I've been reading and researching

I've been reading post, and going to forums and everything. I'm thinking the Lap RNY, is the best option for my weight range and goals. It's just that I've read soo much about complications, and people who have been through lots from leaks, chest problems, to all kinds of things. Why do you think people have these severe complications?? Is it age, or different diseases that people may have?? I don't know.. I'm just trying to ask the questions,, before I make choices..

Heather, I won't go through my laundry list again...it's on my profile. Other than 1 cup of caffinated coffee which aided me getting my 1st ulcer, I have no idea why I was the 'lucky' one to have complications. Maybe I was just statistically due to be the one in what-ever. The majority of friends/relatives that has had it that I know through other sources than online have not had an ounce of problems. I've told my dad & sister (both are post-ops also) that it was because I live closer to my surgeon than they do theirs. Physically, my BMI was a few notches higher than theirs. I had smoked for ~30 years pre-op and they didn't. We had about the same # of co-morbities. My dad was older than I of course (by ~20 years), and I am 3 years older than that sister. None of my complications were due to surgeon's error..and other than that 1 cup of java, none were due to anything I did. So...where does that leave it? Sometimes our bodies are going to misbehave and sometimes they are going to be angels. We won't and don't know how our bodies will behave until we go through it and find out. The surgeons are able to predict that a certain percentage of patients will have strictures (~20% will have 1) but they can't predict who the strictures will happen to in advance or if they are going to be one of the VERY few to have multiple strictures. I know that probably doesn't help alot. Just kinda sounds like I'm saying sh*t happens. Which, I guess it is what I am saying. While you are doing your research, be sure you ask the right questions. This is what I mean...we all know that ANY surgery poses a risk, right? Anyone who has done any research on weight loss surgery has a fair idea of some of the risks that it poses...right? So...the question I would ask in your shoes is: To those who have had complications..what kind did you have & were they worth it? As most mothers knows, having a baby is painful...but is it worth it? I think the majority of moms would have a very definate YES!! there. Sherri BTW...YES!! It was worth EVERYTHING I've experienced!!

Sherri, Thank you for replying!! and Yes,, having my daughter, who is now 4 years old, was worth every ounce of pain, and it was a tough pregnancy. Can I ask though,, I've not read to much on the word 'stricture' what is that?? I might had missed that in my research.. Thanks.. Heather

Heather, During a RNY, the intestines is moves and attached to the new pouch (the small stomach) so that the food/liquids can empty from the pouch into the intestine. This connection is called a stoma. Because of the natural course of healing, scar tissue may develop. If the scar tissue grows in a manner that decreases the opening of the stoma, it is called a stricture. Common symptom: can't keep food/liquids down. A stricture is corrected through an endoscopy. The patient is given some forget-me-drugs (feels like you're asleep) and the surgeon goes down your throat with a small camera at the end of a tubing. With this camera, the surgeon can see if there is a stricture, ulcer, loose staples, etc. If there is a stricture, the opening will be dilated back open with a balloon. The patient would get imediate relief and be able to eat & drink again. About 20% of post-ops experience this. Once a patient has one endo, it is usually followed by one or two more to ensure that the stoma remains open. Occationally, a post-op has an over-active system that rapidly grows scar tissue and needs several endo's to dilate the stoma back open. In my case, steroids injected into the stoma during the endo slowed/stopped the growth of scar tissue. Hope this helps... Sherri

Thank you so much Sherri!!!! I really really appreciate it.. There so much to learn!!! Have fun on your vacation!!!