Weight lost surgery.

Well i am happy iam getting the surgery but im getting scared now so many side affects and im thinking what if some thing bad happen need some one to talk to want to know if you felt scared.

Fear is normal as the reality of surgery hits...but for me, the most serious "side effect" were those assoicated with NOT having surgery. The medical issues of hypertension and high cholesterol, the toll that obesity took on my confidence and relationships....the future was indeed scary.

I found that a lot of my fears were relieved by becoming educated about my choice. You do not share which doctor you are working with, but that may help you make some good connections here. My dr. has an extensive educatonal program by the time you have consulted with her, the nutritionist, and others....you know exactly what to expect.

I also did some online research (including the New England Journal of Medicine) on bariatric surgery complications. While they do exist, the overall rate of complications is comparable to many other surgeries. You can/should also ask your doctor what complications he/she sees most, and if any steps are taken to avoid complications (Yes, there are actually steps that they can take before the end of the surgery to minimize the risk of leaks, for example.)

So read a lot. Ask questions here. List your questions and ask your doctor and his/her staff.
And it will help if you share a bit more personal informaton here - what part of PA you are in, who your dr. is, your age, how much you want to lose, when your surgery will be, etc.

THe PA forum is a great resource!

You say you're afraid of side effects? If you're overweight enough to qualify for weight loss surgery you should be more concerned with the side effects of obesity than this surgery. Yes you will have to take vitamins - yes it is surgery and there are risks involved in any surgery - yes your way of eating, drinking and thinking will change - for the better.

Do your homework - check out your surgeon and surgical center - make sure you are comfortable with their qualifications not only on the surgery but also care and support before and after the surgery. Wish you all the best.

It is natural to fear surgical intervention for something, as for the side effects, as the other two women *****sponded to you said, more than likely bad things will happen if you stay morbidly obese, as I believe that is why you are considering this surgery.  While all surgeries have certain risks, if you have done your homework and are utilizing a skilled surgeon, someone who has done bariatric surgery for some time, having it done in a facility that has good caregivers, you will reap benefits far greater than you can imagine. 

Even those among us who have had some issues post-operatively, if asked, would say, hell yeah, I'd do this over again in a heartbeat. . .   facts are that if YOU do your part post-operatively, you will more than likely live life as you only dreamed of as ever becoming a reality.

Best wishes as you go through your journey and this board is a wealth of supportive, experienced folks, all willing to help you along the way.

Laureen

Hi there,
I learned that fear was based on not knowing the answer to my questions.  What side effects are you afraid of? 

I am grateful that I had my surgery.  I got rid of being prediatbetic and needing cholesterol medicaiton.

Trish

hi
I'm not sure where you are from. many places off a support group. you are welcome to join the meetings at he barix clinic. they are free. all are welcome. you can see for yourself how the surgery works and how people deal with any side affects. the next meeting is the first Saturday in November at 11 am. if not try the surgeon up picked out and see if they have a support group.

seeing is believing.

OMG! We were ALL nervous before our surgery! It is a life changing event, but one worth taking. Do you need to change the way you eat? YES. Do you need to adjust the way you think about food? YES. Will you be able to live a normal life? YES. Will you be able to eat out? Eventually yes.

It took me five years to finally decide to have the surgery and I am so glad I did. I wish I would have done it sooner, but I was not ready. I encourage you to seek a support group in your area. If you are in the Philly area, Barix Support Group is the BEST!! I have met so many wonderful people and became friends with most of them during my journey. I think that is one of the best fringe benefits of being in this support group. OH helps alot too!!

As some of the others said, get educated, do research, and get as much support as you can!

17 months out, 130+ lbs gone and feeling GREAT!

Good luck on your journey....
We are here if you need us!
Beth

When we go around the room at our support groups I rarely very rarely hear anyone who said that they were sorry they did this.  And no one who walked thru these doors wasn't scared and if they tell you otherwise they are full of poo poo!  I had 80% heart blockage which was diagnosed when I had to do the cardio eval and I was a type 2 diabetic and if I wasn't going for the gastric I never would have known about the heart issue til it was too late and also found myself with sleep apena which was diagnosed by Barix I had three stents put in and am doing much, much better.  No symptoms of diabetic and sleep like a baby whatever that means.  Yes I was scared but I looked at the alternative and that scared me even more!  ****less mind you.  Come on out to our support meetings they are so wonderful and the person that leads it Susan is great and answers all she can truthfully.  Would I do it again ?  You bet I would. Life is good.