Need Some Advice
Greg,
This is a big decision, but more importantly, a life changing one. You will have to change your life style. I had my surgery on December 21st. Of course, I worried a little about the risks of the surgery. But....for myself, I had to weigh the risks real carefully between the surgery or continuing to be overwieght. I have four little girls and I want to see them grow up. I personally did not think the surgery was that bad. When I woke up, I was sore, but never once, did I feel like I was in such intolerable pain. I had my surgery at Saint Joseph East. They were great there. Good luck.
Greg, my advice is to research, research, research. Find the positives and negatives and make sure you can live with the negatives just in case. Have you looked at DS? I had DS on 8/03 and have lost 87 lb. I eat normal small protein rich meals, can drink with my meals if I want, and don't dump. I don't feel deprived at all!
Good luck!
-joanne s
Greg,
I had my Lap RNY at KDMC on 11/19/04 with Dr Wheeler. I am very happy with the decision I made. I had about 160 lbs to loose and at almost 6 weeks out have lost 50 lbs.
I understand your hesitancy. It took me a little over a year to finally make a decision. I have several friends who had the surgery at different hospitals and one at KDMC. I saw their successes and problems they faced (none serious thank the Lord) but it is a huge change. I researched and read until I thought I could not possibly hold anymore information. I went to the teaching/seminar at Kdmc and decided if I was going to do it, I might as well stay in my home town. I am glad I did.
Dr Wheeler and the nurses in surgical obs were great! I have no complaints. I was nervous but a prayed about it, a lot and I had peace when I went into surgery. I knew I would be ok.
The only thing I can tell you, is do the research, learn as much as you can about what's out there. Think long and hard about the risks and how you think you will deal with them and challenges that come with Wls.
Discuss it with your family, friends whoever you trust to help you with a life changing decision. If you are a praying person, God is always a good place to start.
You will make the right decision for you.
Good luck and God Bless,
Sandy 
Research is very important. But also evaluate why you want the surgery and does the benefits out weigh the drawbacks. I am 51 and have had several friends have the surgery (and all were successful). I had not thought about it for myself until this past year. I am 100 lbs overweight as well. Then this past year, I started having health problems related to my weight. My PCP told me that I have a choice....have surgery now and let it bring a lot of my health problems under control or wait until my body started shutting down and then have the doctors tell me no for WLS and my only alternative will be to die. Having the WLS is a life long commitment but it can be a way to have a more full life as well. I am scheduled for a Lap RNY on Jan. 20. Good luck with your research and your decision on whether or not to have WLS.
Greg, You are doing the right thing in asking others about their experiences. Also, you need to do all the research you need to make this decision. Do not do anything until you know without a shadow of a doubt that your decision is the right one for you.
I researched and prayed for 10 months before I knew that this was what I needed to do. I had my surgery in 2002 and have lost 239 lbs. While I am glad I had the surgery and would do it again in a heart beat. it is not for everyone. One of the people *****sponded was right when they wrote to know why you are having the surgery. It does make your ability to live your life easier. And opens many doors that were closed before, IT DOES NOT take away your problems.
I hope the advice helps if you have specific questions please ask and don't do anything until YOU are ready. Diane 
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