Yet another negative article in todays newspaper

I think it was the same as was on tv a couple weeks ago. It was stating the death rates among age groups within a year of WLS. I am trying to convince hubby that this is what I need to do, and these articles show up or a newscast or whatever. And none of it so far has shown the reasons for these deaths. Or what the health problems these people had before hand. Also, my husband and I visited a some friends last night, the wife had WLS March 25th of this year and is already down over 100 lbs. She had serious health problems before the surgery and I fear that she is anorexic since the surgery, not on purpose but because she can't keep anything down for any length of time. She looks great as far as her body, I don't think she has any body fat left on her. But her face looks like and OLD woman and she is only 48. Of course my hubby noticed this right away and said to me, if you look like that after surgery I will leave, I couldn't stand looking at you. Now I was just blown away with this, he loves me sooooo much, and tells me he does all the time. I know he is afraid of the surgery. I tried to tell him she is different, to begin with she was never a pretty woman, and she does not listen to Dr. orders, she eats whatever she wants, then pukes, and she is still smoking heavy. I am pretty sure she does no****ch her protein, or whatever else she needs to be doing. How in hell am I going to assure him that I will be ok. Just frustrated, time is getting close and I know that is bothering him too. I have one more appt. with hubby along, then the waiting starts for insurance approval. And if insurance is fast enough it could be before the year is out. I am getting very anxious. Shannon Arnold Campbell, NY 257/???/130 in my dreams

WELL one thing besides the great manner of my surgeon was when i attended his support group meeting (pre op) none of his patients talk about not tolerating foods and throwing up alot. THAT is very important for good health i think. I think you need to talk to the patients of your surgeon and see how they feel, look, how they tolerate foods. I think many surgeons practice the same surgery with slightly different techneques giving different results. I tolerate foods well. I just cant eat to much. So i am very happy post op and dont expect to look TO THIN, unhealthy after im done looseing! GOOD LUCK with your choice Shannon and maybe you and your husband can even go to a Obesity Help chapter meeting in your area to meet many people with different surgeons from your area and see how healthy all them are and look. I know i had gone to an OH chapter meeting post op and couldnt imagine these people to be obesite at one time, they all looked fabulous. Obesity help chapters has a web site to find a group in your area. GOOD LUCK LISA

Shannon, Hun I think that some of the people that had this surgery would have had problems becuase of there weight maybe within the year anyways, who knows. I am sure losing so much weight so fast is hard on our bodies and maybe some just can not handle that. I am not sure but it might add to this. There will always be people that do not follow what they should, some come out ok and others have problems. Also there are so many "dr's" out there that are doing this surgery that you REALLY need to make sure you take your time and find a great surgeon! Hun I bet he said those things because he was scared and nervous, the main thing is to talk to him about this. Make sure he comes to all your surgeons visits and can ask questions himself. Make him a big part of this, together! I wish you the best hun ~hugs~ Debra P 285/196/125??

It's hard when those closest to us, don't understand. My son is having a hard time with the idea of me having this done. But he's only eleven. I keep telling him mommy wants to be mommy again & not this depressed blob who only sits around.

Shannon- I had surgery (RNY lap) three and a half months ago. You can check my profile to see my three month post pictures-- I don't think I look to old (I am almost 39). Or for that matter, show him all the before and after photos on this side to alleviate his concerns. I won't lie to you the first six weeks for me just were awful. But at three months out, I can have a wide variety of foods. This past weekend at a family event, I even had a chocolate covered strawberry-- no problem. I stopped at one to prevent dumping on the sugar, but everything else was fine. I stay away from most beef and am heavy on the seafood, but moist chicken works for me too. I live in NYC, so eating out is a social event, and I have been able to eat, Japanese, Indian, Italian, French, etc. Ask your surgeon for patient referrals you can talk to. And RESEARCH your surgeon throuroughly. Remember, a lot of people who have this surgery to wait until their health is completely compromised. The more health issues you have, the more dangerous the surgery is. That said, I was 260lbs, was becoming diabetic, had a triple heart bypass previously, had liver issues, and my operation was fine. I am now 198 and think this was the best decision I ever made. warm regards and good thoughts, Andrea

Well just have your hubby take a look at *my* profile pictures. I am kicking the daylights out of 60 and nobody guesses. I am 10 lbs from the goal set by my surgeon. The secret to keeping your facial skin supple and young is not only an excellent vitamin regimen, but an excellent cleansing and moisturizing regimen. I'm pretty proud of myself for not looking like the little old lady I am. You'll do just fine! I shoulda posted the photos of me in the black leather mini skirt. I just might, yet! Good luck and God Bless ~ and the statistics are inflated by other variables so listen to your surgeon and not the television set. Better still - turn on NBC and jus****ch Al Roker parade his FFA around looking like Mr. Studly Weather Guy. [FFA = formerly fat ass]

Shannon - just a thought, can you bring him to a WLS support group meeting? Maybe he needs to meet people who've had successful surgery. The media stories can be scary and that particular lady may not be a good example, so the more you expose him to people who've had surgery and had positive results, the more comfortable he may become with the idea. You're lucky to have someone who cares so much about your well-being!

Thanks everyone, Luckily I have been to a few support group meetings, they have been very informative. The Dr. I have chosen is a very good reputable one in this area. He has a very good success rate. He has only lost one patient, and that was a second surgery on patient. Luckily I know that our friend is not the norm as far as what to expect from WLS. She has never done what the dr. ordered. I just wish my hubby would not use her as a comparison to the surgery. I have total confidence in my surgeon, luckily hubby is going to next appointment with me, and hopefully I can get him to go to the next support group meeting. I will try real hard to get him to go with me. I also have a couple other friends or acquaintences that have had the surgery and they look awesome. So I guess I will just have to quit worrying so much. Thanks again everyone for everything, Shannon

Shannon It is very upsetting to see these negative articles, but that is what sells newspapers. The media thrives on negativity - just look at the stories from Iraq. Is there ever anything positive printed?? You and your husband need to attend a local WLS Support Group meeting. A meeting is held at Corning East High School on the second Monday of every month. Also, a meeting is held at Arnot Ogden Medical Center on the first Monday of each month. Time is 6 p.m. for each. I go to Arnot and we always have over 60 people there. Not one of them regrets having the surgery. Please go and listen, ask questions and encourage your husband to also participate in the discussions. Good luck to you! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda