Does anyone regret having the gastric bypass?

I am almost 4 years out and I do regret my surgery only because I could not lose weight with diet and exercise.This was my very last resortmI gave fad diets a try,I try prescription pills and I would lose some and gain it back.
Today being out as far as I am and seeing the results not only in appearance but my over all health.I have no regrets.
As far as food there are some things that I can not eat and others that I can.It like anything it becomes part of life and you deal with it as time goes on.
It is natural for you to be nerivous.I wish you the best
bob

No I don't regret it at all. I am such a food addict and it helps me in every way. I would still be 375 pounds or more (or dead, probably) if I had not had it done.

Well, I'm still a relative "newbie" (my surgery was April 22 of this year), but i can say I have had ZERO regrets so far.  I have honestly never felt better in my life - the transformation has been amazing in terms of energy and mental outlook... but I've put a lot of work into that transformation.  It's not an "automatic" thing.  This is only a tool - the weight loss and ability to maintain that loss through healthy eating and exercise is entirely up to you.

As to recovery - I was in the hospital for 2 days, driving 2 days after I got home (I think I had one painkiller after I got home - that was all I needed).  I stayed out of work 3 weeks (I had the time and wanted to concentrate on getting my exercise program well under way before going back so I had some momentum established).  I COULD have gone back within a week of surgery and felt ok physically (just would have had to pace myself as I got tired easily) - i was just not mentally ready.

In terms of long-term "restrictions" on food, I would suggest thinking about it differently.  You'll be making a long-term ADJUSTMENT to your relationship with food.  Making healthier choices, and significant adjustment to routine portions, eating small meals more frequently, and adding exercise to your life are all parts of the life adjustment you'll be making.

My personal advice would be to start exercising now... walking and stretching.  It will help with your recovery in the hospital and in the days following the surgery and will also help you start the "momentum" and "habit" of incorporating exercise into your daily routine. 

Good luck and congratulations for making this step!

Karen

I am lucky enough to have the summer off, but I feel I could go back to work now. But I teach so it's not strenuous.  Also, I was in the hospital 4 days but was driving 4 days after I came home because I was off my pain meds within two days.

not sure where you live but if you can come to one of Liz's cooking/support get togethers at her house... you will see that we find a way to have certain things we crave after surgery without all the fat/sugar/guilt over eatting it lol... I'm sure you can see that as well from the recipes we post here...

I don't regret having my surgery at all... I did my research and knew not to go to the local hospitals in my area after meeting a ton of people that went to those places and had issues... because their doctor didn't focus on WLS but did a whole lot of different surgeries as well... so that was a huge deciding factor for me and ending up at barix...

I would start picking up some low carb cookbooks, splenda ones etc... even some veggie ones... you will be amazed at how much is out there that might not of ever known you could have... and experiment with family faves and change things up... if you have cooking questions etc... post them here... we will help ya out to find a solution...

Hang in there... I think it is completely worth it!

I am certain I will have NO regrets soon...but being so new and having a very slow recovery and slow introduction to new foods, having a lot of pain, having dumped 4 times, and having had a stuck something and vomited (more thanonce that day!!!)...I would never talk anyone OUT of surgery but I would talk to them about Everything they should preapre for.  Don;t close off your mind OR look at how someone else did.  I said the other day if I had to watch a video of everything this last 3+ weeks I do not know if I would have done it.  And now, being on a stall already, I am just feeling a little let down.  But, I have said it before, I trust everyone here when they assure me things will get better.  Plus my good friend above me here brings me tasty foods to keep me going!  

I was confident (and still am) in my surgeon, his team and my support system before I went into this.  If you do not have all that going in it is going to be harder no matter what happens! 

Good luck! 

I had to do what was right for me and I swear its the best thing I have ever done other than George, Heather and my horse Cassidy.  I would do it all over again knowing what I do know. As far as being restricted I went in with the attitude of getting together a list of things I can do rather than what I can't do and there are so many wonderful people on this board and at support groups I could not have asked for better life-lines, Life is good I always say. Its people like Susan and Liz and Pam and Dennis and Beth and Shaunna and the list goes on and on that make me glad to be a part of this and they are very down to earth welcoming people.

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice you have given to me.

I am feeling much more confident about my decision.  I am looking forward to seeing my nutritionist.

Thanks again everyone

I'm chiming in late here but I am 2 1/2 years out of surgery and haven't regretted it for a second! I too had a minor complication in the first year - about 10 months out I developed ulcers - what an uphill battle that was - but I'd go through it again in a heart beat to be where I am today. At about 18 months out I also started to have problems with my gall bladder - had that out in september 2008 - that wasn't necessarily because of my WLS though - it was diseased, not stones.

ANyway, I am 2 1/2 years out and 10 weeks pregnant. I was told pre-op that I would never be able to conceive and if I did it would be purely a miracle. WEll I went from that point to being able to get pregnant without a problem.

I don't feel restriced at all with what I can and can not eat. If I want something I figure out a way to make it so I can enjoy it!

Well now that I answered with a short novel - I hope this helps!

Liz

I'm a tad behind on my posting because I was away all weekend but I think this is a great question and you've gotten some wonderful feedback so I'll try to be brief with adding my 2 cents.

I'm almost 16 months out and without a doubt having this surgery is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I was closing in on the 400 pound mark when I finally saw the light. I was on asthma meds, cholesterol meds, had sleep apnea, couldn't walk 10 feet without huffing, puffing and sweating to death, needed seatbelt extenders in my OWN car and the list goes on and on.

I only take one small blood pressure pill now - I exercise 4 to 5 times a week (and LIKE it!) - I've just started riding a bicycle again after 30+ years - I look and feel like a new person and never imagined that I could be the person that I have become.

My food issues are that I dump on sugar, which is not a bad thing - there are things I cannot eat or tolerate because they swell in my pouch and cause me pain and grief, but I know what they are so I just don't have them. Believe me, there is enough variety in foods out there that you will never feel deprived.

So I wish you all the best - this is an awesome support site and people will help you along every step of the way!