Debating Gastric Bypass Surgery
I had surgery 15 years ago. Wouldn't do it again in a heartbeat. This website can be a wealth of information for you, so that you can research procedure types and the surgeons who perform them as well as network with other members who have had surgery. Keep in mind, each person's experience is unique and while the outcomes will vary based on how well you follow your post op plan, many are generally very happy with their surgery. Don't get me wrong, we do go through the "What the heck was I thinking" phase, but it gets better.
Also, some people have blogged on here about their journey, so be sure to check those out as well. The website has a lot of information over the last 16+ years to offer.
Here is a breakdown of my experience:
Surgery in April 2001 Open RNY.
Initially lost 100 lbs and had to revise my stoma in 2004 because my original surgeon was very conservative in his approach. I went on to lose an additional 60-70 lbs. I maintained my weight loss for 12 years, started to have regain after I lost my parents back to back. I find that when I am active in the bariatric community, I hold myself more accountable and do much better. So, I am working on the regain and know that I still have a viable tool, I just need to work it. Both of my procedures were complication free, but I did develop a vitamin def and that was my fault, but it is now under control. Even with the regain and the vitamin def, this was the best decision of my life.
Hope this is helpful!
Welcome to OH and Good Luck! 
Agreed. Just start browsing through what's already been posted and you'll find SO much stuff.
Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!
on 7/27/16 4:27 pm
This is definitely a last resort as opposed to a first. I know in my case I found the weight all my adult life. Partly due to a lack of activity due to a severe knee injury but mostly because I couldn't keep my a** out of the fridge, lol. Actually I just had a host of situation that was the perfect storm to my ballooning up to 425 pounds, half crippled, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, acid reflux and on and on.
Would I suggest it. Definitely YES. My only regret is that I didn't give in and do it years earlier as I feel I wasted a lot of years. It was only when I seen my 2 young daughters growing up without my being able to be an healthy active part did I feel it was definitely time.
Just know which I'm sure you do that it's very much a life long commitment to a whole and great lifestyle.
Good luck with your decision whatever you choose! 
I had VSG in Oct 2011. I chose this because my PMD felt it was the safest. I was 63 years old, has hypertension, asthma, high cholesterol, & sleep apnea, along with obesity for a very long time.
During my work up, they found I had coronary artery blockage & had 2 stents placed
I was very apprehensive going into surgery, but I did it anyway. I had very little pain which was controlled by ibuprofen. I was up & about my regular activities after 2 days.
The post op period was one of adjustment, making my brain realize that my little stomach couldn't hold much. Ultimately, this happened. Over 2 years I lost 202 pounds & I had plastic surgery to remove the excess skin. I went from a size 32-34 to a 10-12.
Would I do it again? Yes, but much sooner but knowing what I know now, I don't think I would get into that situation.
WLS is one of the tools in the battle against obesity. It is NOT a quick fix. You have to work at it every day, not to fall back into bad habits. You have to follow the rules.
The worst part for me was the horrible clear protein I had to drink for 5 days after surgery. The rest was learning to listen to my body when I had enough food and not overfilling the small stomach.
Good luck on your weight loss journey. I hope that I was able to help you in making your decision.
God bless you.
Toni
