New/ My Story and Seeking Wisdom

After years of failure and at least 10 years of research on bariatrics, I'm here committed to using the bariatric tool to realize my dream.

I've always struggled like all obese individuals but as the years go by the weight has become my ball and chain. Prior to having children in my early 30s I waffled between 145lbs and 180. Over the last 20 years, I  and those who love me have watched me deteriorate to a place I don't consider living. 10 lbs a year x 20 years = 365lbs...There is much I can't do and I do as little as possible. I go to work and work mentally hard and then I go home and fall in a heap.

Those of you on this site likely have lived this to some degree or another so suffice to say that I'm ready or at least as ready as I'll ever be. As a 52 year old mom and wife, I fear leaving those near and dear to my heart. however I'm afraid of the surgery and the possibility of complications but the alternative is looking bleak.

Those of you who are on this journey, can you enlighten me on the bumps in the road?  I'm someone who needs to know the worst case scenario so that I can mentally prepare. I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and will likely choose the civic campus but will do my research as to the most reputable.   

Biggest complication of surgery is death, small percentage but it can happen.  Complication of staying super morbidly obese is death, larger percentage than from surgery.  That is worst case scenario.  Have been around over 10 years and nobody has died on the table that I have heard of, some had died after surgery from complications, they are few and far between but can happen.  There are many possible complications like iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, hernias, excess skin and rashes, etc.  When you go to orientation they will tell you all the possible complications with the actual rate of each.  They might even be able to give you their hospitals stats as well.   

The first thing you need to do is have your doctor refer you to the bariatric registry.  You don't get to choose where you are referred.  Ottawa only has one site so you will be referred there.  Once your doctor registers you then you get contacted for orientation where they go through everything.  After that you go through testing and meet with many different professionals along the way then see a surgeon and discuss surgery options.  Almost everyone will be offered RNY unless they have a medical need for VSG.  Only a surgeon can make that decision as OHIP has very specific criteria to get VSG.

Thanks for the information, Tracey.  It's nice to feel safe in the company of those who understand the journey.  Take Care.

The bariatric centre you get referred too is dependent on where you live. Having wls is not an easy decision as it requires a lifetime commitment to making healthy choices and lifetime suppliments. I am just over 4 yr and have no regrets. Dealing with some issues with malabsorption, low ferritin but heack I'll deal with it. As you go through the process you will see pychologists, dietician etc... use the time to get help with mood. Unfortunately wls doent cure depression. With all the hormone changes post op it can get worse for awhile.

Find a wls support group. I foud it was a great help to meet others going through the process both pre and post op. Helped to answer questions and deal with changes. 

Good luck

Hi Leslie

it sounds like your mind can continue to sabotage efforts even when your body says it's full.  I suppose no different than why we eat more than we need to before bariatric surgery.  I've thought of how I'll manage those feelings differently than I do now.  I sometimes wonder if the speed of the weight loss vs. conventional methods helps one get through those tough times more easily?  I am just so grateful for the opportunity to finally live again.  Now that I've finally decided it'll be tough to wait.  Thanks for the great insight.