Hoping you can help....

I have few, actually alot, of questions I was hoping people would be able to give me their feeling on regarding their own personal experience..so here it goes... 1. Why did you chose RNY? 2. Was the surgery and recovery painful? 3. When were you able to resume work? 4. How many days did you spend in the hospital?  5. Any foods you can not tolerate now? 6. What type of suppliments/vitamins will you be on for life? 7. How much of your intestine did your surgeon bypass? 8. Hair Loss? 9. Loose Skin? 10.  Any  other complications you have experienced? 11. Thing you miss the most that you had prior to surgery? 12. Any regrets? 13. What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? 14. Outsiders reaction to your surgery an dresults? 15. Would you tell someone to have the surgery if they asked you? (Have a co-worker that has had it but tells me NOT to have it because there are not long term studies done on the effect sof the surgery on the body. Any other information would be greatly appreciated....I am currently doing my 6 month spvr. diet with my Dr and am using these 6 months to "prep" myself  for as much as I can...

ok here's my 2 cents lol 1.After learning of the failure rate & possible problems w/Lap band & that it really isn't recommended for us superobese people I picked RNY 2.It was not unbearable but it hurts.but if u do what they say it does get better fast.HAd a burning tearing sensation after the 1st week & it lasted for a couple of weeks but this is normal & as much as it sucked once it stopped you forget quickly 3.Went back in 10 days & Im a hairdresser so I was on my feet.HAd I gotten paid leave I woulda taken more time because you get tired fast. 4.Surgery Monday home Wednesday 5.Not really as long as I chew well,eat slowly & food is moist enough 6.Multi,B's,iron,calcium 7.NOt too sure.Does that matter?Never heard anyone ask this.Just curious. 8.Started @ 3 months & still going on no one can tell but me...so far:( 9.I notice my inner thighs but I still have a ways to go.I am so grateful my belly isn't hanging too much yet 10.Not really just crazy periods ever since heavy & loooooong.Gyno put me on meds for 3 months to help balance the flood of estrogen.I guess we store it in our fat 11.Every now & then PEPSI lol 12.Only that I waited sooooo long 13.B-Either a protein shake or an egg or oatmeal.L-salad with tuna or chicken,or soup or chili-D-chicken or beef(need the iron cuz of #10  lol.Some veggies salad if I have my choice Snacks are sf pudding,sf ice cream usually fruit.O and a ton of water lol 14.VAries mostly positive but every now & then the idiots surface & you just wanna slap 'em.My male clients seem more impressed than alot of the women.A couple women asked me if I lost anything yet.Come on you can't notice 80 lbs!My boss who's fat makes sure she tells people who praise me too much about her sisters failure w/the lapband & how  everyone gains it all back in time.I just ignore her I know she's just jealous 15.Y did she have it then?HAs it worked for her or has she abused this great tool?MAybe she's worried you'll look better.Everyone who asks I refer them to this site ,tell them this was the best thing I've done for me.As for long term effects, what about the effects of living your life being morbidly obese? Only you can decide if this is for you.I was so scared of dying during surgery,it took me 5 years to take the chance.Finally positive thoughts won over my fear even though I was terrified I had hope.And so far so good Best of luck on your journey through wls.WE are here to support you just let us know how we can help 

