Just When I thought I had my mind made up?

I've had complications - and would still do it again (at only a 2 months out).

I had an intestinal obstruction after surgery, then pnuemonia in the hospital - and, have had issues with things getting stuck.   I've learned quickly to chew chew chew and stick to my diet.

Sure, things have been rough here and there - but I think the benefits for me far outweigh issues I've had.  I just take things day by day, and am already amazed at how much healthier I feel.

As everyone says - make the decision based on what you need - not on what others tell you out of lack of education and fear.

Lots of great advice here.  On a personal note, I do not regret having RNY.... I just imagine the complications from morbid obesity going untreated....my liver was not functioning well, major GERD, and chronic fatigue.  My mother died of complications from morbid obesity - severe sleep apnea, brittle diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, and probable massive stroke or heart attack which killed her in her sleep at age 65.  She weighed  350-400 pounds when she died---but she had no muscle tone from long term immobility... so she looked like  500 pounds.  I was about one year post op RNY when she died and poor soul -  she worried about me being unhealthy by losing too much weight.   

Definitely talk directly to people who have had the surgery for firsthand info.  Many people may have regreted not getting bariatric surgery but like my mom- no longer are alive to tell their story of how morbid obesity can rob them of their lives literally.  Sorry if this sounds severe and graphic but  just trying to present the other side - so to speak.

Hi there,

I know how you feel I have been there too.  I had people that were so eager to give me so much horror stories that one time I almost flipped. But I came to this board and read everyone's stories and experiences and I have learned that most do not regret having surgery.  I am 2 years out and my ONLY regret is that I didn't do this way before.  

I would do this all over again in a heart beat!  Besides you have an excellent doctor I love that man!  He took great care of me and  still does until this very day.

I agree with everyone here that has given you great advice.

Wishing you all the best in your journey to great health!

I am scared too, and I have a cousin who had the surgery in the 80's and died from malnutrition about 7 or 8 years ago..he was a distant cousin, so I don't know the details, but I just remember he was a big guy when I was a little kid.

Anyway, the thing that was eye opening to me was that all three information sessions I have attended, all given by different doctors, have said that the risks of remaining obese are greater than the surgery  itself. Also, I have 2 close friends who have had the surgery and both said that the first week or two post op, they have felt like, "Oh my God, what have I done"...they have warned me that there is hair loss...but that it is not total baldness...more like a thinning (maybe it is different for guys) and that bowel habits change a little. They have both said there are some emotional changes because you lose your best friend, food, so the support groups are important.

I feel very lucky that I have 2 close friends that I can ask anything and can say "hey I'm feeling this...did you go through this?" but I am still very scared.

I don't know if me telling you this helps..I hope it does.

Erin

I have nothing more to add then whats already been said :  I had no complications and
would do this again in a second;  my one regret is that I didn't do it 5-10 years before I did.

I have honestly not met anyone who would not have the surgury :  infact I only
know one person who had serious complications and even she said she would
do it again given everything she knows now.

Go to support group meetings and keep reading the boards -  which surgury
is best for you is between you and the surgeon you choose.

Good luck with your journey and God Bless 

I am having the same problem. I am so damn confused. I dont kinow which way to turn. I have heard horrible things and then I see people here that seem to be happy and now have a life. I see Tia. Darla, Cira, Debbie and so many more who have had the wls and seem to be fine. I thought about bypass and it scares the devil out of me. I am looking toward lapband. I have been reading this board trying to ask questions and have checked out a few books that are available at the library. I have not attended any info sessions yet but am planning to as soon as I can... I am going to try tonight to attend a support group in Crofton. One day I think I am ready and the next day I am not sure. I worry about my weight and I hate it but I just dont know what to do....I guess I am not ready yet. I guess I will know when the time is right.... I wish you well as this is a very life changing event. I also view this as a tool just like weigh****chers is a tool.  This is not a magic pill it still takes work. Good Luck on your decision....I know its so hard....


                                                                                    Julie

It's my belief that you will know when you are ready Julie.

I also truly think you cannot make a decision till you have attended at least ONE WLS seminar.  Just attending does not  cost anything, does not commit you to anything and is truly the best way to make a choice.  

I was so sure I was going for LapBand.  Till I went to the seminar and realized that even though I am at a weight where either could be recommended. I would rather go with GB.  And see for my hubby he ALWAYS wanted GB.  I changed my mind after hearing the pros and cons of both.