Any Regrets ??????

Holla chicos e chicas, que tal? Well, I haven't had my surgery yet, however, I'm having some concerns: 1.) Am I doing the right thing? 2.) Will I regret my decision? 3.) How differently will my family and friends view me? 4.) Am I considered a loser because I opted for the "easy" way out rather than exercise and eat right? 5.) Will I have another set of different medical problems after the procedure? I've discussed this problems with my surgeon but I would like to hear from you, please help me, not make a wrong choice...... Here is a question to all."If you knew then what you know now, will you still go for it....Why?"... Thank for your help...Carolbear

WOW...Hard question...I have no regrets, I also don't have any complications... My family doesn't view me any different matter of fact they forget that I've had surgery sometimes and offer me candy or cake or something like that.. I would do it again.. I have researched this surgery for a couple of years...and finally had it done in 7-2005 The only I do regret is nothing being more prepared for the emotional roll coaster ride the you will have the 1st couple of month...you start to doubt yourself,,, you go thru the "what did I do to myself" or "Will I ever be able to eat normal again.. Well 7 month later and I can say yes that I'm normal and can eat normal things...no complications what so ever. Research...Research is the #1 key... Linda RNY 7-25-05

Thank you for answering my question...it is very helpfull.... If you don't mind me asking, what type of emotinal roller coaster did you go through?......This is one of the things that I worry about.. I am a single parent of three wonderful kids, ages 20 (girl), 18 (boy), and 5 (boy)....My 18yr. old son does not want me to go thru this. He tells me that he loves me and that he doesn't want me to change, he also tells me that he doesn't want to see me any other way...Yeasterday I told him that it would be nice to have a slim mother at his high school grauation instead of an overweight one, he told me that it would be embarrasing that people know that I had to go thru a surgery instead of doing other things. It really made me feel sad and I cried...for he had never said anything like that to me. He is normally a sweet, wonderful young (slim) man. We have a great relationship but from the start he has been opposed to it and has told me so. I worry about being so involved in my quest, that I go thru other (worse) things and I would not be there for my children. They look up to me. I am their rock and for me to not be there for them would kill me. I know that everyone is different but how long did the emotional or other complications last...what is the recovery time...will I ever be normal again????????????????????? Thank you, Carolbear

I was depress for like 2 weeks but I had my kids on summer vacation that would stay with me...it was only when I was by myself that I felt depressed...and the eating issue you will get use to eating on a time table...at 1st I was like no way I can't eat 5-6 times a day...but now its no biggy I'm eating about 5 meals a day an average of 900 calories...it eat normal have no complication on eating or drinking...I won't try anything the is over 9 grams of sugar because my dr said to stay with 8 grams of sugar...I haven't ever dump (knock on wood)...I love the new me...I don't think I've changed. I really think that your son said that you to because he is afraid to lose you, you have always been his support system and he is afraid if he says this is ok that you will go ahead with the surgery.. I had several family member that didn't want me to do this, but i told them I'm doing it for me and no one else... I have 3 kids ages 12, 14 & 16 (fixing to be 17) and alot of things went thru my mind am I going to be here to see my daughter 15th celebration or just the little thing... You really need to look deep down inside of you and ask yourself is this what I really want... Good Luck with your decision Linda RNY 7-25-05

Hi Carol, I had my surgery 1/24/06. I am almost one month out. The only regret I had was the first two days I got home from the hospital. I asked myself, "what have I done to myself", but after two days, I really started to feel great. My life has changed so much already. I used to be in so much pain when I showered that I would have to sit down immediately to stop the pain. Now I am enjoying my showers again, and my partner was even surprised to hear me singing in the shower. I hadn't done that in years. I can't explain to you how much better I feel, but I have no doubt that I am doing the right thing. I was headed toward a coffin. Now I have a second chance at life. Your son is scared. He doesn't want to lose his mom. Maybe if you explain to him that you are doing this for your health so that you will be able to be with him for many long years, he will understand. Also, maybe if you took him to the surgeon with you so that things can be explained to him. I would like to answer your questions: 1) without a doubt 2) not if you follow the surgeons directions and do what you need to do. 3) hopefully those who love you will support you and realize you are doing what you need to do for yourself and your children. You will still be the same person, only happier and more active. 4) Anyone who tells you that you are taking the "easy" way out is not educated on WLS. It is in no way the "easy" way out. Just ask anyone who has gone through it. It is a struggle every day, and it requires a complete life style change. If someone says that to you, then maybe they need to educate themselves on it. 5) Everyone is different. I am blessed in that, so far, I have had no complications. Best thing to do is to arm yourself with knowledge. Join a support group (your surgeon's office should have a list), and post on the boards. I don't know about you, but prayer helps me a lot. Any time you have a question or concern, please talk to someone, or post. I have found OH to be so helpful, and I joined a support group before my surgery. Most important of all, remember that you are doing this for yourself, and your children. If other people want to judge you or discourage, that is their problem. You do what you need to do for yourself! Feel free to email me if you need to talk. Also, please keep us posted. I wish you all the best! Rosa

