Anyone else out there that isn't enjoying their WLS?

It has been interesting and I have met some great people. I have lost around 100 pounds. It has been so long,hard frustrating. I have not lost any weight in 4 months. I do gain 5 pounds and then loose it,then 1 second later it comes right back on. I have not learned to eat right,because of not having a dietician. Now when my time is up I hear she is nice and their is a new dietician,figures,my luck. I have pains all the time and will continue because I get no help from any doctors. I know I have met some fabulous people and lost 100 pounds , but, I don't know how much of the 100 pounds I will keep off. I have less energry and feel sicker and more tired and have pain all the time. I felt better and healthier with the 100 pounds on.....Weird,eh?.....Sorry guys, I don't mean to whine,rant or complain. Guess I'm just typing out loud,lol....Jo-Anna

Read my profile. I am asked the question almost daily if I regret my wls. I tell them it depends on the day you ask me. I am in costant pain and nausea. I am at the dr more than I care to admit. I am a frequent flyer at my local er (they know me by name when I come in no matter what shift or day). I am on a phone basis with my surgeon (he has called me before at midnight because I was having problems). I felt healthier witht he weight and who knows what would have happened if I left it on. Now I am facing a reversal of my surgery and put toa lap band. So I know what you are going through. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone out there.

Alannah

Oh yeah, I hate my WLS.  I had a band, did very well with it, but had complications.  Because it took a year to find the problems, I was unable to keep my band (in place).  It was too painful and it caused a lot of food intolerances.  So, I got a revision to RNY and that has been a nightmare.  For some reason I deveoped adrenal insufficiency.  I have had a stricture dilated twice and going for #3 tomorrow.  The nausea is so debilitating.  I can't keep anything down and am on IV meds/fluids.  I go in and out of the hospital.  They are talking about a reversal of my RNY (possibly) but I am meeting with another surgeon this week to get his opinion.  I have never been so sick in my life.  Flu, food poisioning, nothing was as bad as this is.  Lack of cortisol can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when levels bottom out... so maybe add that to the RNY nausea, the stricture nausea, etc... my body is unable to cope?  Who knows what is going on but I am so sick all the time that I am amazed that I stop crying at times.  Depression has never been this bad before in my life either.

Now... if someone has RNY and does have the benefits from surgery... happy campers and would recommend it left and right.  I know plenty of happy RNY'ers, bandsters, DS'ers, VSG'ers, etc.  I know others that are miserable.  I know others that are living in hell.  I know I am only 3 months post-RNY but I truly am at a loss for words when describing my misery.  I feel like I am trapped, that I just want to escape, I want to sleep and never wake up.  I would never be suicidal, but I now understand why some people are so sick that they take that step.  When you wake up and cry because you woke up... it's just a terrible existence.  I do suffer from a painful disease and frankly, I had a much better handle on that disease than I do this relentless nausea and vomiting.  I have vomited and wretched so hard that I gave myself migraines, another one tonight. 

So yeah, pretty damn miserable with my RNY.  I have lost 60 pounds in 3 months... whoop-tee-f'ing-doo.  It doesn't matter at all to me if I lose the weight if I lose it while sick.  If I am sick enough to spend 80% of the admitted to the hospital, this is no life to live.  RNY has not given me my life back and I can't bring myself to recommend it to anyone at this point.  Will mine be reversed?  Who knows.  I can't live like this.

Alyssa, first, let me say I'm sorry to hear of your troubles resulting from surgery.  However, I was disappointed to read "Now... if someone has RNY and does have the benefits from surgery... happy campers and would recommend it left and right..."   I am a pretty happy camper with my surgery, just haven't been a 'quick' loser, but I personally feel it's irresponsible to shout my happiness to the roof tops.

Anyone having this surgery, or any major surgery, should do their homework and understand what the possible side effects are.  If you've had so many problems, it could be caused by many factors, not the least of which is choice in doctor.

