scheduled for surgery 6/1, got postponed...now I don't want know if I want it at all

I'm here because I want to hear true stories of regret and complications. A lot of people on the forum have told me, along with others, that after surgery it will be normal to have regrets. I have doubts about having my RNY as it is...imagine how bad I'd be after surgery. Anyway...why do you regret your surgery? Why would or wouldn't you do this again?

Closure,

I completely understand the nerves of the surgery.  I had mine in March of 2008.  The actual weight loss surgery was a success.  I do remember coming out of postop feeling like hell and asking myself why did I do this?  But, that soon passed and I was up walking and out of the hospital within two days.  Was ok for the first 7 days and then the 7th day I became extremely dehydrated.  My surgeon admitted me and I was put on fluids.  Either before that or during that stay in the hospital, I developed a blood clot in my legs--a pretty severe one.  I was laid up in the hospital for 8 days.  My legs were probably close to twice the size they were before the surgery.  I seriously could not walk without a walker.  I was also put on blood thinners, with my internal wounds not having healed completely, gave me a horrible case of anemia.  When I finally was able to go home, my energy was so low I would have to take a breather going from my bedroom to the kitchen.  I remember being extremely upset and depressed.  And, to add insult to injury, I wasn't losing any weight (had actually gained 20 lbs from the excess fluid of the clot).

Well, after about a month, things began to correct themselves.  The swelling started to go down.  I still was dealing with the anemia, but it was getting better.  I was able to go back to work.  By May, I was losing weight at a good clip.  I was feeling better and better about myself.  A year and 3 months out, I am at a "normal" BMI and I would do it all over again and suffer all the same things again if need be.  But, this is a massive surgery.  It is important to know that complications are very real and it is something that you have to understand.  But, with following the guidelines and your doctor's instructions, the rewards of the surgery are massive as well.

I wish you great success in any decision that you make! 

Closure,

It is normal to be scared and nervous at this point. I had a few moments of reget in the hospital, when I was nauseous and though is this what I'm going to feel like!! The nurses gave me zofran and it helped tremendously. Walking on the unit was the best medicine. I felt sooo much better after a walk. The more I walked the better I felt. (sounds gross)But I was passing gas on post op day 2 and I really felt better!!

Once home I had to fine my way with what I could eat and drink, It seems trial and error works best. Some things work better then others. Soups have been my best friend and the magic bullet is the best invention known to WLS patients. I have to admit I have not felt this good in years. I went to the local mall today and walked for 20 mins and it was great!!

Don't let your fears keep you a prisoner in your body, relize your goals are attainable and go for it!!!!

Keep in touch Pat K.

Hi,

I had RNY, WLS back in Sept 04.  Thought I skated through it compared to other's stories of complications.

The only other abdominal surgery I'd had in the past was having my tubes tied about 13 years ago.

WELL... July 14 I ended up in the ER with an incarcerated, strangulated hernia, which yes was probably distantly related to the weight loss surgery.  Mainly because WLS can leave scar tissue growing inside?  And, the hernia I had tried to exit near my kidneys and liver and take some bowels with it, so they had to resect some bowels.

Was a bit scary.  My gastric bypass was laporscoropic.  I went in with severe stomach pain July 14, and "came to" a few days later with a full vertical "zipper" of staples, a little over 1 foot long.

I had always been warned that a full stomach opening may be necessary with the surgery, and had thought I'd sailed pass that possibility.

The thing is... I've learned more lately, about how there is still a lot of information/ data missing about the results of years post WLS.  Osteoporosis etc, seem to be the main concern.

I know an older lady, who had original stomach stapling back in the early 70's.  She ended up gaining most of her weight back, and now is bed ridden and can't control her bowels.

So, Is it worth it? 

In my opinion, if you're at a point in your life that you're in pain and miserable all the time... and every diet you've tried doesn't work... than maybe!  Just remember, you may be trading a few years of feeling better, looking better, for some delayed health problems that will surface later.

For me, ,my knees were hurting so bad, and I was so tired and miserable all the time, at the time I would have given anything to lose weight.

I still have yet to regain the consistant day to day energy I had before surgery.  But of course there are those days where you look in the mirror and go "whoaaa" I look pretty good!  And feel good too... that make it all feel worth it.

I wanted to come on and post about my recent surgery/ hernia... but am still recovering... so if you guys can recomment a good spot for me to post some of this , please let me know.

Finally, If you're not sure... don''t do it.  I was 100+++ % sure.  There are some really hard times ahead.  And without the committment they''ll be evern harder.

I have a few suggestions for diets to try.  Adding sugar free pudding with protein powder to your daily diet can really help. I have had a lot of probs with low blood sugar, and the protein powder mix really helps to regulate that.

O.k.  enough out of me.

I see your post was in June.  Did you ever go through with it?

Equinu.
V.

I changed my mind at the last minute and have postponed my surgery for now as I have until February 2010 for my approval to run out (I have Kaiser).  The reason is that, in doing more research, I am finding as some others have posted here, that the longer term side effects of WLS are not well documented but that some things are emerging, such as: nutritional deficiencies leading to severe osteoarthritis, anemia and impaired neurological function.  I don't feel so bad that I want to trade my current health care concerns for those potential future ones, all things being relative.  Because, as advised above, I'm not 100%+++ sure, I'm opting to wait until and if I am.  However, I certainly do support everyone's right to make this decision and am very very happy for those for whom it's turned out to be a godsend and life changer.