WLS is NOT for everyone.

I try to be as honest and straightforward as I can, even if it may not  always be what someone WANTS to hear.  I honestly believe it's more important to tell folks what they NEED to hear.  It's been said hundreds of times - WLS is NOT a "magic cure" and life after WLS is NOT "easy". The surgery is just the beginning of a lifelong journey. It really does take a lot of work and dedication on our part to be successful. It requires a total committment on our part to follow the surgeon's and nutritionist's plans to the letter. To exercise and move every day. To learn from our mistakes along the way rather than try to rationalize them or use them for sympathy and attention. 

I often read comments about the psych evaluation that seem to minimize and downplay it's importance. I honestly believe that it's possibly the one area of the pre-op routine that needs to be taken more seriously.
After all, the majority of people seeking WLS obviously have some psychological issues when it comes to food.  The phrase that is often said, "They re-route our guts, but not our heads" is actually very true.

Before I made my final decision to have WLS, I tried to thoroughly research the surgeries, results, complications, etc.  I talked to my cardiologist and family doctor.  I lurked here on OH every night. I also sought out local post-ops to talk to about their personal experiences with the surgery and what to expect afterwards.  I talked to 9 people who had WLS and were anywhere from 6 months to 4 years post-op. One man told me about having a small leak that required re-admittance to the hospital a few days after his surgery. Three of them had strictures and had to have them stretched open - a fairly common thing. One lady said it took her over 2 years to totally adjust to life after surgery and become comfortable with her new lifestyle changes, even though she lost over 140 pounds. All but one said they would do it again. 

That one told me she had MAJOR psychological problems  after her surgery.  She told me that she wasn't prepared for the mental aspects she faced after her surgery, even though she thought she was. She said  that she had "sailed" through her 1-hour psych evaluation and was cleared for surgery by the psych doctor without any problem or concern on his part. She also knew a few people who had WL surgery and had done extremely well, so she thought "If they can do it, then so can I". She told me that she actually had thoughts of suicide for the first few months following her surgery.  She did say that she lost a lot of weight, but not nearly what she needed to lose. And she regained  over half of it. She told me that she would "cheat" by eating candy and fast foods, even though it made her physically ill when she ate it.  She said that she became severely depressed, missed work a couple of days a week, and became "bitter at the world".  In her words - "Gastric bypass was the worst thing I ever did.  I know it has helped thousands of people, but I can tell you that it is not for everyone and I should never have had it."

WLS is a wonderful tool for the majority of people who have it.  I'm one of those who would do it again tomorrow.  It has changed my life and health for the better. However, it is obviously not for everyone.  It is not something that should be taken lightly or rushed into. It is a major surgery. As with any surgery, there's the potential for physical complications. And, because of the lifelong changes it will demand and require for success, the mental and psychological aspects need to be given just as much serious consideration prior to surgery. 

Just my opinion.

You said it, Brother Bama!  This surgery is NOT for everyone.  I have had no surgical complications, but, my life is not exactly what I thought it would be.  I guess, deep in my heart, I thought I would end up with a thinner, healthier, YOUNGER me.  Well, I got thinner and healthier, but no younger! LOL. I have had my problems and have gotten discouraged.  One of the things that took my by surprise was at 6 months postop.  I suddenly started grieving for food.  I didn't expect that, and really had to work through that.  Would I do it again?  In a New York minute.  Is it "the easy way out"? Absolutely not, I have to work this tool every minute of every day!  Food addiction is our disease, and like all addiction, it is lifelong, and cannot be ignored.
                               

Definitely on the money...  it surely is not for everyone...  and while many of us have health problems prior to the surgery which are cured as a result of surgery, there are also many health problems that we can develop AFTER and AS A RESULT of the surgery.  We must know that these exist, and be aware that they could happen to us...  such as low blood sugar problems, osteoporosis and other problems due to lack of calcium, seizures such as Melting Mama has, neuropathy in the hands and feet, all sorts of problems that are caused from absorption issues...  

And it all goes back to the fact that its not expensive either, in order to maintain our health...  (as Marilyn brought up the other day)... and the psychologist/mental health professional must be able to state that we are (a)mentally capable of understanding what decision we are making (b)realize the implications that could result from our surgery (c) willing to make the lifelong commitment to live this surgery so that we will not harm ourselves in some way whether by means of suicide, neglect or other means.

Then there is surely the psychological and emotional affects of gastric bypass.  We often lose friends, have many people giving us their opinion the entire time we are on our journeys...  these things are very taxing on our nerves and to be honest, some people are not strong enough to endure these hardships.  The changes come from EVERY aspect of our lives (emotional, psychological, physical, yes it even affected my spiritual life but that's a personal choice whereas many, it would probably never bother)....

