any bad experiences?
Dawn:
I had my surgery about 11 months ago. The first couple of weeks were crappy but I have never looked back. I am 2 pounds from goal, off ALL meds except an acid reducer, look and feel better than I have in years and can play with my 5 year old non-stop. I agree this surgery is dangerous and feel that only qualified surgeons should do this type of surgery but if you do your homework and are commited to a complete lifestyle change this may be the right choice for you. I have a very limited menu but I am pretty much OK with that. I eat yogurt, cheese, tuna, small amounts of fruits & salads, cottage cheese, protein drinks and small amounts of chicken. Sweets do not make me sick but I do not eat them very much. I just don't crave them the way I used to. A bite seems to satisy me.
Good luck to you. Keep asking those questions and read everything you can on WLS to prepair yourself.
Chryssie
Personally, I have absolutely no regrets. I know that I'm only 2 weeks out but still, this is to be the worst time and it isn't that bad. In comparison to some of the stuff that has happened in my life this has been relatively easy. But I did my homework before I made my decision. I think you have to look at what can happen and be realistic. What I did was I did the old list thing. One side the bad and the other what good can come from this. My good seriously out weighed my bad.
I figured it this way too. If I'm heavy enough to need this surgery, it's a heck of alot more likely that I'm going to die from a heart attack or a stroke or an embolism because my circulation is bad, or any of the other many complications from morbid obesity than this surgery. Sorry to be blunt. But think about those things too. K?
Take good care and make a careful decision.
Hugs
Heather
Hi, Dawn!
According to my surgeon, the average mortality rate is ONE in TWO HUNDRED (one-half of one percent) for RNY; about one in a THOUSAND for banding.
Keep in mind that most of those deaths would have occurred REGARDLESS, no matter what surgical procedure they might have had, be it weight-loss surgery or to have their tonsils out. With high BMIs, you're at risk when you have ANY surgery.
On the UPside, with obesity, you're more likely to die prematurely of any number of cancers, heart disease, diabetes-related illnesses, congestive heart failure, apnea, breathing problems, etc.
I decided that it was worth the risk for me, and it's paid off, very handsomely. While I HAVE had bad days as well as good, the good far outnumber the bad, and I am willing to accept those few bad ones if it means I can be healthier, live longer, and enjoy life more.
Bette
376/176~~~December 2003
Hey Dawn,
I am 5 weeks out and don't regret having surgery AT ALL. It was scary for me but I was READY to live. I did A LOT of research and that seemed to help calm my nerves. I met a lot of nice people on here that have helped me in more ways than they could ever know. You must have faith in your surgeon as well. My Dr. was awesome and if it weren't for him and his staff I think my experience would not have been as positive.
I am having some isssues with eating as of right now but I know it will pass as long as I stick to it. In 5 weeks I have lost 40 pounds and I am starting to feel stronger and better each day.
Best of luck to you!
Christine 
If you look far enough, you will find the person/persons who have had the problems. I know one who does regret having the surgery from all of her compications.
But what are YOU looking for? Are you looking to validate the naysayers, or a reason not to have the surgery?
There was a study done in Sweden a few years ago. It tracked 2000 MO patients. 1000 had surgery and 1000 did not. After 10 years, 9 people who had the surgery have died. 27 people who did not have the surgery died. If you want to factor in quality of life issues and everything else, you need to come to your own personal conclusion and be at ease with your decision. As well meaning as your friends are, none of them live your life.
Peter
Mortality rates (and complication rates- which are just as important) vary from surgeon to surgeon. The only one that matters is YOUR surgeons record, in my opinion. That is why you must choose carefully and wisely. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. KNOW your surgeon of choice. Don't just pick on that happens to be easy of in network or available. That could wind up being the worst mistake of your life.
Having said all that...
I know MANY people who have had complications as a result from this surgery. I am experienced with one who died and one who almost died. It's a serious surgery with serious potential for complication. You don't choose to have RNY just to loose weight. You choose it TO GET YOUR LIFE BACK.
I went into surgery knowing this and never looked back. I trusted my surgeon with my life and knew that my life was only going to get worse if I didn't take the chance on surgery. I also knew that this was my last resort. My REAL do or die.
I do not have a SINGLE regret. Not one. Bear in mind that I had no complications, though I did have some serious health issues.
Good luck to you in your decision making. You have to do what you know to be right in your mind and in your heart of hearts and let everyone else's opinions be damned.
Best,
Lisa C
Hi Dawn,
I'm 11 months out and have never regretted having the surgery for one moment. The only regret I have is that I didn't have it sooner! I'm down '76 lbs and want to lose another 30-50 lbs (God willing), but if I don't, that's ok too because I am healthier than I have ever been. I walk 5-7 miles a day, can run up and down the stairs, am off of my b/p meds, and am grateful to Dr. Bell for his skill and giving me this tool.
I can eat almost anything now. I don't eat fried and stay away from bread/pasta as they fill me up and reduce the amt of protein that I can take in.
All in all LIFE IS WONDERFUL!
Good luck in your journey.
JA
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