Minimizing complications to a tee

So I am potentially going to be scheduled for the Gastric Bypass procedure for the month of March. I have been told that with any of the procedures that there are risks of course, including risks for complications. I know each person is different, but is there anyway to say that with strict discipline and strict paying attention to doctor's orders post-op, and with strict discipline/strict paying attention to the nutritionist's guidelines, is there any true way to strategize post-op life so that complications never come up? I understand that "anything can happen", but as weird as it is for me to ask this, I would also like to think that it is possible to strategize the unthinkable so that complications never arise. Cause you would think that if you pay strict attention to the rules from your Doctor and your Nutritionist, that you have some control of the potential negative challenges that arise due to Gastric Bypass. Does anyone have an answer to this? If not, are you going to tell me that no matter what you do, no matter how perfect you follow the rules to a tee, you can't control certain elements?

Thanks,
Gabriel

No, you can't control certain elements. Surgery is always a risk. Just anesthesia itself is a risk. Shoot, when I worked in the hospital I saw a woman end up in the ICU after gastric bypass because she got a blood clot in her lungs that started at her IV site. I'm not saying this to scare you, but no, you can't outmaneuver every possible risk. But overal...it is a safe surgery. Certainly safer than staying morbidly obese. And following the surgeon's protocol, especially regarding things like no smoking, following your pre-op diet to shrink your liver, etc...these all help you do as well as possible.

Then out of curiosity, what are going to be those complications that you might not be able to control?  I heard there are ways to avoid some of them by following the rules 100%, BUT, which are the specific complications then that cannot be controlled?

Thanks,

Gabriel

of course there are certain elements you can't control. Your surgeons skill and knowledge is one of those things you can't control. Someone in his/ her graduating class had to be last on the class, after all. What if your surgeons skill is lacking?

you also can't control what your body is going to do and how it is going to react to anything.

the best you can do is follow the plan, not cheat and hope for the best.

I'm still a newbie, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm sure more vets will chime in. But

Because I had never had surgery before RNY, and had no comorbidities, I had a lot of questions about this. There are many things out of your control, but there are also many things you can influence. Here's a couple I was advised about:

pre surgery: follow your preop plan to the letter. It's designed to minimize risk during surgery. (I know these vary a lot, but in general, the goal is to shrink the liver to make surgery safer). 

Post surgery: I was worried about the risk of clots, they told me the best thing to do to minimize the risk was to get up and walk as much post op as I could. That's what I did.

Vitamin deficiencies: Grim, Hala and others have written often about the importance of tracking your own blood work. You might not be able to avoid a deficiency, but by taking charge early and not relying solely on your clinic, you can minimize the effect, and get back on track sooner.

overall success: on this board, and hopefully at your clinic, your surgery will be referred to as a tool, not a cure. Do a search on here of behaviour change. It's the only way to be successful in the long term. Also, working on the head stuff will help with the mechanics of your new pouch too. Not binging or overeating will avoid a lot of issues. Avoiding simple carbs and sugars will minimize risk of dumping etc.

of course, none of these guarantee a successful, complication free outcome. The big thing for me was to weigh surgery risks against not having wls.

the fact is, wls has lower complication rates than other obesity related surgeries I might face in the future: heart surgery, joint replacement etc, not to mention diabetes complications.

Sorry for the long ramble, keep reading on here, and posting questions!

good luck!

Then out of curiosity, what are going to be those complications that you might not be able to control?  I heard there are ways to avoid some of them by following the rules 100%, BUT, which are the specific complications then that cannot be controlled?

Thanks,

Gabriel

Good morning!

I understand your concerns about controlling the possibility of complications.

I was quite obsessed with the possibility of complications.

This forum  taught me that you just need to follow the rules and remain positive throughout this journey.

You have to believe in the Weight Management Team and the skill of your surgeon.

Believe that everything will go well...

While you can not control too many things, you can control your hydration, your mobility, your protein intake & food intake...

Be positive and know that your decision to have surgery is going to be life changing.

Take care & good luck with your surgery!

Sandra   

Mahalo   

Then out of curiosity, what are going to be those complications that you might not be able to control.  I heard there are ways to avoid some of them by following the rules 100%, BUT, which are the specific complications then that cannot be managed or controlled?

Thanks,

Gabriel

leaks,often due to surgeon error.

how quickly you lose weight and where. 

Stalls

hair loss

sagging skin

ulcers

strictures

twisted intestines

ypu are so obsessed with control that whether you have complications or not you are likely to drive yourself crazy trying to control everything.

just getting on the scale post op and seeing something you can't control is likely to send you off the deep end.

have you considered therapy?

I have been seeing a therapist for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the past 5 years now.