Frightened

Hi, I've been seriously considering WLS. I've been doing the research and am pretty aware of the complications and risks. But, I have to say, reading the experiences here, it seems as if almost EVERYONE has pretty serious complications, many painful. I'm frightened that if I have this surgery, I could easily spend my life in great discomfort.  Ulcers, dumping, etc... For instance, the information claims that ulcers are a "rare" complication, but almost everyone I've met and many many people here seem to experience them.  (BTW, I don't consider 1 in 100 rare.  1 in 1000 maybe, but not 1 in 100.  That in and of itself leads me to distrust the information.) Thanks for listening.  I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I am feeling very discouraged right now.

What WLS procedure are you considering?   Have you had a chance to check out different forums?  The procedure I chose to have is called the Duodenal Switch...  no ulcers...no dumping!   Stop by our forum and check it out...  we are always happy to answer any questions.   http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/ Good luck with your research..

I'm almost 4 years out in November 17 and I haven't had ANY complications.  I chose RNY in part because of dumping but that is not a complication to me it's a safe gaurd. If I over do or eat the wrong thing my body is telling me.  I think a lot of people post their complications to get advice. Check out the GRAD board and you will see a lot of VERY happy HEALTHY people living life they have never been able to to.  http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads/ Keep researching doctors and which WLS is right for you will  find what is right for you.  Good Luck,  Robin

Fear is a funny thing isn't it??  Its a good thing.  I have had few complications - a couple instances of dumping (but as mentioned above - is that really a complication or is that a good thing?).  My biggest struggle is with constipation...and thats fixed with MORE WATER!!  UGH.  I also had an infection in one o fmy incisions...but one weeks worth of antibiotics...gone.  :-) Do your research for all the different surgeries.  Ask lots of questions.  Don't do it if you're too afraid of it...no harm in learning and researching until you're comfortable with the surgery - or with yourself without the surgery...that might be what is best for you.  And if it is...you are still welcome to come on board here and talk to us about your journey.  Its not right for everyone...and thats okay.

I too had the same concerns about complications and death from surgery.  I attended my surgeon's information session last November.   I spent the next several months researching the benefits and complications of RNY and LapBand (the two my insurance will cover).  I decided to go with RNY  (scheduled for 11/5) because I need to benefit (not complication) of dumping.  If I were to get a LapBand, I can still get my sugar by drinking a milkshake or a number of things. I am still concerned about the complications that may come from surgery - but I realize that they are not really much different than the complications of being morbidly obese - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and general difficulties of being just downright fat (like not fitting in a chair).  I have just accepted all of the issues with beging overweight.  If I have a hernia or stricture from RNY, I will accept it just as I have any other complications of being overweight. This is where I landed after the past year of soul searching and research. Hope that helps.

I was banded 9 months ago.. we dont have dumping.. we have PB (throwing up) and Sliming (mucus).. I have had one sliming instance in 9 months. I have lost 77.5 lbs.. and was shopping at the mall for 4 hours 2 days after surgery. I am not saying we dont have complications.. but they are very few and far between.

One thing you need to know about these board.. you read alot of bad.. because those having good.. they aren't here on the computer.. they are out enjoying life  (Present company excluded, of course) But I think you get my drift.. you only post when you have a problem you cant fix on your own.  If I were to post my problems only, you would never see me.   Good Luck in your decision! Amanda

All your responses have been incredibly thoughtful and kind.  Thank you. I'm finding it interesting that some of you actually consider dumping a blessing.  It's given me "food for thought" (pun intended).  Part of me was thinking I'd try lap band, and if that didn't work try RNY.  But, I haven't looked into whether insurance would cover a second procedure if the first one didn't pan out. I've met a few people with the band, and all of them had issues with the weight loss ceasing after 50 lbs or so.  I have about 150 to lose.

you might want to look into the vertical sleeve..... it has/is doing wonders with me. 

Fear is a terrible thing!  I researched gastric bypass surgery for almost 5 years before I took the plunge! Now I wish that I HAD done it sooner. Of course I may not had found the wonderful surgeon that I had if I had done it sooner. I had complications, BUT not from the gastric bypass surgery. Mine was a result of needing another surgery a few months later. I developed an ulcer from the stress that my body endured. Painful as it could be and there were times that I questioned my decision about the gastric bypass. Four years later, Ihave lost 200 pounds, have the energy of a child and can make plans to enjoy my life as it was meant to be. I chose the gastric bypass so that I could not eat sugar or drink soda. My downfall was pop and candy. Dumping reminds you that you should not eat or drink high sugar stuff. It only takes one time to dump to know that you never want to do that again. I think most of us have felt discouraged. I agree with another poster who said that most people post their complications as a way of talking to someone. You know you get to the point of not wanting to worry your family and here everyone understands when you are scared or discouraged. Hang in there, the results are far worth the worry that you will endure. While I will never be skinny again, I am a very happy woman who is going to Disney World in one week! Four years ago, I would have just cried knowing that I could never walk around a park that big for hours on end. Now I am driving everyone around me crazy with my non stop talk of my trip! Don't let the fear of the unknown discourage you, try to think of the good that will come of you being a healthier person! Good Luck!