Regrets?

Troy, Just about Everyone, in their first couple of weeks, (even some into their third week) Have a complete and total- “What The F’k Did I Do to Myself?!?!” Just about Everyone, as they approach the end of the first year, (even some not until into their second) Have a complete and total- “Why Did I not Do This Years Ago!?!?!” I had Open Heart Surgery some years back To replace a bad Aortic Valve With a Fake one. I could have limped along for a few years By altering my diet completely, Getting super safe exercise regime going That was not taxing on my system, And take it easy and hope for as much time as I could Till Heart Disease finally took me out. Oddly, No one “Warned Me” how risky it was Or tried to talk me out of it. I had Weight-Loss Surgery some years back To alter a perfectly fine Digestive System With a modified one. I could have limped along for a few years By altering my diet completely, Getting super safe exercise regime going That was not taxing on my system, And take it easy and hope for as much time as I could Till Obesity finally took me out. Oddly, Every one “Warned Me” how risky it was Or tried to talk me out of it. For those who have not personally experienced the outcomes, There is a natural tendency to see this surgery As “Screwing up” something that works well. In Fact, Too Well. After My Heart Surgery, I went right on with what had been my typical, routine life. (I did quit smoking) But for the most part, the surgery “Fixed me.” After My Weight-Loss Surgery, I was forced to completely alter everything that had been Typical, in order to build a life that was actually “Normal.” For the most part, the surgery allowed ME to “Fixed me.” I often recommend Heart Surgery for those who need it. And often pass on that I was back to my routine in a couple of weeks. “If you’ve got a couple weeks to dedicate to it, Go For it!” I rarely recommend Weight-Loss Surgery, even for those who need it. And often pass on “My Profile.” “Go For It! But only if you can dedicate the rest of your Life.” I had a really rough start, But Regrets? None. My Heart Surgery gave me a chance at Life. My WLS gave me a Life Worth Living. There are folks who don’t end up healthy and “Normal Sized.” They are rare. Sometimes it is due to their actions, Sometimes it is not at all. Sometimes it is due to their Doctor’s screw-up, Sometimes it is not at all the Doctor’s mistake. Sh*t Happens. Sort of like car wrecks…. Could be a drunk driver, could be a freak tire blow-out, Could be a tree falling into the road, etc, etc…. Accidents happen. But, Oddly, even though the odds Of Death due to a Car Accident ? - “1 in 247,” And the odds of Death due to Surgical Complication? - “1 in 1,222,” No One has ever tried to Talk me Out of Driving home from work. Make your decisions based on knowing what you are in for, Not on emotional appeals, Not on “hype” from others overjoyed by their new lives, and Not on “second-guessing” or Anxiety When you are nervous about the changes ahead. Sounds like you’ve researched it and have realistic expectations. Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks for all the replies guys. It is good to know that I am not the only person that has gone through this.

I do know that friends mean well and I know it is genuine concern for me, so I take it that way.

I also do believe that this board has played a major role in my education about WLS. I do not feel like I am going into this blind, I do not believe this is going to be easy, but I do believe that with the help of this tool I will finally be able to shed a hundred and forty or fifity pounds.

Here is the way I see this all going from here on out.

Step one start two week liquid diet. - I will probably be cranky, run down, and struggle through the two weeks, but I will suceed. Step two have my RNY surgery. - Wake up, feel like that is a good sign. Walk walk sip sip, all with the voice in the back of my head saying what in the world were you thinking! What have you done to yourself! I am prepared to struggle with head hunger, and feeling run down. As a side will probably drop some weight. Step three will happen some where down the road. - I will see substantial results from my weightloss. I will feel better, I will actually have more energy. I will be well on my way to a completely different relationship with food.  Step four will happen after I have reached goal. - I will be here helping answer questions along with DX and so many others. I will be amazed that at one time I came here just starting out on my incredible journey. Thanks for all the input, I am sure there will be more questions forthcoming. Troy

None dude.

 

You'll have none either.

There are lots of people who have regrets after WLS.....not the majority...but still a good number.  Surgery is some serious stuff...it's not like taking your car in for an oil and lube job.  There is a regrets forum ....and a Failed WLS forum.....and even an memorial page for people who died trying to get this better life.  Also if you float on the main forum for a bit, you'll see at least 1 or 2 posts a week about people *****gret having their surgeries because of serious complciations. Do i say this to "scare you"???? no way...but you should know all the facts before you have WLS.  I was scheduled origionally for the RNY and backed out of that surgery because I was scared, and I didnt' think i'd be happy with the RNY......when I went back to have surgery a year later, I found out about the DS, and had that instead.  I had no complications ...and have lost over 290 lbs...and couldn't be happier that I had surgery.  I have NO REGRETS regarding WLS.....but I do have life regrets......you know that I stayed fat so long, and didn't have WLS sooner. Scott

A couple of days after the surgery, I went through the "what the hell was I thinking stage", which only lasted a couple of days. It was smooth sailing from there.

It is a big adjustment, especially in the beginning, but it is totally worth it. Just remember, it is just a tool, not a magic pill. Stick with the pouch rules, and you will find it to be one of the best decisions you have ever made.

BTW - My cardiologist said it was the best decision I could have made, because in his opinion, the risks and damage from obesity far outweigh the potential complications from the surgery.

Good luck.

I agree with all here....my only regret is NOT doing this like a decade ago! Thinking back, I wonder now how I could have just 'shrugged' and gone and bought the next size up jeans, never wondering why my waist went from 38" to 60" over a decade or so.... Talk about "not paying attention" to your body and what you "looked" like and how you "did" stuff. So, regrets? NOT A BLESSED ONE AT ALL!!!  and great question too! Jim

Troy , I glad your friend is concerned for you but after weighing all the options it going to be your call. If you’re having a RYN then it is reversible under only extreme conditions. I was in same place you are now 18 months ago, and it worked out terrific for me, just look at my profile. You want to do the right thing and you think you have done your homework but there is that feeling that you may not need to go to such an extreme measure to lose weight. We have all walked your road, and ultimately only you can decide what is best for you. Family and friends all can have an opinion but it's your life and you have to do what is right for you. Living with obesity is killing you, how fast only time will tell. WLS offers a chance at a new beginning but everything has risks. I wish you the best of luck in whatever choice you make. The men of the locker room will be here to help where we can. Regards, Tim

I have a huge regret....................not doing it sooner.