Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass concerns

Wow, I truly never thought I would post a message on a board, this is a first for me... I have a few concerns and I am hoping that maybe some of them can be answered by real people as opposed to all the data, success stories and nightmare stories one finds while researching online. Most of my concerns, and I am sure I am not the first, surrounds all the things that can go wrong during surgery...I tend to get a little concerned when it comes to my own mortality. I am a 31 year old male, BMI 44 (I am 5'9" weighing in at 290lbs) with no medical issues or problems going into the surgery. I also have one of the better surgeons in Manhattan doing the procedure (Dr. Alfons Pomp who has done more then 900 of these surgeries). All this being said do these factors play a part in reducing the chances of something bad happening or complications post surgery? I guess I am almost looking for a bit of reassurance, and I know that sounds a bit selfish.

Aside from the above concerns, I was curious if anyone cans speak to the following:

1. I have never had surgery before, what can I expect from this and is it normal to be nervous about all this? (Like real nervous)

2. How difficult is the first several weeks after surgery?

3. For those that are well underway post surgery.....was it all worth it?

Thanks for any information or response to this note in advance....it is appreciated.

SLK

Hi there... I had my surgery on 12/6/07 and I will honestly answer your questions.

1. It is NORMAL to be afraid. It will hurt no lie. And use the morphine and walk around as much as you can. Also, drink what they tell you too, it will make recovery easier.

2. I was awful in the hospital. But almost a week after I was back out shopping and felt great. It's hard to get back to eating though.


3. HELL YES! It was all worth it. I have never felt better. I have lost almost 100 pounds so far. I am off all my stomach meds and my sleep apnea machine. I was 338 before surgery and I am 242.6 as of a month ago.

It is very normal to be nervous. Especially seeing as this is your first surgery.I had mine done just this past June 18th.. mine was not Laproscopically done, it was open. I do want to tell you that there are always chances of having a lap turned open while in there. NOT to scare you, but to remind you it can happen. Which was the case for my good friend.
Having had an open.. being just about a full month out I have went from 245 down to 212lbs.

Yes.. the diet does stin****il you get used to it. You go from being least restricted in life to.. having few choices. It is difficult. When the nutritionist moved me from clear to stage II life got better by leaps and bounds. Really. Protien made the difference. If they say you can drink milk--- believe them and drink it-- it will be your best friend. You learn to stop and savor your foods after surgery in a way you never had before.

Walk and sip.. and repeat... and rest too. Was it worth it?? Most certainly. I return to work shortly and cannot wait. granted I think I may need all new scrubs but I am down by arthritis aches and pains galore and hoping to remain pain free.. and just keep losing....

I have looked at and tasted of things that I have missed. Key words being tasted. just on my tongue. Not swallowed. For the fear of what would happen if I did. I had a huge scare with unknown kids melted popsicle in my ice water the other day... first ever "dump" episode. yeah that was bad. I really learned the hard way-- sugar is NOT for me. 
 

Welcome to the NY Forum! This is a great place to meet new people that are in the same situation as you and to get information and support.  

Everything you are feeling is totally normal. Everyone gets nervous before the surgery. Part of it is the fear of the unknown. I have had a few surgeries, and I always try to remember that I will be asleep during the entire thing. When they take you into the operating room, they will have you move onto the table, hook you up to the cardiac monitor and put on a BP cuff. Your IV will most likely already have been started. Once the anesthesiologist starts giving you medication through the IV, you will fall asleep and wake up in recovery. It always amazes me how one minute you are awake, and the next the surgery is over! 

The first few weeks after the surgery are tough, however, I would go through it again in a NY second to feel as good as I feel now. Try to remember that you will feel a little better each day. It was definitely worth it!!  I have lost 131 pounds in just over 10 months!! I have more energy then I have had in years and more clothing too! Without a doubt, it was the best thing that I ever did.

As your surgery approaches, please ask as many questions as you can think of. Everyone on this forum is more than happy to give advice or a shoulder for support. Keep us informed as you move closer to the loser's bench!

