I need courage

Hi everybody.

I have been thinking about WLS for years. Finally have a RNY date for Jan 2012.
I am terrified of complications and of my coping mechanisms post op.
I am a veterinary surgeon so have spent a lot of time researching the technical aspects of RNY and I know most people never look back, the (bad) side effects aren't common and my surgeon is highly recommended.

My older sister died of a blood clot just after JIB surgery in 2000 which naturally makes me extra scared. I can't tell my family I am going for surgery as they would freak out, after what happened to my sister. They don't understand the difference between the procedures.

My main concerns are that I don't try hard enough to lose weight at the moment. I don't exercise, I eat wrong and I know that I would lose weight if I worked hard enough - but I just can't motivate myself.

I am bipolar and take a whack load of meds. I am afraid that the surgery will cause me to become unstable again, I am afraid that I will have complications because I chose the surgery instead of just working out and going on a diet, I am afraid that I will fall apart post op because my lifelong coping mechanisms will no longer be available.

I just need some support from the people who understand where I'm at.

Thanks

Hello, 

Congrats on your surgery date!  It's normal to have fears and self doubt prior to any WLS...but I can understand your fears may be worst because of lack of family support and the history you have of losing a loved one.  You are right, your surgery choice of RNY is very different than the JIB your sister had.  Since you are worried about how your life will be post-op now you may want to consider talking to a therapist...especially since you do not have family support.   If you do not have a therapist already, try to find one that specializes in bariatric patients.  Last but not least, have you ever heard of the duodenal switch?  If you haven't I suggest you look into it (here on the DS board) as an option for WLS, only because I see several RNY patients that struggle with weight regain after they are 4 to 6 years out and some opt for a revision to the duodenal switch (DS).  

Feel free to message me if you need someone to lend an ear or if you have questions about the DS.

~Roxy

Hi Roxy.

Thanks for the words of wisdom. My surgeon does the DS but only for very high BMI's. He explained that it is a much longer and more risky surgery.

The one thing that bothers me is that RnY patients lose their pyloric region while the DS keeps it. Seems much more natural to me to keep it intact, but my surgeon is very highly recommended and two of my friends have had wonderful success with a RnY at his hands.

If I could only pull myself together I know I could lose weight on my own but I just feel helpless. Ridiculous for a veterinary professional who has to lecture clients on a daily basis about the dangers of letting their pets get obese, to look like me.

My Bariatric centre has a great therapist but I think a lot of my issues I will just have to work through in time.

Cheers
Dorianne

Hi there,

I am very sorry to hear about your sister :(. I completely understand why you do feel the way that you do. I myself have fears of surgery and I have mine on Oct 27. Like you my surgeon is highly recommended and I just love the staff they are a wonderful team. I too am depressed and started seeing a therapist. To be honest I was like no way in heck I was gonna go blab my problems to a stranger but next thing I know and two months later...its the best thing I've ever done. I take meds as well for it. Now its not all peaches and creame for me but I try really hard and I can honestly say I feel so much better. I also know about eating better and working out. Last week was my first week and its super hard. Even now when i go home I dread the workout but I also picture me healthy and feeling better and that helps. Food is always a struggle I am addicted to it and let me tell you I was a soda gal! pepsi was my drink and I had it all the time. We will get there girl!....Anyway I am here for you if you just need to vent or chat...Hope to chat with you more soon

I can understand and relate to your fears. I struggle with an anxiety disorder which is manageable when treated but when it is not under control I feel I could be losing my mind. However, what I keep reminding myself is that my medications could stop working even if I don't have the surgery. I am scheduled for surgery March 5th and am having a very difficult time with it. I've nver had surgery before and although I am excited to have the chance at a second life, I am scared too. I have read that mental health often improves after surgery, with time, and I have friends who actually decreased their medications after a period of adjusting. I can share with you that I work on a psychiatric unit and have crossed paths with several people who had their surgery. The number one thing they all share in common is that they did not stay on top of their vitamins or follow up with their doctors. Do you have a psychiatrist that you can trust? Have you checked your medications to see if they come in appropriate forms such as short acting, liquid, injection. I know that the Zoloft I am on comes in a liquid! And the Lamictal comes in chewable or one that melts in your mouth (not in your hand. LOL). I just wish I new what the future held. You can do it!