Ask away! 1)  I used RNY because I wasn't a volume eater - I made wrong choices.  I would snack my way through the day.  I wanted the "fear" of being sick on to much sugar and to much fat.  I wanted something to help me change my way of thinking about food.  I can't eat much now (even though I never ate much at one time to begin with), and I am very pre occupied with my protein intake, and therefore, if it's not protein, I basically don't want it.  Every surgical option is a tool - and you must learn to use to the tool.  You can be skinny and still be completely unhealthy.  I wanted to be healthy, not skinny. 2)  I didn't have to much pain after surgery.  In the hospital, for the first day, they had me on morphine, but a machine with a button, so you only took it when needed.   After that it was liquid medication which I took to help me sleep.  Yes, there was discomfort, but nothing ridiculous. 3)  Work for me was a little complicated.  I'm an ER nurse and have been beaten (literally) by out of control patients before - so my surgeon was concerned.  Then I had an un related heart problem after surgery.  I was out for 8 weeks, but really felt good enough to go back around 4 weeks 4)  Surgery was Tuesday morning.  I was discharged Thursday morning. 5)  Anything "dense and doughy" but I'm supposed to stay away from carbs anyway.  I can't do english muffins, rice, or pannini's AT ALL  I have NOT experimented with high sugar high fat foods, so I don't know if I dum*****t 6) I take:  2 adult vitamins a day (one morning, one night), 100mg of b1, 1000mcg of b12, 500mg of calcium citrate + D.  I also have had some problems with constipation since surgery, so I take fiber tablets as well 7)  I honestly don't know 8)  Yep...starting at 3 mos 1 week out.  I still am losing it - but have been told somewhere around 7 mos it starts coming back.  I tried the biotin supplements - I grew hair everywhere else, but not my head.  It wasn't worth the extra pills a day.  I'm no where near bald, and only I really notice it, others don't 9)  Starting too - I explained that one in another post to you 10)  No complications other than occassional constipation 11)  ABSOLUTELY NOTHING 12)  THAT I DIDN'T DO IT SOONER 13)  I have SIX small meals a day per my surgeon.  Typical menu:  B)  Greek yogurt (higher in protein) sweetened w/ splenda and berries added S)  1 or 2 Polly o 2% cheesesticks L)  Salad with deli meat, or chicken breast, or home made chilli S)  1/2 cup ff ricotta cheese with either spaghetti sauce heated up or with splenda and cinnamon D)  Red meat 1-2/week.  Mini burgers (no bun), chili, steak, filet mignon whatever.  Or a chicken dish of some sort, or shrimp (I LOVE shrimp) S)  Soy milk, or soy protein chips  I do have fruits and veggies with my meals (like mushrooms and onions with my meat, or broccoli and carrots with my chicken)  My protein goal is 70gm for the day.  My fat content is to be no more than 10gm per meal, with a goal of 14-40gm per day total 14)  I had a lot of resistance before surgery - I was to young, I hadn't tried hard enough etc etc etc.  People notice my happiness now, love the way I look, are amazed at the complete transformation of my eating habits and MY control over food as opposed to food controlling me.  I did opt NOT to tell some people as I knew they were dead set against the surgery - and they can't figure out my weight loss, and I don't care. 15)  Yes, but I also tell them that this is NOT the easy fix.  You MUST be willing to work for it.  You MUST be willing to take supplements for life.  You MUST be willing to exercise daily.  You MUST be willing to cut out sugar and fat.  People regain weight ALL the time after surgery - and many times is because they dont' follow the rules for life.  Oh, and you MUST be committed to drinking at least 64 ounces of non carbonated caffeine free fluids per day.  It's a tool - and only you can use your tool. Pam

Hi Stacey, Here is my story.  I was told about Gastric Bypass Surgery (RNY)  over 10 years ago.  I would say that I would never seek surgery for weight loss that I could do it on my own.  Well 10 years later I realized that the surgery was the only way for me to finally learn how to finally eat right.  I have know regrets.  I am down 123lbs!!! and feel so good.  I walk everyday now for at least an hour and that is how I am able to tone up the extra skin that I have.  I carried my extra weight on the bottom half of me so walking helps me.  I never carried any weight around my stomach so I don't need a tummy tuck or anything.  I have always had big arms so there is extra skin there, but when I where clothes no one can tell,  I am not trying to win a beauty contest I just wanted to be healthy and more active.  The only complication I have had is acid reflux after the surgery which is controlled by taking prilosec otc everyday.  I eat mostly protein at my meals, and stay away from sweets and carbs, I don't like the feeling i get from them, so I just stay away from it.  Too much sugar or carborhydrates gives me a uneasy feeling, so the surgery has actually helped me stay away from bad food.  I believe in God and if it is meant for you to have the surgery than it will be done.  No one can make this decision for you.  Everyone is different, know one knows whether the surgery will help you or not or whether you will have complications or not.  If you want to lose the weight and keep it off than with or without the surgery you have to make a decision to change your life.  Don't think that the surgery is a quick fix, thinking that you can eat whatever you want after you have the surgery, because you will gain the weight BACK!!!!  If you want the surgery to help you to finally change your eating habits, than the surgery is for you.  I hope I was able to help you in making the right the decision.  Good-Luck!!!