Hugs,
Lisa

Hey SLK,

1.  It is completely normal to be nervous prior to surgery, especially if you have not ever had surgery before.  My only two surgeries were for a broken leg and to have my tonsils out as a child.  The good news is that since you have not had surgery there will not be any scar tissue to deal with, which I have been told translates into less pain.

2.  As far as discomfort, I was kept very comfortable in the hospital with a pain med infustion pump, where you hit the button and it gives you pain medication when you need it.  I had my surgery on a thursday (Laproscopic RNY) and went home before noon on Saturday.  They stopped my pain pump at 6am and gave me two pain pills and then two more just before I left.  I took two more pills before I went to bed that night.  That was the only time I took pain medication..  Most of my pain was gas related and walking was the only thing that helped.  The nurses told my wife that men usually do not have as much gas pain as women. (Another ).  I really only had a little pain getting out of a chair or bed for about two weeks, but would be comfortable after about 15 seconds.  After 1 week I was cleared to drive and was out running errands.  I was actually home alone the Monday after surgery with my two boys, as they were on school vaction.  I went back to work after 5 weeks, partly because my wife had surgery 3 weeks after I did and I stayed home to take care of her for her first 2 weeks.  Also my job involves lifting so I had to wait for clearance from my surgeon, but I would have felt up to returning to work earlier if I did not have to lift.

3.  I am very happy I made this decision.  Between my 1 month Medifast diet and weight loss after surgery I have lost 114 pounds since March 10th.  I have joined the local YMCA and work out monday to friday, doing weight lifting, elliptical, bike, stair climber and walking at home.  I feel so much better both physically and mentally.  My outlook on life is so much better.  It is hard to figure out what to eat, what sits well and to get the protein in.  The benefits and better life make up for the down sides of the surgery.  When I see cake or ice cream or fried foods, do I miss it? Yes, but am much more able to avoid these temptations.

Good luck with your surgery.

Jim
 

Welcome to the NY board!!! This is a great place to get all of your questions answered... everyone helped me so much over the last year!!!

I can't add too much to what everyone else already posted but I can tell you they are all correct!! It is normal to be scared - it's a major surgery - you should be nervous!!! It's only natural!! You have a few factors that are plusses like the fact that you have never had surgery before - less scar tissue for the surgeon to deal with & you don't have any medical issues to deal with - always a good thing. Granted there are always risks but you should do just fine.

The first several weeks weren't too difficult for me. I was out of work only 2 weeks. I didn't have much pain after my second day home - I was on tylenol by then. Keep in mind everyone is different but my experience was good.

I can only say wonderful things about post-op life!! I am back to enjoying life again!! I haven't truly lived in years & every day is wonderful!!! I look forward to what the future holds & it has been a long time since I could say that!!

Make sure you have a strong support system around you - that is more important than you can imagine!! All of my family & friends have been great!! They all knew I was at the end of my rope & without this surgery I don't know how much longer I could've survived!! It has saved my life in more ways than one!!!

Good luck to you!! You will see just how amazing life can be again!!

Cece

1.  Very normal to be nervous!

2. I can honestly say that my surgery was a breeze - I had absolutely no pain and never needed any pain meds at all. My stomach just felt like I had done a bunch of sit-ups and was a little sore. I was up walking around 8 hours after surgery with no problem. I actually had more pain from the cavity that I had filled at the dentist 2 weeks later then from the entire surgery.

3. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have had no problems eating / dumping / throwing up at all. And it is so much easier to eat healthier smaller portions of food since my surgery. I find that I have the will power to resist unhealthy choices so much easier now. It hasn't effected or changed my life style at all except for the better. In fact no one even knows that I have even had surgery - they only thing that they comment on is how much healthier I am eating now and how great I look.

The best thing that you can go into this surgery with is a positive outlook on things. If you go into this knowing that you can conquer anything that comes your way you WILL be able to!   Good Luck

Being nervous is just part of the process... having a surgeon with experience is definitely better, since thats mostly all they do day in and day out they know the operation forwards and backwards. It definitely improves your chances, dont misunderstand evey surgury is still a risk but if there were any complications they are better suited to handle than anyone.
I would have loved to have done this sooner if i could have, the change is remarkable. There is a re-learning process you have to go through and some trial and error but it is worth it
good luck to you