RNY concerns

I have been looking into this surgery for awhile now. But it seems as if everyone I talk to has something negative to say about it. For example they know people who were sickly after, major complications resulting in death, some who just never felt healthy after. I also must say half these people with the negative comments are thin and have never had a weight problem. So they cant possibly understand why I would want to take such a permanent and drastic decision. I guess I am just looking for some info. I know if you dont follow your new diet, drink protein, and take good vitamins you will have negative consequenses. I wonder how often the outcome is bad if you do everything you are supposed to? Thanks, Carrie

Each person has to make this life changing decision for themselves but do as much research as you can and please talk to people who have had the surgery. I think you will find one thing common with most of us--we wish we had done it sooner and we would do it again in a second. I waited until I was 57 1/2 years old and so wish I had taken the step sooner. I have lost 90 pounds in a little less than 6 months and still need to lose another 80 but I am so much healthier and happier now, than 6 months ago. I have stopped taking pills for high blood pressure, insulin resistance, gerd, high cholesteral etc. I can bend over easily, fit into restraunt booths, not have to drive 80 + miles just to buy clothes that fit and sleep so much better. I lost 90 pounds before on a diet but of course, as always, it came back plus much more. I do not plan to mess around with this wonderful tool I have been given and the weight will never come back on. Sorry for going on and on but I am very happy with my decision and want to encourage you to talk to others who have had the surgery, not just stories being told about those of us who have had WLS. There are, of course, sad and unhappy stories about WLS but that potential is there with any surgery. I just think about how long would I have been able to keep living with the weight related issues I had and how long would it be before I would not be able to walk or work or have a meaningful life. Good luck in your search for the answer for you. Julia

Carrie, Have you looked into the other types of surgery to see if one of the others might seem like a better fit for you? There is the DS, BD/DS, lapband, and the mini gastric bypass among others. I think each type of surgery has its own set of possible problems. I guess it's just trying to pick the one that will get you the results you want with the least possibility for complications. This is one reason I chose the mini gastric bypass for me.

Hi Carrie! I just had to write and let you know my RNY experience because it's been nothing but positive. I had my surgery almost 5 months ago ... I've lost 100.25 pounds and I am off all my diabetes medications and high cholesterol medications. I didn't have any complications to speak of (knock on wood!). I now go to the gym 5 days per week and work out really hard and still have energy afterwards! I have the ability to wear so many more styles of clothing that actually fit! I take my vitamins and supplements regularly, with the exception of forgetting one now and then. All my labs came back great! I stick to the diet as well as I can (I am human afterall!), aim to get in all my protein, and exercise. I still have anywhere from 30-50 pounds left to lose but I am extremely happy and I have so much more energy and I just feel like my health is much better. I'm very, very happy with my experience and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! Deanna

Thank you everyone for your replies I really appreciate it! Take care all, Carrie

Carrie - One thing is for sure, you won't be lacking for horror stories from those *****ally don't know what they are talking about. "Friends" who had problems usually end up being friends of friends, who actually end up being "I heard this from a friend of a friend who heard it from a friend online somewhere." RNY is considered the "Gold Standard" of wls. For the risk involved it provides the best results. Lap band is lower risk, but the success rate is also lower. DS has a slightly higher risk, but may provide more success for some people. Although I have to say of all the DS folks I know personally (not the ones online here I've come to know though), they have all started regaining more than the ones who had RNY. I suspect it is because they can eat as much sugar as they want, and it ends up not changing some compulsive eating behaviors that RNY can help with....like with sugar. I had an RNY in Mexico and did fabulously. I haven't had one problem that isn't preventable (like getting low in B vitamins rom not being on top of my vitamin regimine). Do yourself a favor - listen to only those who have had the surgery. Don't listen to well meaning but clueless people who never had the surgery. They are really good and relating urban legends but not so good at relating what really happens. If you have questions ask - none of us will shine you on. I will tell you what I know - good and bad! Dina

When I was looking into the surgery, I discovered that the only procedure covered by my medical insurance was RNY. So... that pretty much decided it for me. Then I found a surgeon who specialized in that procedure, had done hundreds with no mortalities, followed her directions as well as I could, and couldn't be happier with the results. I am six months post op, down 102 lbs. and feeling so much healthier. If you are at the point where you are considering this major step, you've probably been morbidly obese for a while now. My advice would be...If you are middle aged, do not wait a minute longer! If you're younger, be grateful you have the opportunity to change your life now. It's the most wonderful, positive, life-changing thing I've ever done - wish I'd done it years ago, but I feel years younger, so...all's well that ends well.

I also had my RNY in Mexico. My family and friends have been very very supportive. I did my research and made a decision that is really working for me. I am one month postop. Sure, there are adjustments in lifestyle. Eactly the adjustments I wanted - not eating! But I feel so blessed to be able to have made this decision. It is a great tool. I have had no complications. I had no health problems prior to surgery, but I could tell they were coming up, arthritis and knee pain. I have lost 20 lbs. in one month. I have 70 to go to my goal - altho I wouldn't mind 20 more after that! My new motto - eat to live, instead of live to eat! Good Luck! And rely upon your own research, and ask people close to you to be supportive. If they cannot, suggest that they keep their negativity to themselves. Remember that saying? The ppl that matter don't mind and the ppl that mind don't matter! Sometimes happiness is a very personal decision.