Any Regrets

As my surgery date approaches I have so many mixed emotions. Is there anyone who has had the surgery that regrets it? Did you regret it initially but now know it is the best thing you ever did for yourself?

BjP The 3-6 weeks of my hospitalization and 3 months spent at home I regretted ever having this surgery. I cried and asked myself what have I done. Finally, my wife got tired of my whining and said, "It's over, you've done it. You can't turn back. Just go forward and appreciate every day regardless of your situation. " Best news I ever got. Now, I'm 176 pounds thinner, My health is fantastic. I went from a tight 54" waist to a 32" waist. From 3-4xlt shirts to mediums and larges. Life is great. I would do this again in a minute even knowing what I know now about my complications. (my complications were very unusual and had nothing to do with the surgeon or hospital) My only regret now is that I didn't do this when I was younger. Larry

First to Larry: What an impressive and encouraging story. Congratulations. Now, about my story. I had my surgery one month ago today. I had to stay in the hospital two extra days because of a mystery fever. The pain level was pretty high. Would I do it again? I went in the hospital on seven medications. I came home with just one. I am off my diabetes meds, blood pressure meds and other. I have lost 40 pounds. Today, I feel great. Fatigue has disappeared, self esteem is great. My steps are bouncy and my heart is singing. Yes. A thousand times yes. I would do it again. Diane

Bj P, I had my surgery on June 14, 2006. I have presently lost 130 lbs. I had a few complications (Which were NOT the norm.) and was in the hospital for 5 more stays for a couple of days at the time (one for 10 days and one for 7) and Dr. Lowe went back in twice due to scar tissue blockages. Today, those first few months are a distant memory. This surgery was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am 35lbs away from goal and I feel wonderful. It's the best thing I ever did for myself. Everyone is differnent but for me I have NO regets except I wish I had done it earlier. Shannon

I am one of the lucky people--- no problems , no pain,,,, etc.... The hardest part was the liquid diet for 2 weeks before surgery, after surgery I was fine. I was a little sad at first , when it sank in " FOOD " was a no no,,, but that was very short lived. I feel wonderful now, and have NO REGRETS. Gastric By pass has saved my life. good luck

I in no way want to scare you. I do regret having the surgery at the present time. I have had 2 subsequent surgeries that were directly resulted from my RNY. My regret is if I didn't have the RNY then i wouldn't have had these two complications. I might have reconsidered my dr's location too, since I have a haul to go to. I don't have family in the area so I was depended on my husband. I missed my daughter so much even though she was there to see me. I do beleive once I get better I will not regret this anymore. I did go 10 months complication free, I thought I'd sail right through to my year with no issues. Good thing I have great health insurance. Also, when you go in for this surgery you are not sick, it's like having a baby. You go in healthy (so to speak) so your recovery is smoother and more comfortable. One more point and I"ll stop blabing, I struggle with chronic pain and having the RNY pouch really complicated my care pain center wise because I cannot take any NASID's so if you have any med's you take that you cannot have after RNY check that out now, because my Primary Care dr doesn't always check this unless I mention it. Good Luck! Enjoy this ride, it will move very quickly. Jen Larry - It's great to see you posting agian.

HI Bj P, I HAD TO STEP IN AND SAY MY TWO CENTS WORTH,LOL. I HAD MY SURGERY ON JULY 12TH 2005. AT THAT TIME I WEIGHTED 417 LB. I WOULD NOT HAVE LIVED ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT THE SURGERY. I AM NOW DOWN TO 210 LB AND I FEEL LIKE A WHOLE NEW PERSON.I CAN WORK MOST ANYONE UNDER THE TABLE NOW,LOL. I FEEL SO GREAT! YES! YES! YES! I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SEC. WITHOUT THOUGHT. I HAVE MY DOCTOR HUFFMAN IN HENDERSONVILLE,NC TO THANK AS WELL AS THE STAFF AT PARK RIDGE HOSPITAL. SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE THERE! I WISH YOU THE BEST AND MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS HARD TIME IN YOUR LIFE. I HAVE BEEN THERE... I KNOW HOW YA FEEL.

I am 19 months out. And skinny as a stick person. I have been sick about the whole time. I am in and out of the hospital almost every 2 to 3 months. In the last month I just got where I can eat a little and feel good. I have no clue what took so long. But it is so good now. The doctor wanted to undo my gbs. But no!! I would do it again. Even after all the sickness and all the crap people talked about me. Yeah I sure would do it again..................I started off at 260 lbs. Now I am 93 lbs.Have a blessed day. amy