Please don't assume people like me are out there trying to get people to go out and have surgery...  You really shouldn't assume.

What I will tell you is that I wasn't thrilled with some of the life style changes until I was 6 months or more out.  Now, I'm fully adapted, integrated and accepting.  Early on however, it's pretty commen to feel upset and question whether it was the right choice.  And, it's tough - things get stuck, you dump, you're sick and have to learn about your body all over again.  It's like starting over...

For you, I hope the doctors are able to find out what is wrong and fix the problems so you can live a better, happy and healthy life.   And, I hope you feel better soon and are able to have a better outlook about surgery.  It was the right choice for me, but I would never assume it's the right choice for someone else.

Oh no, I didn't assume you are out there promoting the surgery and thrilled with your results!  I know "slow losers" that are not having any problems... other than the fact that the surgery didn't help them reach a healthy weight... and they are disappointed.  There are growing pains with any WLS.  I went thru them with the band and I am devestated to have run into the trouble I have now.  The vast majority of people are either content or thrilled (somewhere in there).  A few are truly unhappy and regret the surgery every day... and some like me cry, for who knows how long every day, for having gotten this surgery.  I really hope you do get the diet help and guidance you were hoping for.  It is never too late to use your tool.  While it works "best" at first, you can still lose weight and frankly, slower and steady is healthier.  Keep your chin up, listen to your body, and utilize support groups.  They are incredibly valuable, whether you have problems or not.  I was inspired daily with my band forum.  I don't spend too much time on here lately just because of the problems I have and I don't want to "bash" the surgery when I know it is life-changing and so wonderful for so many people. 

Well, I am sitting in the hospital and just don't have the patience to talk about my surgery at times because of it, I am here, not out living life.  Take care of yourself!

Sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side.

amen to that sister!

Hey,
I was just  telling my mother yesterday if I had to do it again, I wouldn't. I am 7 years out. Lost 170lbs quickly. Followed the rules and now I am more unhealthy then before surgery. I have chronic pain from bone loss, some days cannot even get out of bed. This from lack of calcium which I take supplements for but cannot absorb. So I am sick all of the time, never ever feel good. Like something is wrong but what? I had to send my son with his father because I am physically unable to care for him. Imagine telling your 14 year old you can't take care of him. I have lost weight yeah, but I lost so much more and it was not worth it. I too am at the doctor on a weekly basis. Pain meds which keep me from hurting as bad but unable to function as a person. Xanax because I have panic attacks daily. This was not what I expected and I was never told of these possibilities.

Oh My GOD...there are people like me out there... I truly thought I was the only one. I am 4 years out and I hurt all of the time. My bariatric center closed its doors two years ago, I lost my insurance and to see another specialist will cost me 150.00 per visit. I have had no medical check ups in over 2 years, I gained back 55 of the 180 lost. I find myself unable to move most of the time.

I am distressed, I am unhappy and depressed all of the time and I am sickly. I am sorry you are suffering. I wish there was a way I could go back the the "fat" happy self. Before, my surgery, I had a job, now i am unable to work die to the pain and pressure in my body. I cannot stand for any longer than 20 minutes at a time, I am tired all of the time. I find myself sleeping incessantly and this has got to stop.

What do we do? Where do we go? My surgery center is closed, there is no support groups to go to within 50 miles of me. I am worried something is terribly worng and I cannot find out what it is. I hurt when I eat and I need to force protein down my throat. The best I can do is chips and soft foods, cookies and things like this. I find myself buying bigger clothing than necessary to give a false impression to those around me, to hide the weight gain.

I am sorry for your health related issues...

Rae

I think one of the things that bothers me most is that the people who are happy - always blame non-compliance on the health issues. While I know some of my problems have been due to that, I know a number of people who followed their surgeon's program to the T and still had a ton/have a ton of problems.
I get irritated at the "Happy-Happy" folks who can't believe people do have complications - that are permanent from WLS.