Any regrets or severe complications?

Hi! I've been going to the support groups and nobody seems to have had a bad experience or any real complaints post-op. I find it very hard to believe that nobody is having problems or regrets. WLS is one of the most important decisions that I have ever made and I want to go in with my eyes wide open. A friend of mine named Theresa died as a result of complications and malnutrition several months post-op. Other people have done well although two have started gaining some weight back. I don't know if it's taboo to ask about the darker-side of WLS but I would really appreciate input from anyone who has any regrets or who is wrestling with serious complications. You don't have to be specific about your problems but it would help me greatly to know how people are coping. Thanks for sharing!

Hi again! I'd start reading profiles, of course there is a darker side, I felt like total crap for at least 5 wks (first 4-5 nights post op were ugly too!), and I didn't expect that. But keep reading everything your eyes can handle and you will find the answers you need inside yourself. T

Tina - Thanks for the words of wisdom and encouragement. I'll keep reading (and writing****il the answers become clear.

Definitely not taboo, in fact it is encouraged to think about what can go wrong. You need to educate yourself on everything about the surgery and life after the surgery. If you go to the home page on Obesityhelp.com there is a forum dedicated to people with regrets. I have been reading through it the past week. It is very interesting. A lot of the people did not realize that they would have to exercise. A few can't handle protein intake. A few are disgruntled over the small amount of weight they have lost. All sort of reasons. Some have serious complications. Those complications might have been caused by the surgery, the lack of adherence to surgeon and nutritionist directions, side-effect of obesity whatever. Don't want to judge anyone but it is good reading and will give you a different perspective than the positive results most of us on the DE have experienced (even those who have had post-surgical problems).

My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.If your willing to follow the rules and the program then it truly is a life saver. Cathy 277/265/135

OOPS!! ERROR 277/165/135 Cathy

lol Cathy, that is a BIG oops.

i can only speak for myself. i'm 1 year out and haven't had any problems or regrets. in fact i think it's one of the best things i have ever done for myself. i know there are some that do have problem out there, but i can't speak for them. some people do gain their weight back, but there really isn't any mystery about it. if you take in more calories than you burn you gain weight. even if your type of surgery has gone wrong and isn't working anymore , the only way you will regain weight is to take in more than you burn. learning the right habits will keep you from regain. by "the right habits" i don't just mean diet and working out...i also mean relearning how to think about food and dealing with those issues too. best of luck to you.

My only problem has been the developement of ulcers in my new puch and my small intestine. As Dr Wynn put it, "I am one of the lucky few". But I would still have this surgery all over again. The first few weeks (probably 4 or 5) were depressing for me but it got so much better and easier as time went by. The people on this board are of excellent support when you feel you are going through a rough time. I am now 10 mths out and it is a struggle each day not to "fall off the wagon" but with support and keeping focused it is not so bad. Hope

Hey Cassandra, Well, another question I can't answer yet BUT I am sure that there are some regrets......I think OH has a regrets/complication forum on this website to check out. Also, I think attending little more "informal" support groups beside PMRI will help you find some answers your searching for. The other two support groups (Newport and V.A. Hospital) just seems to share more personal and in dept stories/journey's then PMRI......PMRI is just really a specific topic with questions and answers. I find that the people @ the other two places are more open and honest with the journey. One because I think it's more comfortable without a professional watching over them.