Thank you Rosa and LLuna, your thoughtfulness and caring means so much to me....I'm really scared but I'm also scared of not doing anything about it right now....I don't have many health problems; I have sleep apnea and sleep with a c-pap, I have varicose veins throughout my entire leggs and thights, I also have a slipped disc which allows me to suffer chronic back spain and spasms but the worst is that it also gives me chronic legg pain, cramps, and numbness. My job (surgical tech), requires me to stand for the entire case, however long it is. If I'm scrubbed on an eye case, which I sit, it is just as bad. I can't do either, stand or sit, for long periods of time. My legg and back pain is killing me, by the middle of the day I am in tears and unable to take anything stong (they took Bextra off the market, it was the only thing that would help), so I finsh the day with over 1000milligrams of Tylenol. Sleeping, forget it, although the c-pap makes it better....my back and legg pain are a constant reminder. In late October '05, I noticed a new ailment. My knees and ankles have started to swell and ache, by mid afternoon....By the end of the day, it was (is) hard for me to walk....Why am I gong through this, I'm only 36. I know that I don't have other problems like other people, such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, but that is what I am hoping to avoid...I don't want to have a non reversible or life threatening problem, so that is my justification.... I've tried talking to Jason (my son), but he says that he loves me the way I am and I shouldn't feel like I have to be skinny to look beautiful. He tells me that Iam beautiful and that I may make a decision that I won't be able to tkae back and then I'm left hating myself without being able to chang anything back.................. Again, thanks for your supprt and encouragement......I need it. Good luck and please keep posting, I enjoy my new family....Warm regards, Carolbear P.s. It's raining in sunny California, it is so cold...I know, were wimps

Hi Carol, I know you said you talked to your son about the surgery and he said he thinks you are beautiful just the way you are. I think it's important to tell him that you are not doing this to be "beautiful", but that you are doing it because you want to live a long and healthy life. I can assure you that you will feel so much better physically if you get the surgery. Right now you are young and somewhat healthy, but it will only get worse, and more than likely you will continue to gain weight. When I was 36, I didn't have all the medical problems I have now. I am 44 and I am now a diabetic, have sleep apnea, and before surgery I was unable to walk from one room to another without being in pain. I used to have to get a motorized cart to ride on when I went shopping, and if the store didn't have one, then I left. If you don't get the surgery, the chances are that your health will only get worse, and you will probably be unable to continue to work. I am not trying to push the surgery on you, but I just know how much better my life is now, and it's only been almost one month since I had it. I wish you the very best no matter what you choose to do. Please keep us updated. Hugs, Rosa

Goodmorning Rosa, I hope that you are feeling good. Keep up the fantastic work. Soon you will be a success story. I read your journal, and I'm so happy that your diabetes is getting better. Wow, you asound just like me, scared, wondering, and so full of hope. Thank you for your kind words.....On a good note, I finally had the EGD. All seems well (negative for H. pylori). I do have acid reflux and some polyps that Dr. Rosenberg removed. John from Dr. Nishi's office told me that he will give my file to the group and they , HOPEFULLY, pick me to be scheduled for surgery, next. The practice is very big, they do about 4 or 5 bariatric cases a day. I'll have more info on Monday.....Good luck and use the power of prayer..God Bless.....Warm regards, Carolbear

Hi Carolbear, I had acid reflux too, but since surgery I have not taken any meds for it and have had absolutely no problems at all. I think it's great that the practice you are going to has such experience. From what I understand, the more patients they have done, the better the chances of success. I am so happy for you! God bless you too. I will be praying that it all goes well for you. Big Hugs, Rosa

On a good note, my insurance approved me to have an EGD with anesthesia (because of the sleep apnea). I am scheduled for tommorrow, Monday at 1:30pm. Dr. Mario Rosenberg, the GI doctor, is a fantastic and caring man. He is excited for me and he tells me that all will go great...Thank you and please, I would appreciate any prayers and well wishes!!!!!!! This is the final test, when the results of the h-pylori come back, Dr. Nishi's office will submitt my paper work to the insurance......YIPPPEEE!!!!!