If you could would YOU do it again?

I am planning on having WLS. I am just starting with my presurgical testing. I was wondering - for those of you who have had complications ... Even going through your complications ... If you had the chance to make the decision again - Would you still choose to have your WLS? thanks in advance for your answers. Britt

Hi Britt.... I have had 2 WLS....the 1st in 1997 being the VBG and the 2nd last year being revised from the VBG to the RNY. I experienced complications after each surgery....with the VBG pneumonia but with the revision I experienced life threatening complications, 2 abcesses, a collapsed left lung(ended up with a chest tube for a week), a ruptured stomach pouch that formed a fistula to my peritoneal cavity(a penrose drain my abdominal cavity for 6 weeks) and low H&H(ended up getting 2 blood transfusions) and infections due to the leak( a week in the hospital on IV antibiotics and IV antifugals) and on a G-tube for 6 weeks with nothing by mouth during that period. Although I nearly died....I am more than gratiful to have had the revision! I am able to eat normally now(with the VBg I vomited after every meal and resorted to eating just sweets and things that would just slide through the silastic ring). I am off all my meds....even my 2 asthma meds, CHF meds, Hypertension. I am now able to exercise and do things that I would have never been able to do before. Would I do it again......yes in a heartbeat! I am now more determined to stay thin and be healthy. I am 37 years old and weigh 135 lbs and I am 5'8".....and I am determined to be here to see my 8 year old grow up, get married and have kids! Don't let my complications scare you...revisions are more tricky but it is better to go into surgery with the knowledge that things like this happen! Wishing u a complication free surgery......and a quick recovery. If you have any other questions please feel free to email me! Hugs, Dawn

Dawn, you are the best supporter ever. I ahve read several of your replues..very knowledgeable. I too am having a revisio from the VBG, in 13 days. My doc makes no diet change requirements pre-op. Wouldn't it be better to go liquid for a few days, or maybe the day before? Also, I have been told to eat three meals. I have always eaten the 3 smaller meals/3 snacks, spreading it out. Were you able to adapt to that regiment, or o you follw something else? Are you hungry? Thanks so much.

Thanks Dawn for sharing your story and your thoughts with me Britt

Britt- I had very major complications and truly almost died. I would do it again in a heartbeat!! I wasn't "living" pre-surgery the way I wanted to, so for me, this was my decision. I am doing well now and am very happy with how far I have come. Lynne

Thanks for your Reply Lynne. I am GLAD to hear that you are doing well now ...and LIVING LIFE! Take Care, ~ Britt~

Britt, I have more mixed emotions right now on whether I would do this again. So I will tell you a short version of my soap opera and you can decide. I have Lap RNY on June 23rd. I spent 5 days in ICU throwing uo blood and bile. One June 27th I went back into surgery for a twisted intestine. After 2 more days in ICU I was transfered to normal room. I remember about 3 hours of my ICU experience - all the bad parts After that my breathing went to hell in a hand basket. And I developed a terrible infection - abdominal cavity, blood - just thru my whole body and it settled in my left lung. I was sent home and made it 7 days - back to the ER in terrible pain - stomach and lung pain. Many tests later and lots of antibiotics and the dx was pneumonia with a parapneumatic pleural effsion. I stayed 9 days in the hospital with needle aspirations to my left lung and many many tests. I was discharged a few days again. Currently I am seeing a vascular thoractic surgeon for possibly another surgery on the left lung. More tests will tell whether my body is healing itself or he will have to go in and clear the pus and fluid from my lung. Will know more next week when the tests are done. Ok that is the bad part. I good part is, I have lost 43 pounds. I went into this surgery thinking the complications are not going to happen to me. I am young, 41 years old, I am a lightweight, 225 lbs., no severe complications from my obesity - no diabetes, or hypertension. Boy was I WRONG! Complications can and will happen to anyone. So prepare for complications and thank the good Lord when they don't happen to you. I was not prepared at all. I prepared my business and home for a 3 to 5 day hospital stay, not a 30 day stay. Everyone including me was unprepared. I feel terrible that my family thought I was going to die and the stress and worry I put them thru.............and myself too. Many days I thought the only way out of the hospital was going to be thru the morgue. So I guess for me the verdict is still out on whether I would do this again. Maybe in a year when the pain and memories fade I will feel different. Don't get me wrong I love the weight loss, but the memories are still too fresh to really enjoy the experience. Dana P

Dana, Wow! Thank you for taking the time to share your story. I am glad that you are out of the hospital and doing better. What a SCARE! I know what you mean... you know that there is the risk of complications ...but you never think that they can happen to you. YOU are proof that complications can happen to any of us. ** that is scary ** Congrats on your 43 pounds gone forever. I feel that I have done my homework and researched for 2 years ... I have seleted a great surgeon, he has done over 2000 procedures (my surgery will be lap). I know the risks and the benefits and feel that I have made the right choice for me. I truly appreciate your honesty and openess. I wish you a speedy recovery and complication free rest of your journey to the new you! ((hugs)) Britt

This is just a side note to my above post. Your surgeon, no matter how good and talented has patients who have complications. They are also human and make mistakes - no matter how talents and skilled they are. I am just saying this because I thought because I picked a 'Center of Excellence" and my Dr. was also recognized as a Center of Excellence Doctor, that I would not have complications. I am not saying this to change peoples minds about the surgery, cause Lord knows it would not have worked with me, but just so you may prepare ...........for maybe the unexpected. God Bless and I hope everyone has a complicated free surgery. Dana P

Thanks for Sharing Dana! Yes, you are right ... we can plan plan plan - research research research - and yes, human error can occur. I think the smartest thing anyone can do - is to gather thier research - find the best surgeon for them - learn the facts - the benefits and the RISKS - talk to others - and make the best decision for "them" Your post sheds light to no matter how well we plan - things / complications can still happen. I think going into this surgery well informed and ready to make a life change is key. hugs, Britt