Hi, I am just starting my...

Hi, I am just starting my wls journey. I have until recently been very excited by the prospect. My sister (who is even heavier than I am) is very against the idea, and so is a very good friend of mine (whose opinion I value). My sister says she has never seen any long term reports of anyone having had the surgery, and is worried about complications 10-15 years down the road. Any thoughts or stories out there? Thank you, Mary

You are at the right place to ask questions. Go to photos at the top of the page or even go to peers and click on those who are post op and read their stories. Long term success is primarily based on how compliant you are with your new pouch. I am not sure which doctors you have checked into or what their programs are like, but there is a support group in Charleston that meets twice per month and anyone from anywhere can come regardless of where they are going to or have had surgery and it doesn't matter what surgery they had...everyone is welcome. Do all the research you can before you decide. I researched for almost a year and I was going to have the Lapband surgery, however, my good friend asked me to join her in a semiar about WLS and I did boy am I glad I did. I have found a very competent surgeon and his program is the best that I have found in WV. My surgery is set for August 20th. Don't let the negativity from your sister and your friend sway you away from this. I have not told many people as everyone has a different opinion on it. You will be the one who has to live with your decision. If you are happy with what you've decided, then that is all that matters. If and when you do your research, print some of the materials out and give them to your sister and your friend. This surgery has made great advances in the last few years and the benefits far out weight the risk of complications (which are so minimal). Please email me if you have further questions, I will be happy to help you. Good Luck in your journey. Sherri Rabel

Mary, I used to be among the naysayers. Swore I would die fat rather than have surgery. I am a nurse and I saw way to many people with complications. Then I realized that I only saw the ones that had complications. 2 friends had the surgery and I began educating myself and I have now totally changed my mind. I amgoing to have WLS surgery as soon as I can get in to Dr, Robarts and get all my stuff done. Barbara

Mary I had my surgey 3 years ago. I had open RNY and did not have any problems. I lost a total of 235 pounds and have stayed at my goal. My health problems have cleared up and I feel so much better. This is a life changing process--it is a tool to help us. I started out checking about WLS to talk my sister out of having it done. The more I read the more I came to understand that I needed to have it. So I went from trying to stop my sister to setting up an appoint for myself and the rest is history. If need be I would do it again. Have your sister and friend read more about the surgery. Hope this helps. Best of luck Donna