Don't Do It! Here's Why...

I had so many complications from this surgery. I had a stomach leak that caused me to be septic, I was in a coma for over a month, and now instead of food I'm hooked on alcohol. If I could do it again, I wouldn't.

I'm sorry to hear about everything that happened to you, but truly you are the exception and not the rule. Most people who undergo this surgery lose weight, regain their health and their lives. I would tell people to understand the risks, but to me, surgery was worth those risks.

We are sorry to hear all you have been through.... Take it one day at a time and one issue at a time. You can get your life back. Let us know if we can help

Yes, complications from WLS happen-- but generally, they are no more rare than with any other surgery (gallbladder removal, knee replacement, etc.).

Transfer addiction can and does happen, which is why patients should follow their surgeons' advice of no alcohol after surgery. Working with a mental health professional can also help prevent this from happening.

I was warned ahead of time of transfer addictions. I was also advised of all the possible issues that could happen. I would still do this again 100%. I'm really sorry to hear about all the problems you have had, and I wish good health for you in the years to come.

Hi, I didn't have the major health complications from my RNY. However, now I'm hooked on alcohol and have had legal problems because of it. If I had known that alcohol might become a problem, I would never had the surgery. I was never warned about the alcohol. My surgeon doesn't seem to care.

I don't really understand. Your surgeon didn't warn you that alcohol can be addicting and bad for you? Legal issues you have are not on the surgeon, or surgery. They are on you.

I'm so sorry that you had such a bad result, reaction and hard time. It's so daunting when we're not well and things s o very wrong. That's the way I felt after my band. While it seemed that everyone bounced back, I had 8 tears of vomiting, stomach pains, and generally looked like hell, and after the initial weight loss, gained back everything and then some. Maybe seeing a different, which I finally did after going to hospital for unteenth time. will help. Just a different person's medical advice, opinion and better overall care will be able to make things better.

Get yourself unhooked, keep busy, go to meetings, whatever you have to do..Good Luck with everything and although you're in a dark scary place, not all places are that bad, so take it one day at a time, and keep focused on getting into a good place..

Thank you for sharing your story. I think everyone needs to know the good, the bad, and the ugly. hope you are getting help for your alcoholism. There are lots of AA meetings everywhere. Therapy would also help you.

I researched WLS for years and was aware of the risks, including transfer addiction. I knew the risks were there but were small. I made the choice that was best for me. I am thankful for my RNY. It gave me my life back.

If I could do it again, I would.

I am so sorry you have gone through this, and hope that you recover soon.

It really is good to hear all sides of the issue, both the good stories and complications. It is major surgery, and while surgery is relatively safe, you are far more likely to get in a serious car accident than develop a stomach leak for instance, they can absolutely happen.

Most surgeries are safe, and transfer addiction is a real potential issue. My bariatric program was exceptionally clear on this, and they continue to screen for such issues. That is partially because of the biology affected, but also because most of us become obese for behavioral, and not biological issues.

I would encourage you to find a counselor if you have not already...they can help with overcoming the alcohol dependence. The reality is that no surgery fixes addictive behaviors...and no surgery fixes the reason we developed disordered eating to start with. However, you absolutely can get through this.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, and good luck in your recoveries.

In my case, WLS saved my life, and I would never hesitate to make the decision to get it again. I had complications, but none as severe as yours. Even so, it just goes to show why we must make the decision carefully and also be prepared for any outcome, since we all have different results, different physiology, and different psychological traits.