Stacy - welcome to the WLS journey -- I would strongly suggest that you start going to WLS  support groups while you are preparing for surgery -- all of these questions can be answered by a variety of people and you would gather significant valuable info. The Ocean County WLS Support Group meets twice a month -- the first Friday of each month at Community Medical Center in Toms River - Auditorium A at 7pm, and the third Monday of each month at Kimball Medical's Center for Healthy Living, 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood, at 7pm. The next Lakewood meeting is Monday April 21st -- hope to see you there! Nannette

Okay... I will answer all of these that I can for you! 1. Why did you chose RNY?  Honestly, I was "set" on the LapBand when I went to my surgeon's informational seminar.  He told us, however, that if you are a 40 year old woman and can't get to the gym every day, the LapBand isn't going to be the best option for you.  Well, I was 39 at the time, and I can't get to the gym every day.  I changed my mind at that seminar and I have never looked back.
2. Was the surgery and recovery painful?  For me - NO.  But everyone is different.  Have you had any surgical procedures before?  Only you can honestly tell yourself what your pain threshhold is.
3. When were you able to resume work?  I was out of work for 12 days.  I work as a legal secretary and had to make adjustments as far are moving files around the office etc.  You will most likely be tired for a few weeks, but work was totally do-able for me at that point.
4. How many days did you spend in the hospital?   My insurance approved me for 2 nights in the hospital.  I had surgery Monday morning and went home (to my parents' house) on Wednesday afternoon.  I probably would have been fine to go home the day before that, though.
5. Any foods you can not tolerate now?  I have been very lucky in that there really isn't anything that I have tried that I can't tolerate.  I will say that early on egg yolks gave me some trouble, but that didn't seem to last very long (then again, I honestly don't eat a lot of eggs).
6. What type of suppliments/vitamins will you be on for life?  I currently take 2 multi-vitamins a day,  4 calcium citrate supplements (with Vitamin D added), 2 extra Vitamin D supplements; 2 B-Complex sublinguals and 2 biotin supplements.  I split all that into 2 "doses" each day - morning and night.  Depeding on my lab results, I will adjust all of this.   It is IMPERATIVE that you commit to regular lab work and vitamins and supplements!
7. How much of your intestine did your surgeon bypass?  I honestly have no idea.  I believe that he keeps it "proximal."
8. Hair Loss?  I had some, but it is growing back.  The hair loss is a result of the shock to your system from the surgery itself.  Some women experience the same thing when they give birth.  There is nothing that will prevent this loss if you are going to have it... but it WILL grow back!  On the other hand, protein and/or vitamin deficiency can result in hair loss as well - another reason to keep up with your lab work.
9. Loose Skin?  I've lost 157 lbs in 13 months... YES... I have loose skin.  I think it's preferable to when it was filled with FAT!
10.  Any  other complications you have experienced?  I have not had any complications so far.
11. Thing you miss the most that you had prior to surgery?  Honestly, there are times when I wish that I could eat like I used to.  In the big picture, however, there's nothing that I miss so much that I wish I could go back in time and undo the surgery.
12. Any regrets?  NONE whatsoever.  Some people will say that they only regret they didn't do it sooner.  I don't even have that regret - as I believe that things happen in their own time, and I wasn't ready to do this sooner!
13. What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?  For breakfast, I generally have a Dannon Light & Fit raspberry yogurt or, more recently, a snack size cottage cheese.  For lunch I do about a cup of homemade turkey chili.  Dinner can be pretty varied.  Lately, I have been having a protein bar at 5:00 PM when I leave work, then later in the evening (maybe around 7 PM), I will havea South Beach Living Pepperoni Pizza.  This has been working for me, so I've been sticking with it.  I don't mind being in a routine... food is just a necessary thing, but I've always kinda looked at it that way - I just used to like to eat lots and lots of it!
14. Outsiders reaction to your surgery an dresults?  I have had nothing but positive reactions from people.  It's actually gotten a bit embarassing.  I do get people asking me over and over if I feel alright, etc... I just tell them that I really do feel great!.
15. Would you tell someone to have the surgery if they asked you? (Have a co-worker that has had it but tells me NOT to have it because there are not long term studies done on the effect sof the surgery on the body.  Surgery is a very personal decision.  I actually tend to tell people NOT to go by my experience, because it really has been so easy for me, at least so far.  There is no way to know how you will do after surgery.  As long as you research and are aware of all the things that COULD go wrong, and are comfortable taking that risk for yourself, then I say go for it.  I had total peace with my decision.  I never got nervous about it... not even that morning in the hospital.  I just knew that because God had brought me to it, He was going to bring me through it... and He has, for sure! Best of luck to you on your journey.  Research, research, research, and don't be afraid to ask all those questions spinning in your head! Wendy

