Would you recommend WLS to someone?

Hi there, I need some help.  I am considering weight loss surgery, and was wondering if those that have already gone through it would recommend it.  What was your experience?  What were the pros and cons? 

 

Thank you!

 

Jessica

Hello, i had RNY in august 2012 and 4 days after i was back in surgery for an abcess and leak. Ive been hospitalized 6 times since for pain, infections, an ulcer and a fistula. To date ive lost 90 pounds.
I had several complication with my surgery, not to scare you but i think its important that you know all the ins and outs of this surgery, most people do just fine with no issues at all.
This has to be a personal decision and please do as much research as possible to weigh all the pros and cons.
Would i do it again? Absolutley NOT! Would i recommend this surgery to someone whos in need? Absolutely YES!

Good luck with your decision

Sue

I applaud your open mindedness about this!!  Good for you!!

Thanks Sue. I'm really sorry to hear of your complications. I appreciate your input on the matter. I want to know the good and bad in order to make the best decision for me.

6 1/2 years ago I had RNY. Very happy with my decision and outcome. Zero complications.

I had a lot going wrong (severe sleep apnea, severe GERD, high BP, on 8 prescriptions) and all of those were resolved within weeks of having surgery (off all medications.) The weight loss was the cherry bonus.

My before and current picture: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2013/02/chang es.html

No cons for me really but be aware... WLS does not solve everything. I used to say... "If only I lost the weight then my life would be awesome, wonderful, perfect" Well... it doesn't solve everything it helps but those things (the "stuff") that made us look to food for comfort or escape are still there and.... when the weight is gone a big glaring light shines on that "stuff" so it needs to be dealt with. Not a bad thing but something to be aware of the emotional journey of WLS is harder IMHO than the physical one.

I'd do it all over in a nano-second. Even the tough stuff.

Best wishes in your research!

Your before and after pics are truly inspiring. I also have sleep apnea and think I have pre-diabetes. I understand that all my issues won't be solved with the surgery. But I want a better quality of life.. And feel like I haven't really been living it for awhile now.

Pre-diabetic? Then certainly look VERY closely at the DS. Better than 98% of diabetics who get the DS achieve total remission of symptoms. The DS has the very best long-term, maintained weight-loss stats, plus the best stats for resolving or preventing diabetes and high cholesterol.

Thank you! I will definitely be researching that. 

I would 100% recommend the surgery as long as the person is willing to do the work that comes with it.  My experience was surgery on a Monday, no complications, back to work the following Monday, and 100 pound loss at 7 months (goal). 

It sucks sometimes to have to pass up the goodies, but when i zip up my size 10 jeans, I am reminded that it is all worth it.  It is not just a vanity thing though.  I no longer take any meds for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  I was almost unable to walk due to a bad knee, and all the pain has gone away.

You have to be willing to keep up with the vitamins for the rest of your life.  My labs are all great because without fail I take the vitamins my doctor has directed. 

And you must keep in mind that there are complications some times, some minor some severe.  So that is something to consider.  Find a very experienced surgeon with a good reputation, and odds are you will do fine. 

Good luck in your decision.

 

 

Thanks for your response. I will not make this decision lightly I assure you. I feel pretty realistic in my expectations.