How common are complications?

I am gearing up to start my consults this fall, I will be 34 in the beginning of Nov and as a marker of my birthday want to get my game plan for reconstructive surgery underway. I have been reading many of the posts on this board for some time, I am wanting to make peace and have a good understanding of what to expect, and what complications may arise. I did not have weight loss surgery but have lost my weight over the last 3 years with healthy eating and exercise, I have high hopes for the surgery but also want to be realistic, I have 3 younger children ( 13, 10 and 5) and a husband who are my world, My brother passed away last fall, and he was only 36 years old leaving behind his wife and 2 young sons, and it was/is heartbreaking for all of us left behind.  I trust that my life is in God's hands, this just seems like such a huge decision and I am very much not wanting to take any of this lightly. So my questions are, how common are complications? especially serious ones, was this surgery worth it to you? are you still glad that you went through with it? and what kind of qualifications should a potential surgeon have (board certified etc...) Thanks for your help! I am planning to see Dr. Agha for sure this fall in Newport beach Ca not sure who else yet.     

Okay, I'll start backwards. dr.Agha I think is the PS for Kellywanda (or some name like that) who also puts up videos. She speaks highly of this PS.
Go to at least two consults. Ask your questions.
I'm Jealous of your determination to have lost the weight w/o a surgery!
Complications of various types can happen--seroma, dehiscence, wound opening, gangrene. I know here in Israel the docs all made sure to tell me in Hebrew and in English(in words and drawings) the risks the could GD Forbid
happen. And I did have a complication. And I'm still wanting and waiting on a new date for my further plastics (breast lift and scar revision).
I hope this has helped you and not freaked you.
Mikimi in Israel

Thank you, yes I have talked with Kellawanda and have seen a lot of her videos as well, seeing her posts and vid's was what turned me on to Dr. Agha in the first place seeing as I am only about a 1 hr drive from his office i looked at his website as was highly impressed with his before and afters, there is another surgeon that would be a little closer to me that i was thinking about, only problem is that she (i cant remember her name right now) has no before and after photos on her website and I was wondering why?? She has a lot of great reviews and has been in the business for 22 years. What is dehiscence? I am not familiar with that one?  

Dehiscence is when scar opens. I had a small are of dehiscence and a very small area of gangrene that were both debrided in operating room and then I was on WoundVac for about seven weeks.
Mikimk

ok thanks,I hope you are all healed up now! would you do it again, even with the complication you faced?

In a heartbeat!
Of course it means trading blubber to scars but being without blubber flapping is freeing!
I am waiting for a new surgery date for Breast Lift and scar revisions.
Mikimi

 I'm only 9 days out now, but I have had issues with both my RNY and now my TT. Any surgery can be a risk, but you have to balance the benefits and risks, and do your homework. Make sure you are absolutely comfortable with your surgeon, but also be willing to challenge them if something doesn't seem quite right. My RNY started with a needed blood transfusion and one extra day at the hospital. Went home and 8 days later, was in critical condition, coded in the helicopter, had an emergency surgery and septic shock from a leak. Would I do it all again, with that surgeon, ABSOLUTELY. 

Following 3 years of severe back pain, I went in and had a consult in May for plastics because research I had done had shown that some people get relief from having a TT to remove the skin and tightening the muscles. So, on June 20th I had my surgery. I have PTSD from my previous surgery so this was a big step, but my surgeon and the staff gave me Versed and made sure I was relaxed. When I got back to my room, I was ordered on absolute strict bedrest. They even left the cath in. I thought this was strange, but I was told to relax and get some sleep. The next morning, the surgeon came in and took my hand, he said, "you are the last person I want to say this to, but there was a complication". Apparently between my emergency laparatomy to fix the leak, and my pregnancy, the fascia in my abdomen was basically non-exsistent in a patch the size of a fist. None of us knew this, there is no way to see the thickness of a fascia prior to surgery with what I had for a pre-op. So when he was resecting the umbilicus, the fascia split and my intestine became exposed and was nicked. He didn't get all the way into the intestine, but the outer layer had to be repaired. He then had to start the muscle corsetting from the bottom instead of the top to find enough healthy fascia. He put in an additional drain and kept me one extra night with instructions to be VERY vigilant if there are any signs or symptoms of infection and get in immediately. (there haven't been any).

So, even after all of that, I would do these surgeries again. My quality of life is greatly improved. So far, my back is 100% better following this surgery. My best advice is to listen to your body, research what can go wrong, not because you think it will, but to be aware of what is and isn't normal. Good luck!

WHAT a story and what a great attitude you have - especially with the complications with your RNY.  Good for you for having the strength to follow through with this.  It sounds like you have a great plastic surgeon.  What is the fascia?  Will you post photos?

Dasie-- where you been? I usually see your posts here and on LW/RnY . I hope all is well with Yoi.
Mikimi in Israel

Mikimi...thanks so much for missing me.  I've been a little down in the dumps and have not really felt like getting online.  I've been dealing w/family issues for years, and I've been a little withdrawn over it.  I need to be online again because my eating has not been what it should be.  Thanks again