WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am kicking myself for not doing it any sooner. I had a very minor complication and had a blood clot surface and my incision site was open for about 5 weeks. It was fine after that. I am just know developing some blood sugar problems but diabetes does run in my family so that probably has a lot to do with it. I enjoy life so much more. I have more self confidence, and I love myself way more than I ever have. I would do this ten folds if I had too. Suzanne 300/157/150

Hi Annette, Wow! The best thing you can do for yourself is to get a new Dr.! One that will quit scaring the heck out of you, and give you the support you need and deserve. Yes, this is a major surgery. Yes, there can be complications. Yes, you could even possibly die from it, as you could from any surgery. Chances are that won't happen. Some people do have complications, there's no denying it. Most people don't have major complications. I did have a stricture. It was no big deal. They just opened it up with a balloon. To me the worst thing about the surgery was that I didn't do it sooner. This surgery has saved my life. I feel good. I can get up and move again. All I ever did before surgery was sit or lay on the couch. I was to where I couldn't walk more than 2 minutes without having to stop and rest. I worked my way up to 5 min. then 10 min. now I walk a total of 6 1/2 miles a day. This surgery has given me my life back. This surgery is a very personal decision that each person has to make for themselves. Keep doing your research. Talk to different Dr's. Look at all of the pros. and con's, then decide if you are willing to take the risks to get your life back, and begin to live. Only you can decide if this is right for you. Best wishes. God bless you, Annette

Annette - I'm afraid that your doctor is RIGHT!!!!! There are MAJOR things that can go wrong post op, and NOT just in the first few weeks. And it can make your life a living hell. There are no guarantees in this surgery. This is a SERIOUS, LIFE CHANGING, PERMANENT THING!! Most people feel that the benefits outweigh the possible problems. I personally, have run in to some of those major complications. I spent 12 days in the hospital last month and 9 days in the hospital this month. This was all surgery realated. I've developed an ulcer (even though most doctors advertise that you don't have the stomach acids in the new pouch therefore no ulcers). The other problems are vitamin defficencies and mal nutrition problems. These are MAJOR problems, LIFE THREATENING PROBLEMS!! I have had to fight for every ounce of nutrition in me since I had my surgery. I've been on artificial nutrition and am currently FIGHTING really hard to stay off of it. I've lost 121 lbs. in seven months and am currently 2 pounds from the surgeon's goal for me. I lost it "easily" and I lost it fast... but there was and is a high price to pay for it. Now to answer your question. Would I do it again??? The answer is Yes!!! I'd do it again having gone through what I have so far. I LOVE being "normal" (or feeling normal anyway). I love being able to walk into any public place and NOT feel like people are staring at the "fat lady" or watching how much I eat. I love shopping for clothes now. I love bragging about my Eddy Bower shirt that's an X-Small (WOW) and my size 4 capris. I love it that my shoes are too big now. I love being able to bend over and tie those too big shoes!! I love walking into my kids' school and NOT being judged by my size. My kids are so PROUD of their mom!!! I love having my picture taken now. Oh yes, and I really enjoy all the "comments" coming from my "friends and family" (who are obese). I constantly here, "I told you not to do it." "See it is too dangerous" but after their done yapping I'm a size 4 and they're NOT!!!!!!! (the evil part of me shinning through once again.) Right now, my life is a living hell. I've got a lot of health problems with NO Quick Fix available!! It's going to take a long time for me to gain back what I've lost... and really there is no promise that I will do it. I could die from these complications. I don't dwell on that too much though. I try to think positive and do what needs to be done to get better. I can't "DO" anything. Can't walk through WalMart, can't cook dinner, can't exercise, can't do anything. I get my shower done and flush my port and I'm tired. It's pathetic, but that's where I am right now. My advice to you is to READ EVERYTHING, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the deadly!!! You NEED to be informed about what can happen to your body. I would find a more supportive doctor however!!! Even though your's is right - if you're going to have this done, you'll need a pcp that is willing to support you in it. When looking for surgeons find out what their aftercare program is. Who will help you when there are problems? Know before you're in that situation!! I wish you the best in your wls journey!! As Kevin P. always says, "It's a hell of a ride." Hugs, Laurie

Thank you all so much for your supportive and honest replies. When I read your reply Laurie G.,, I was a bit, (ok alot) taken aback!! You have life threatening issues,, you say you can't go anywhere or do anything? AND YOU WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN?? I am sorry, but that sounds strange to me. What is the point of being "the correct weight" if your life is now so restrictive? Yes, I am sure that your children are so proud of you, but it sounds like your quality of life is just awful right now,, and I can't help wondering ,, why in the world would you do this again. Wow and wow again,, your letter scares the crap out of me. At least now,, I may be FAT,, but at least I am functioning? Oh man,, this is going to be the hardest decision of my life.

