I am really going to do this - but need help.

I went for my orientation (Lutheran Medical, in Brooklyn) and while I went in thinking that I would get a lap band, the doctors have encouraged me to think about bypass. Of course, it freaks me out - major surgery, hair loss, DEATH, but looking on here, I see a lot of success. And I'm an extremely determined person. I am 5"2, 284, and in great health, minus the fat.

My questions are: what is post-op like, how soon did people return to work, and mainly, how are you emotionally? I look at the Before and After pics on here and I nearly bawl, because everyone looks so hot after surgery. I WANT THAT! Thanks, Abby

Hi Abby,

Welcome to OH!! I have not had surgery yet (7/19), but wanted to welcome you to OH. I too was leaning towrads the band but decided to have the RNY.
Eveyone is different and it is a personal choice only you can make. There are many people on here who have had great success with the band. I just didn't think it was right for me. I am looking at the long haul of things. I was a bit worried about recovery time with RNY seeing I am single and support myself, but I have saved a little xtra just in case I fall behind. I plan on being out of work 3-4 weeks. I sit at a desk all day so I think it is visable.
While you are here you will make many new friends who will support you and give advice if need be.

Good Luck in your journey!!

Debi

Debi, thank you so much. I am so excited to hear how your surgery goes in less than two weeks (!). Can you tell me what factors about the RNY really changed your mind versus the Lap? And how much weight are you hoping to lose?

Thanks,

Abby

If you are worried about recovery time see if your doctors dose lap RNY....there is less cuting involed and minamal scaring

Actually, yes, both the band and the RNY are done via lap at the med center - so I'm pleased about that.....

Hi Abby, I too went to the orientationt thinking I was going for the lapband, however, my doctor also suggested the RNY and eleven months out, I'm extremely happy with the results.   I've met many lapbanders, only a handful that have made it to their goal weight though.   Supposedly, it takes longer but they will get there too.  Also, my investigations led me to believe that they vomit far more often than I was interested in. Nevertheless, it is a  personal choice, and only you can make it.  Your doctor is not operating on your brain, only your stomach, so lifetime changes will get you the results either way.   My suggestion to you is do your research first, talk to as many WLS patients as possible.  Join multiple support groups and don't be afraid to ask questions, no question is a stupid question. Good luck to you. Maryellen:)

Thank you so much for your reply. Can you tell me about your post-op life, any complications, day-to-day stuff?

 

Hi Abby, The worst part (for me) is feeling cold.  This is something I experience often.  So far, I have not sweat at all (which is a good thing) but I do tend to carry my sweater around with me as I am always cold.  The second worse part for me has been the hair loss.  If you look at me you would think, what is she talking about, but if you saw my pics from before surgery you would understand better.   Actually, they used to call me brillo/mop head as a child because I had too much hair to begin with.  It was devastating while losing it, although in the big picture, it is a very small price to pay to feel and look this good.  Actually, on a positive note, it only takes me about 15 minutes to blow dry my hair straight these days as opposed to one hour presurgery! Thank God, I have had no complications.  My blood work is terrific, except for initially having lower potassium level than my doctor wanted, so now I eat one banana daily and that is seeming to do the trick.  The only medication I take is one centrum chewable vitamin daily and 2 calcium sugar free chews.  Thats it! The only regret I have is not having it done sooner.  I am truly living life to its fullest! Feel free to ask more questions. Good luck, Maryellen:)

Hi Abbby, Welcome! I am 5 months out and all I have to say is that I do not have any regrets!!!  I had the same feelings as you did- dying but the main one was the hair loss!! I am happy to say that I made it through surgery with flying colors. I did just go through the hair loss phase. I started areound 3 months and just starting to end now. No one notices but you!!! It does grow back. Emotionally I am fine. I returned to work about 2 weeks after surgery. Hope that helps! Tara  

For me, the band was never an option.  I wanted to have my surgery, learn how to deal with my new stomach, and other than my follow up appts, I didn't want to have to deal with my doctor (although he is great) unless absolutely necessary.  I didn't want to have to worry about fills and that.

That's not to say that the band is not beneficial or worthwhile.  I have a good friend who has been very successful with it, albeit her weight loss is sort of slow.  Cheri on the NY forum has done spectacularly well so she is a good person to speak to about her choice of the lap band vs RNY. I am almost 14 months out from my surgery and I did have some "hiccups" (dehydration, a stricture, nausea, etc.) early out, but after things calmed down, it's the best decision I ever made (after having my kids).  My hair loss was early on and minimal and it's fine now, although I never had thick, luxurious hair to being with.  My co-morbidiities are gone.  I don't take any meds now (took them for diabetes and hpb prior). And yes, it's major surgery, but it's life changing too and once you get past the surgery and relearning things, and you will, your life will change so tremendously, you almost can't imagine it.   I wish I had known about this forum and other things before my surgery, but I think the hospital support groups are very important so if your surgeon has one, go to the meetings, ask questions, and learn as much as you can. Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do! Sue