Tell the truth....Complications

For those of you that have had complications, what kind of pre existing health problems did you have (ie...diabetes, hypertension, weight, etc). I know that anyone is at risk of having complications but I was really wondering what kind of other health problems you may have had that could have contributed to the complications. As or right now I have weight, hypertension controlled, diabetes (just diagnosed) and asthma but everything is really in decent condition compared to many. I know I am just getting nervous because my date is getting near. I know my question doesn't look like it make sense....but please do tell!

Very good question! I'm glad your checking out this forum. My highest weight was 368, today I am 153. Before my first surgery (I had to have a revision due to complications) I did have hypertension, major back problems, knee problems, sleep apnea, controlled diabetes, thyroid problems. Today I do not have the sleep apnea, but I am on double my blood pressure medication, my doctor tells me it is hereditary in my case. I have 2 sisters and 2 cousins who have had weight loss surgery with no complications at all. As you know the surgery carries a risk, their is a percentage of us who will have these unfortunate complications, due to no error on our part. I wish you the VERY best, its so good to be informed of all the risks involved.   Katrina

I had lapband surgery, so maybe my cir****tances don't apply, but I had no pre-existing comorbidities other than arthritis in my left ankle. 

I almost Bit It from my stupid surgeon not knowing what he was doing, apparently. I don't know if it was his first day on the job or if he was drunk or what, but he certainly didn't know what the hell he was doing when he sliced and diced me.

Make sure you have as much confidence in your surgeon as is humanly possible. THAT is the most important factor, in my opinion. If you have a crappy surgeon, you're pretty much doomed from the start. 

Good luck. I think you're very smart to ask as many questions as you can BEFORE your surgery! If you have any doubts about the abilities of your surgeon, cancel and find a new one. It's important, believe me.

Wishing you well,

Nicci

Good question. I didn't have pre-op conditions other than pre-diabetes glucose levels, but I had had 3 previous surgeries -- gall bladder, partial colon removal, and a temporary colostomy. Because of internal scarring concerns, my surgeon recommended the gastric sleeve. I don't think, though, that my previous surgeries contributed to my complication -- I developed a stomach leak (ugh!) and had a tough recovery. I followed all the directions and I had a good surgeon -- very rarely and without clear reasons things happen. Truly, though, complications are rare, and there's good reason for so many to be so positive. Good luck to you!

Pre Rny I only had issues with sleep apnea.  Now, at over 5 years, I have nesidioblastosis (low blood sugar), had to have 60% of my pancreas removed because of that, they also took my spleen.  Since then, I have developed small bowel bacterial overgrowth and iron deficiency anemia. 

I still have issues with low blood sugars, plus now, my fasting blood sugars are going up. 

Would I do it again?  I'm not sure I would.  I am more fatigued now that when I weighed 100 pounds more.  I have always been religious about getting enough protein, water and taking my supplements.  So I am proof that you can do things right and still have issues. 

The majority of people will not have these issues.  I am one of the unlucky ones.

Complications for the most part are just the luck of the draw - even when you have no co-morbids.  I had complications and no "real" co-morbids . . .yet!!!  It is just a matter of time when you are obese before diabetes HBP +++ all start happening.


I see you need to lose 157lbs - I'm no doc, but I do believe that you will have more complications long term  if you skipped WLS.

Good Luck,
L

I am not asking because I am not going to get the surgery, but I wanted to know what signs and signals I should be looking for in hopes of catching them early to prevent any real damage!

Just be positive.  Do everything that you are supposed to do then let go, and Let God.

Like if you are supposed to be on a pre-op diet now - do it to a tee this way when they go in your liver will be shrunk, you'll have less belly fat and the procedure will be smoother.

Post-op follow your diet, take your supplements, & exercise - can you believe we still have to do that!!!  WLS makes it easier though.  You will not regret.

Blessings to you,
Leila

u can read my profile..

Hey how are you doing post op?  I had Zorn.  He did a pretty good job on me.  I've lost over 250lbs but I've had complications.  I'm better now but boy, 2007 sucked for me! Read my story!