People tend to judge the "success" of wls based on weather or not they had complications. I don't judge it that way. I had this surgery to lose weight and I HAVE. It has worked well (maybe too well) for me. I think the key for me was KNOWING that there were complications that can arise. I didn't go into this uneducated. (even though there is a sense of 'it won't happen to me') When I made the decision to have this surgery, I really felt that the pros outweighed the cons. That's what it has to come down to. You have to feel that the risk of this surgery is LESS then the health risk you currently are experiencing. I was getting close to being in a wheelchair preop. My family history PROMISED me a future full of health problems. My problems now are not more serious then the ones I "would" have had if I had stayed obese. My quality of life is aweful right now, but it would have been this bad or worse had I not had surgery. At least now I have HOPE of getting stronger and healthier!!! You are right - it is a hard decision!! But for me it was the right one. Only you can decide if it's the right one for you. Hugs, Laurie

Annette- I am about 19 months out from surgery I am 26 yrs old. I would do the surgery again in a heart beat. My ONLY regret is I did not have this SOONER in my life. This tool has helped me to change my life forever. I have a life now I only dreamed of living. I had a few bumps along the way during my journey biut I can say ALL of them have been well worth it. I would do everything over with the same! Hope this helps you out. I had a wonderful surgery I just adore if you are looking for one. Write me anytime if you need someone to talk to. Always here for support hun! Hugs, Lauri B

Hey!!! I'm 19 months too!!! Three days ago! Another hottie chimes in. How do you make a whistle emoticon? Sorry, I know to my room. I've already been there once today for such comments. kp @ goal

I've always said that I have made 3 great decisions in my life: 1. Marrying my husband 2. Having my kids 3. Having WLS I would do all of them again in a heartbeat. Nothing beats life when you're nearly 200lbs lighter. There was no life at 395lbs. My new life started on my new birthday - 8.12.04. Nicole -195lbs!

Dear Annette, In just 2 days I will be 6 months post op. I have lost 73 pounds to date. I have had several trips to the ER but that was MY fault for not chewing my food properly. You learn, and it is a growing process from day one. WOULD I DO IT AGAIN? """IN A HEARTBEAT""". I am MORE active, More self confident, More energetic, More meticulous about what I'm doing now than ever before, and most important, PROUD of what I look like when I see myself in the mirror. Everyone as spoken earlier, goes through different things. I had nausea, no hernias, you learn to be careful. I had no swallowing problems, My life is worth it for every thing I have gone through so far, and what I will go through ONLY God can answer that question. Yes, my life is better now. Instead of looking in the mirror saying to myself "who'd want you? you're a 46 year old fat pig"...."no wonder you are still single and not married" ...."I don't even like me"...... That went away ..........I don't feel that way any more. It's gone, gone, and GONE. People call me SKINNY..........that never NEVER happened before. Never. People look at me and say things I have never heard, compliments, "looking good", and "wow".......it really does something for my self esteem and motivation to keep strong and following the ways of the gastric bypass patient lifestyle which, is not hard once you adjust yourself to its ways. Smaller portions, smaller plates, smaller everything. And I am NEVER hungry. I don't care about food like I did before. I literally have to remind myself, "time to eat now"....and go sit and eat. Because otherwise, I'd be working and walking and exercising all day long if I didn't stop!!! and I love that! Everyone has different concerns. I would suggest that you not only research it here, but call other sources, other places that offer it in your area, and talk to them as well. My surgeon told me everything I wanted to know, and I was 100 percent prepared. That's how you have to be. No doubts, no fears, no worries, no concerns at all. Otherwise, you set yourself up. Yes, I would do it again. And I'm thrilled I did it 6 months ago! I also had BCBS Comm Blue PPO and my surgeon's staff took care of everything for me. I was approved instantly. Best of luck to you! And I hope that all these replies help you in your decision. Stacey

HI ANnette, Yes, I would do this again in a heartbeat!! I had had no problems for almost 2 years, then somehow my stoma stretched. I am TRYING to get this fixed. My doctor and his nurse have communication problems -- her words, not mine. I am still so very happy to have been blessed with having my surgery after being turned down by Hurley Weight loss Center, I found Dr Schuchknecht who was then working thru CORI Center in Warren. (He has since gone on to a different weight loss group.) So yes yes yes, I would have it again in a heartbeat and would recommend it to my friends & family.(and have done so many times) Now if I can just get fixed.................. Take care & God Bless, may u have the peace to make your decision. De