Even with complications, I'd do it again.

I'm one of those few individuals that had extreme complications. I had Lap RNY 08/03. Two days later I was rushed to emergency surgery. I had a intestine rupture and was septic, with peritonitis. I was opened up and after about a 9 hour surgery that removed my spleen and reattached my semi digested insides and a lot of washing out of my insides, I woke in the ICU where I had been for about a week on heavy morphine. I had made it through the few nights where my chances had not been so good of making it. I had a G tube and a large open wound (about 12"x10") that had to heal "from the inside out." After about three weeks I was sent home with the feeding tube, with the wound that had to be repacked 3x a day. Two weeks later I was back in the hospital to have an internal infection drained. Some complications, so another week in the hospital. 4 months later, still on the feeding tube, but by now I am eating the dairy, eggs, soup and even adding chicken. But the wound was just not closing at any rate. So I'm back into the hospital during Thanksgiving to have a skin graft to cover the opening (Ouch that donor site) and to have the G tube removed. After another week in the hospital, I'm back at home. Because my abdomen area has no muscle tissue behind it, just a THIN layer of skin, I still must wear an abdominal binder, and will be in one until I have the surgery to restore my stomach muscles in place and remove my excess skin. I've gone from Approx.370lbs 08/03 to 225lbs 06/04. I'm walking about 3 miles every other day and have started working out with weights 3 days a week. I never had the hair loss issues that some have and I am following the diet information from my Dr. religiously. Even with the complications, that won't end until next summer when I plan to have my skin restored, I would do all again. I'll be far healthier in my mid-50's, than I ever was in my 30's.

I guess that makes you a brave soul. My dr.'s have sent me home to die, they don't wish to deal with me anymore. I would not do this over again. I am scared, I am sad, I cry everyday, I have a three year old that I miss...I wish I could turn back the hands of time. Wish you luck!

To Jessica O - Where are you? How are you? I was so upset to see your posting. I have not had my GBP yet and I'm thinking about not having it at all. Your words ("My dr.s have sent me home to die...") just made me so sad. You don't me and I don't know you but please know that you (and your family) are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you!

Jessica, I have read your profile and I cryed right along with reading it. My heart breaks for you and your family. I will pray long and hard that you heal quickly and completely and that you have many many more years with your precious little guy. I was so sucked in by all the before and after pictures that I was ready to sell my soul to accomplish what they did. I had to ground myself though and I set out to find all the "horror" stories. All it took was about four stories about the complications people had, other than death to completely eliminate any thought of having a bypass from my mind. I have four children and the thought that I could go to sleep and never wake to see them again was hard enough to digest but the complications that people have to live with now because of their surgery actually gave me nightmares for days. I have learned from other peoples experiences and I have to say thank you for sharing yours with us. I wish to God you never had to go thru any of this but I am thankful that you keep your profile current and you are completely 100% honest! Take care sweetie and know that you have alot of healing vibes coming your way...