost 2 years out...struggling a bit to maintain..but that's no surprise..I know how to diet!  It's maintenance that is a foreign entity for me! LOL  I had RNY...and I would do it all again in a heart beat.  My only complication is low blood surgar..something I never had to deal with pre-op..but it sure beats the high blood pressure, horrible headaches, body aches and pains from carrying over 100 excess pounds ;-)

I wish you well....and commend you for asking questions, seeking advice and most of all, for wanting to improve your health and your life.  Please keep us informed as your continue this fabulous journey...it is 1 heck of a ride LOL
Nancy aka Sunray

Thank you all for your kind words of wisdom. I am going to call my surgeon today and ask a few questions to ease my mind. Down deep inside I know I will most likely go ahead with the surgery. I have been planning an waiting for this since last Dec. I have done allot of research my self so I am aware of the complication's. I am just scared and let that post really affect me in a negative way. I need to look at all the positive post and your kind words. Thank you

Hi Kimberly,
Just from reading  your posts I find the statements by Joy to be quit extreme and dramatic.  RNY cannot be called self induced bulimia unless it makes everyone throw up every time they eat. Maybe thats an issue for her but I know its not an issue for everyone who has RNY.  I would bet your doctor would confirm that her experience is pretty extreme.   I have never thrown up after my RNY.  Attributing a complication likes seizures to RNY is pretty extreme to me as well.  I know that RNY has its complications that are a possibility but for the life of me I don't recall seizures being one that I was warned about.
I'm sorry Joy is so miserable.  But that is Joy-not every RNY patient.
I am 16 mos out and honestly for me I wish I had more restrictions.  I rarely dump and have had no complications whatsoever.  My b/p is now normal, my liver tests are now normal, sleep apnea is gone, my hips no longer ache and I have lost 110+ lbs. My labs are good and I havent  had any nutritional/vitamin deficiencies.  I know Im only 16 mos out but thats my experience thus far and hope and pray at 9 years out I will be just as satisfied with my results.
 Maybe I am as extreme as Joy only on the opposite end of the spectrum but I would never go tell everyone that they SHOULD have RNY because it was a effortless, no problems proceedure that cured all my problems and in the same vein I think Joy may be on the other extreme if she is saying no one should have RNY. 
I find many inconsistencies with statements like self induced bulimia and doctors refusing to help....just doesn't sound right to me personally.  Forums are difficult to guage information because there is no real way to 'consider the source' if you will.  Ask your doc how common those conditions are in their practice.  Surgery can be a gamble but so is living with the classification of morbidly obese.  I hope Joy can reach out to other doctors and find some relief.  I am thrilled with my surgery and like Nancy would do it again in a heartbeat.  It saved my quality of life and allowed me to be the person I've always been only hidden by my fat suit for far too long.
Good luck and I wish you much success what ever you decide to do.

Deb

Hi there..thought maybe it was time for me to post...I am one of the few it seems that has been around this site both as a member than as a lurker for over 10 years. I had RNY in Medicine Hat Alberta 10 years ago.
My surgeon (NOHR)  was fantastic but not alot of information was known, at least not what it is like today, so no real follow up post 1yr.
No I have not gained back all my weight (loss of 100lbs, BFF lost over 150lbs 11 yrs ago and also has not regained) Am mostly healthy with the exception of my teeth have caused me problems over the last 5 yrs. ( we still arent sure if this is maternal invitro or mostly dietary??) I haven't been as compliant with my vitamins and supplements as I should be (hey what can I say I FORGET that Im differant, also why I dont come to these boards much...you FORGET, you live your life and pooff....) My point is there may be complications...BE VIGILANT. Listen to your body, research the hell out of this procedure before going under, be vigilant after with your vitamins, start exercising (I committed to exercising 6 mos out and went strong for three years, let it slide, noticed a 10lb regain started again, lost the regain) My friend never really did exercise but her job was physical.
Sorry for my ramblings, I know this...my life is better than even I could have imagined, I interact with people, I laugh, went to school to become a nurse, and I wouldnt have done any of it without Dr. Nohrs help. This surgery changed my life, its not perfect, sometimes we screw it up but then we take a breath and start again....Some other people have not been as lucky through no fault of their own (and sometimes yes it is their accountability) but I know people who never had this surgery get sick.......! The healthiest person can get sick....Being morbidly obese has so many health conditions associated with it and the one I hear alot from people is how they were never sick a day in their life, until one day their body couldnt take it anymore and they WERE sick. ...Hope this helps and good luck to you and everyone else on this journey, be amazing!