Question?????

I have done so much research on WLS surgery that Im really confused on what to do. Im looking at the RNY I have my first Dr. appt in Dec. I see and hear so much pros and so much cons about the surgery that it really scares me of what to do. First off is there a stastics chart anywhere that shows a percent of RNY patients who did not have complications after surgery versus ones who did have complications? What about mortality percent? Im only going to be allowed 2 weeks off work after the surgery. Is this going to be enough time? Any info would be great!!

Hi Natt - I just had my surgery in August and IMHO it is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done for myself. I read through your profile and it's much the same as mine - sugar, joints, potential heart disease. In the 6 weeks since surgery, my blood sugar is back in the normal range and my blood pressure was lower than it's ever been in my adult life.

Regardless of who you speak with, they'll have an opinion on WLS. I know that there are statistics available but I'm not sure where. For me personally the risks of what could happen as a result of surgery were only what if's compared to what was happening to me without surgery. I chose the what if's and haven't had a second thought. I had/have complete confidence in my surgeon and his staff. His program stresses the importance of thorough pre-op testing and lifetime followup care. Being part of a support group is majorly important for longtime success.

I had my surgery done laparscopically and I too took 2 weeks off from work. I honestly could have gone back after only 1 week off. You're going to be limited on lifting so you may need to address that portion of your job if you lift the children very often. As long as you can have water to drink with you at all times you should be fine. You are going to be on the tired side for the first few weeks. That seems to be true of any surgery though.

As far as who has complications and who doesn't from surgery is sorta like childbirth. I think you hear more about the horror stories than the ones who just breeze through it. I for one have breezed through it (childbirth too!!) Once they took the IV pain meds away at the hospital, I've had no pain and no need for any medications.

If I can answer any questions, please PM me. WLS isn't for everyone. It is not the easy way out by any means. It is a lifelong committment. Good Luck in whatever direction you chose to go.

- Iris

It's great that you're doing your research.  It's important to know what you're getting into.  But it can be really overwhelming too.  The best statistics you could refer to are the ones you'll get from your Dr.  Ask him/her these questions.  They should be upfront with you about the risks of the surgery, and the problems that they've encountered throughout their practice.  Then you can decide if it's worth the risk to you. 

I was lucky.  I am approaching my one-year mark and have had no complications.  I did have some significant pain afterwards, but after about 4 weeks, I was good to go and have been since.  I was not working at the time, so I didn't have to worry about getting back to work.

The best way to improve your odds is to understand what you can do to help yourself.  Follow Dr's orders, take your vitamins, drink your fluids, get your protein in, and exercise! Oh, and did I mention...TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!!! 

Good luck, and we're here if you have questions, so feel free to ask them all - Lord knows, we have!  :)

Hi Natt,

Welcome to the forum. I have to say that the responses that you got from Iris and Deb pretty much sum it all up. There are a wide variety of procedures available that have a variety of pros and cons associated with them. You will really need to look at them and the program/Dr you choose to determine what's best for you. It is not a one-size fits all answer. I had my surgery with Duke and if you visit their site you can find statitics on RNY and LapBand at www.dukewls.org. Keep looking and asking. You will find what's best for you and move from there.

Wishing you all the best in your journey,

Barb

Hi Natt,
I totally understand your concerns.
Other have responded well to your post and without going over all that again I will tell you research is a must and I tell people who are looking into wls you have to want it more than you have wanted anything before and be willing to accept the life altering changes.
I cant even begin to tell you how wonderful I feel for the first time in my life.
I have never felt so good before.
I work very hard exercising which my surgeon told me is part of making the surgery work.
Please feel free to PM any time.

Glad you found the NC boards keep posting and know you arent alone in this.
                                      Annie
PS my heavest weight was 680lbs

Thanks for all the great replies of encouragement!!

I don't have a chart to offer you, but surely someone will know of one.  I can tell you of my personal experience, however.  I'm 18 months postop, have had zero complications, and would do it over again in a heartbeat.  I'm an RN and I went back to work 1 week postop and had no trouble doing it.

As of last Wednesday, my surgeon's group has completed 1768 RNYs and has had zero mortalities and I think 4 complications (leaks) out of those 1768 procedures.  I'd call those fantastic stats. 

Hello Natt,
First off, let me say GO HEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had lap band surgery in Sept 07 and unfortunately was one of Dr. Bauman's leaks
It was devastating to me. My profile tells about it. It was also very upsetting to Dr. Bauman. He is a fantastic doctor and a very compassionate person.

After some therapy, I was encouraged to try it again so I've seen Dr. Voellinger here in Charlotte and he is willing to do the VSG. I've started the process now and already much of the sadness has gone. I'm still somewhat 'caustiously' excited. I hope to have my surgery before the end of the year.

As with any surgery, there are risks. I say GO FOR IT! The advantages far outweigh the risks IMHO. Good luck with your decision. Keep praying and the answer will be there for you!!
Pam