Have Some Questions

OK I have some questions and I really need some answers. I have been considering Gastric Bypass for a little over 3 years now and I think the only reason I haven't done it yet is because my friends and family tell me it isn't worth it. But I'm not so sure of that anymore. I'm 26 years old I have a 3 and a 7 year old. I weigh in at 347 pounds. I am miserable, I can't work because of the pain the weight has caused my body but yet have been denied disability 2 times b/c they don't think my weight causes me any problems and I can work. I have high bp and cholesterol, severe joint pain all the time, asthma, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic depression, and I just can't handle this weight anymore. I have tried dieting, exercising to the point I can't move for the next 3 days, and I have been struggling with weight my whole life. When I was 12 I weighed 260 pounds but gradually over the years with having my kids and depression turing to food for comfort I gained and gained. People don't want to be around me b/c I am so cranky all the time. It is hard to explain to people that you hurt all the time, you can't lead a normal life, you feel like crap because you really can't be part of your children's life like you want, and then it gets to the point that it hurts so bad just to get out of bed. Then the emotional sets in and you feel worthless, depressed, and alone because those around you just don't understand. Anyway, my questions are: 1: (To those who have had the Lap. RNY) Was it worth is? Did you have any complications? If so what were they? 2: Has anyone ever had surgery from Dr. Robert Shin in Charleston, WV? If so were there any complications or problems? Do you know if he accepts WV Medicare/Mountain State Health Plan? 3: Is the pain horrible afterwards? 4: Did anyone have cosmetic surgery afterwards? How bad was that pain? Was is worth it? My weight has held me back from ever having a life and I don't want that anymore. I want to be around to see my kids grow up, I was a full life, I'm tired of hiding myself from life. Well any replies will be greatly appreciated.

I have been trying to get gastric bypass for about the same time as you were thinking about it.  I am going to Dr. Shin's seminar on April 17th.  I can not wait!  If you talk to anyone this website they will tell you that they would do it again!  I go in the chatroom and ask questions all the time!  I hope to see you in the near future.  We can go through it together..   You are the only one that can live your life... I know that I want to be healthier and be here for my family and especially my babies..

Hey there, I just read your post and had to chime in.  I had RYN done on April 4, 2007, I am a little over 1 year Post Op and I feel wonderful!  Dr. Shin was my surgeon and let me tell you, I could not have asked for anyone better.  He and his staff are wonderful, professional and very caring, they will do everything they can to help you succeed in your journey.   I have been lucky, I haven't had one single complication (knock on wood) that is not to say that I won't but so far so good.  I have lost 84 pounds, down from 311 to 227, sometimes 225, and it would have been more but I have had a few setbacks with a hysterectomy and hormonal problems, (and the fact that I can eat anything without any problems doesn't help!), but I am not through, I will just have to push myself harder now that my window has passed.  Was it worth it?  OH YES YES YES! I would do it again without a second thought!  I would like to have been further along by now, I wanted to be at least 100 pounds lighter by my 1st anniversary, but I feel blessed to be where I am, and I can do so many more things now than I could before, like bending down to tie my shoes, crossing my legs, wearing a size 18 when I was barely getting in a size 28 at this time last year!  It feels great!  I just got a Total Gym, so with a little hard work, I will get into that size 12! You asked about pain, hmmm, --I am not going to lie to you, it is painful, and some people suffer more than others, my pain on a scale of 1-10 was at most a 7, and the medication they give you is a blessing.  I had problems with my throat because of the tube they put in, it was torn up and I lost my voice for a whole day and a half, one good thing is, my wonderful nurse Kim Phillips at Women & Childrens tracked down a bottle of sugar free throat spray for me, I had no clue they made sugar free, but that made it much better. That is another thing, the staff at the hospital cannot be beat!  The rooms are so comfortable and large, they come in and check on you every little bit, your family is treated well when they are there and they keep you informed on everything that is going on with you.   I don't know about the Medicaid, I am sure that they do take it, I believe they take most insurances and will work hard at getting your approval.  One thing that I would like to say though, you really have to have your diet history in order, I now that my insurance wanted at least 1 year of documented proof of failed diet efforts, the doctor's office will go through all of that with you, but it does take a while to get everything you need together, so the quicker you start on that the better. Thin people just don't understand what it is like to be fat, I mean the toll it takes on your body is nothing compared to what it does to your emotions and self-esteem, which is something that I am still struggling with, even though I have found that I no longer look down at the floor all time, I actually look people in the face.  I know that no matter how hard I worked at it, I would never have lost 84 pounds in a year without the surgery.  My family was worried about me of course, but no-one tried to talk me out of it, they wanted me to be healthy and knew that I was determined to have it done, and knew the risks.  I sure hope this information helps you, I know you want this surgery for the right reason, and I am sure things will work out fine. Teresa B 

I had Lap Rny on December 28, 2007.  I am currently at goal.... I had a few minor complications, 2 strictures.  I would do it again in a minute.  Dr Shin is wonderful, I had a follow-up yesterday.  Give the office a call, they are very helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck to you.  I had Gastric Bypass March of 2002 for all the wrong reasons.  Now I am back in the same situation gain having gained all the weight back.  I am now seeking to have the revision done.  I am not tring to be a downer but you must be honest with yourself about the surgery because it is not a quick fix and is not easy.  I was suppost to be a lap but mid surgery he had to open me up and the pain was the most horrible pain I ever experienced. I was cut from my strenum to past my belly button, I vomited for a whole year.  Please just be honest with yourself and if you do not take care of working on your inside it will not work.  It truely takes a 360 of your world for it to work .  I know from experience I am now working on  me and I am now ready for my revision because I know now it is more then just being food restricted it was more of a reprogramming for my self.  GOOD LUCK and I hope you do well!!!