1. Why did you chose RNY? I had had enough of being fat, and of failing at diet after diet. 2. Was the surgery and recovery painful? Not for me. Once the morphine drip was removed on day three, I switched to Tylenol and never took anything stronger. 3. When were you able to resume work? I gave myself four weeks. I was very tired, and I'm glad I didn't have to go back sooner. 4. How many days did you spend in the hospital? I went in on Friday, was supposed to be released on Sunday, but I had a complication and had to have a second surgery on Saturday. I was there until Tuesday. 5. Any foods you can not tolerate now? So far, have had no problems with any food. 6. What type of suppliments/vitamins will you be on for life? Calcium, b-12, multi with iron, nexium. 7. How much of your intestine did your surgeon bypass? Don't know. 8. Hair Loss? I'm two months out, and it just started falling out. 9. Loose Skin? Haven't lost enough weight yet to see any. 10. Any other complications you have experienced? Within 24 hours of my surgery, I started to run a fever and my heart rate was high. They suspected a leak, so the next day they operated again to see if they could find and fix a leak. They didn't find anything, and chalked my symptoms up to pneumonia, which they treated with anti-biotics and breathing treatments. Since coming home, the only thing I had was an infected incision. 11. Thing you miss the most that you had prior to surgery? Nothing. 12. Any regrets? I'm disappointed that my weight loss has been so slow. Sometimes I worry that I'm not going to lose any more. I would regret the surgery if the weight doesn't come off. 13. What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? breakfast: a protein shake made with skim plus, kashi hot cereal, 1/2 light yogurt with 1/2 banana, or egg with cheese and salsa. lunch: slice of deli meat with slice of cheese and lf mayo, or 1/2 banana with 1/4 cup cottage cheese, or small salad with a little deli meat or grilled chicken. Dinner: chicken and veggies. Sometimes a little whole wheat pasta or brown rice. Sugar free popsicle, cheese stick or almonds for snack. 14. Outsiders reaction to your surgery and results? Everyone is excited and wants to know how I'm doing. I told everyone. Even the Starbucks lady and the teller at the bank asks how I am and how things are going. 15. Would you tell someone to have the surgery if they asked you? I think its a very personal decision. I would do a lot of research, try everything, and when all else fails, consider the surgery. Good luck!

p.s. sorry that is all run together. For some reason, when I put in returns, they don't show up and the text just all runs together. I promise I didn't type it that way.

