"Lap OR Open"?

I was just taking a poll as to the different types of surgery since most of us here share the same surgeons: Which Kind of Surgery Did You Have Lap or Open, etc...? Any complications? I would love for you to share your experiences the Good, Bad and the Ulgy... Shay a/k/a Snuggles

Shay, As far as our experiences.. you've been sitting in the front row each time you read our posts. Everything we post here is our experience. You've been reading it all along. And about your fiance and best friend, you can't make them feel what they don't, just try to make them as knowledgable as possible, and do what is right for you. I think bringing them to a support group meeting is a great idea. Good luck. Take care.

Thanks for your response Tina......I asked the question because I came on the board in January 2004....And I know there has been surgeries before than....So I haven't had a chance to hear "EVERYONES" experiences if they are willing to share. And since January I have followed alot of you guys progress but don't recall seeing any stating they had lap or open. BTW I am aware I cant MAKE/CHANGE anyone's feelings towards surgery or otherwise. Have a good day. Shay

Shay, I'm sorry that you took my post the wrong way. It's obvious that you did by your response. When you post on here, you open yourself up to get all kinds of messages, but mine was meant to be light (in the fact that you are experiencing our issues with us, via our posts and our profiles). And I didn't mean to insinuate that you should make someone feel a certain way, just that education is the best teaching tool. BTW, lap 1/26/04, no major complications. T

LAp RNY Distal 10/27/03.Other than not being able to keep anything in other than liquids for first 6wks,everything was routine.No problems up to this point,Knock on wood!!!LOL!!

9/29/03 LAP No problems, healed quickly, not much discomfort Hope

Hey Shay! Funny you asked for the good, the bad and the ugly ... that is what I named my journal! *grin* I had lap RNY-Prox and hernia repair at the same time. No real problems - a bit of nauseousness from the anesthesia, some pain from the hernia. Nothing that was not manageable. I guess my back pain combined with the hernia pain combined with the lack of sleep was about the worst part for me. But again, this was fleeting, didn't last too long, and most people don't have it anyway. As far as my scars ... they are already almost completely gone. Barely noticeable at this point. I am thinking that if I were a bikini person (which I am not BTW) the scars would not hold me back, that is how small and un-noticeable they are. Okay that was my mini readers digest version of my good-bad and the ugly. Should you wanna read the entire novel ... it is being stored on my profile! *grin* Hugs, Tammy

Thanks for your responses!!!! This is a great bunch

Shay, I had Lap on 1/26. I also have written a mini-book in my journal. I pretty much documented the Good, Bad and Ugly and have tried to keep it updated. At the very beginning of the journal page is each person's BMI and date of surgery and whether they had Open or Lap (If they took the time to enter the info of course). I spent the 1st couple months on here reading journals. You'd be surprised how many people they are out there just like you. Same concerns, same fears. I can't tell you how important it is to come to the support meetings. You will recognise us from the pic's we have posted right away. Also bring your fiance. The first time I brought my husband, he got up and asked questions to satify his fears. Even pulled the speaker over for a 1 on 1 after the meeting. Once he asked, he was more informed and a little less scared for me. He still worried, but this weight loss group and the support meetings are the best. He talked to other posties and listened to them about "How happy they all were" and he knew that "My decision" to do this was not on just a whim. I had been actively researching and attending meetings for almost 6 months when I finally told him what I was doing and brought him with me to his 1st meeting in September. I had already finished all my pre-tests, I was just waiting for my surgery date. I started on this journey in January of 2003 and told noone else until December. So come, listen, get to know us in person. It makes it more real. Keep us posted and start keeping a journal. You will be glad you did. You can look back and remember all you went through to get Healthy. It isn't easy. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hey Shay! I'm a lap rny'er, surgery date 1/7 and am down 64lbs. I came through the surgery with no issues - in on Wed, out by Friday morning. I have had very minimal physical problems since the surgery (other than not losing fast enough...) Emotionally.....it has been a huge rollercoaster. I remember thinking I was on one before surgery with dr appointments, pre-qualifying tests and insurance fiascos.... but let me tell you, it's quite an emotional rollercoaster afterward too. I still struggle somedays with getting my protein in, exercising, taking my vitamins and drinking all my fluids -- some days are better than others when it comes to getting it all in... it can be quite a juggling act! Regrets -- NOT A ONE! It has been one of the best decisions I've made for myself. Feel free to keep the questions coming - we all can learn from each others experiences. ((hugs)) Carla