 While I appear to be rambling now, surgery isn't a drop of the hat choice that someone should make.  It is worth the investment to be made to go through weight loss programs, counseling, whatever hoops your insurance company has forced us to do.  And, it gets harder the farther out you are to maintain the weight, work with the fears that you may gain it back, and its a lifelong commitment...

*P.S. BamaBob... opinions went up due to inflation... .049 cents now!!!!

 Key:  tell folks what they NEED to hear, not want to hear!  So many people have selective hearing.

I hope it pays off to be anal retentive and OCD when it comes to researching all this.  It is not something to be taken lightly (like Mel mentioned, reading about the blood sugar issues and seizures that Melting Mama is dealing with is quite scary).

I feel like I can keep up my exercise routine forever, but I know I can't stick with this eating plan forever.  Too many hunger pangs involved for long term survival.  But I can stick through it until I get to surgery.  I guess the hunger pangs now will help me prepare for the pre op diet!

My dad had a trans-hiatal esophagectomy a few years ago . . . because he had a precancerous condition in his esophagus, they essentially yanked it out and used his stomach to connect his throat to his gut.  In the end, his remaining stomach was probably along the lines of what you'd end up with with the VSG.

He had no psychological counseling at all, only a vague idea of what to expect, lots of complications and frustrations.  He lost about 120 pounds after surgery, but has a really poor outlook when it comes to food. He feels better, his diabetes is almost resolved, etc., but the psychological aspect of this change has really affected him, mostly in a negative way.

Seeing what he went through has given me some insight as to what to expect, but I know there is no way to truly prepare for what's to come for me and my WLS.  Just arm yourself with knowledge, have realistic expectations and remember it's a TOOL not a cure.

Thanks for the thought provoking post--you guys are on a roll with the great inspiration posts lately!
Denise

Thank you for telling me what I need to hear.

I agree, Bob. I'm going into this with psychological issues in my past. I have Schizoaffective Disorder that is treated by meds. My own psychiatrist is the one *****commended me for surgery. I anticipate that I may have issues with depression after surgery. It has been a life long struggle, but I feel I've kind of stacked the deck in my favor. I have set up appointments to see my psychiatrist as often as needed and I also have a weekly therapy appointment to discuss food issues or any other issues that come up.  Both my psychiatrist and my therapist believe I'm a good candidate for surgery and that I'm well prepared. I trust them so I'm going forward knowing I have them on my side. There may be issues, but I will have all kinds of help to deal with them.
Blessings,
Karen

Great topic Bob! I have to agree with each one of you the approach to WLS should be head on eye's open.
The single common thread that seems to be consistent is the program.
Look around at those who have been successful, they didn't just go in and have a procedure. They realize that left to their own ability failure was more then likely going to follow.
It take proper planning, a great WLS TEAM and honest follow up with support and accountability.
I wish the Medical community would set standards that encompass all of these points not just rubber stamp or handout flyer's.
I've have to say that is one thing Vanderbilt does well (I can only speak of Vanderbilt because thats what I know, Centennial and Baptist as well as others might have equal or better programs) is there room for improvement sure!
But I know when you have WLS and shoved out the door the chances for being unsuccessful has to be higher.
It's hard to see how important these steps Support Group, Nutritional, Surgery Consult, Physic Evaluation, are when your just trying to get the surgery. I would really like to see them add a meal planning and/or cooking program to the mix, to help people get through the different phases.
Well thats my .49 cents...
C'ya Bob

BobL

Opinions at .49 cents now? OH MY GOSH, the inflation rate must have changed since last night! LOL.

I think its now up to 4.99

 I'm with you Bob L!  

I know that the girls are working on adding lots of new elements to the support program at Vanderbilt (Jamie said they would like to be able to do a cooking thing once in next to Dayani at 100 Oaks where they can use that kitchen).  She also talked about establishing a mentor program.  I told her that I would love to be a huge part of this in whatever capacity I can.

I have been to 3 support group meetings and interestingly enough, I have never seen anyone come to the meetings twice.  My feeling is that people are just doing the bare minimum to get through the insurance approval process, not necessarily doing what will benefit them most as they prepare for one of the biggest changes in their lives.  

I think the worst thing you could do is the cookie cutter thing and fly out the door without looking back.  I know that the gals at the clinic are going to be sick of me after awhile, because I'm just gonna keep showing up and showing up and showing up!  Whatever it takes!!

In the end, it all comes down to you.  The more you invest in yourself and the process, the better off you'll be.

That being said, I am STARVING!  Hanging in there, though, and in a few I'll have some carnation instant breakfast to get me through the next few hours (worth of reception/parties).  I get to use my new shaker cup--yippeee!  It's purple.

Mel I was following your lead, although if you figure how slow I type its back to .02.....
Denise thats what I like about Vandy they are all ways looking at new ways of expanding their  (our) program. The one thing they tell you at the beginning is they want to see you every year for the rest of your life!