1. Why did you chose RNY?      It's more permanent and you usually get better results quicker - I had alot to lose
2. Was the surgery and recovery painful?     No matter what, it is stomach surgery and it takes time to heal.  Everyone heals at their own pace.  I definately consider myself one of the lucky ones.  I did not think the surgery was very painful at all (I do have severe arthritis and sometimes it seems I am used to more pain than the average person)  Most everybody is up and walking the night of or morning after surgery depending when you are done.
3. When were you able to resume work?     If I HAD to go back, it could have been in about 2 weeks, I felt totally human again at 3 weeks.  I took my doctors advise and stayed out 6 weeks so I could concentrate on re-learning how to eat and get use to the new regime.
4. How many days did you spend in the hospital?      In Tues - out Thurs
5. Any foods you can not tolerate now?     Personally, NO.   My dietician says you have to keep in mind that early on you may find you can eat something today but next week it can bother you.  Everything has to be taken slow until your body gets used to the changes.
6. What type of suppliments/vitamins will you be on for life?     These are decided on by your doctor as to what you need
7. How much of your intestine did your surgeon bypass?
8. Hair Loss?     Thinned a little - Shampoo called NIOXIN helps alot
9. Loose Skin?     Some
10.  Any  other complications you have experienced?     None
11. Thing you miss the most that you had prior to surgery?      Nothing
12. Any regrets?       None
13. What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?        Most of what I had before except the items heavy in fat, fried or sugary.   Now eating 4 - 6 oz per meal
14. Outsiders reaction to your surgery an dresults?       I did it for ME - not for anyone else.  My family & friends are totally supportive - they saw what I was going through.
15. Would you tell someone to have the surgery if they asked you? (Have a co-worker that has had it but tells me NOT to have it because there are not long term studies done on the effect sof the surgery on the body.       That's a totally personal decision.   I kept it to my immediate family until I had the surgery because I didn't want to listen to anyone try to talk me out of it.  The surgery scares people - especially those who are not educated about it.
Please go to some support groups or pre-surgery meetings - they will help you tremendously with all your questions.  Don't be afraid to talk to others at the meeting.  Many times, surgeons will have past patients there just for that reason - talk to them! Good Luck

Hi Stacey, here we go,

1. Why did you chose RNY?

    Because i would eat, whatever, whenever. I would eat at all times, Love sweets, pasta, rice, bread etc. I needed to loss weight fast and start eat healthy ASAP.

2. Was the surgery and recovery painful?

    Surgery was not painful (you're under medication), recovery was Ok it took me about 7 days to fell better.

3. When were you able to resume work?

I took all 6 weeks off, but i was ok to go back to work in 2 weeks. I just wanted the time off to be with my daughter.

4. How many days did you spend in the hospital? 

   My surgery was on Monday and i was home by Wednesday.

5. Any foods you can not tolerate now?

    Pasta, bread and sweets. The sight of candy or chocolate makes me gag.

6. What type of suppliments/vitamins will you be on for life?

    At this moment i do Multi-Vitamin, B12 and Calcium Citrate.

7. How much of your intestine did your surgeon bypass?

    I know there was some intestine bypassed but i dont how much,

8. Hair Loss?

Not yet

9. Loose Skin?

Not yet

10.  Any  other complications you have experienced?

None

11. Thing you miss the most that you had prior to surgery?

Sometimes when my eyes are bigger than my stomach i miss eating everything  i see.

12. Any regrets?

No regrets, i would have never lost 52lbs in 9 weeks on my own.

13. What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Breakfast is my protein shake, Lunch in turkey, cheese and lettuce 1/2 sandwich (no bread), Dinner is Chicken soup and vegetables or Beef Soup, Snack prior to bed is cheese and crackers or pretzels.

14. Outsiders reaction to your surgery an dresults?

They are surprise to how different i look. Possitive reaction ALL the time.

15. Would you tell someone to have the surgery if they asked you? (Have a co-worker that has had it but tells me NOT to have it because there are not long term studies done on the effect sof the surgery on the body.

I would tell the whole world if i had the chance.

Hope it helps!!!

Miriam