WLS Complications Scare Me, Advice...

 Hi Everyone,
I have gastric bypass surgery scheduled the first week of October and recently I find myself concentrating on all the things that can or might go wrong after weight loss surgery.  Now I'm feeling a bit scared and wondering if I should do this.  I have a BMI in the low 40's, significant sleep apnea (on CPAP), GERD, a hernia and numerous back problems.  But.... are all the risks of surgery worth it?  Kidney stones, psych issues, hair loss, osteoporosis, prolapsed hernias, anemia, bowel obstructions, etc...  I've had abdominal surgeries before so I've been through all the regular surgery jitters.  This time though, the feeling are pretty intense.  Is this normal?  Did anyone else second guess themselves and what helped you make a final decision?  I know all the preop appointments are coming real soon and I don't know if I should have the surgery or walk away?  Really need some advice.
Marjik

Hi marjik, first of all, welcome to the group.  Having anxiety and questioning your surgery is part of the normal preop stuff.  Sounds like you have enough co-morbidities to warrent surgery for improving your health.  Express these concerns with your surgical team, they will help you resolve things.  Make a list of pro and con for having the surgery and read through your list many times.

You read lots about those with complications, others, like myself do not do enough preaching about the success and lack of complications.  I had RNY surgery just over 2 years ago.  Since surgery, dealt with a couple of severe bouts of constipation, a single episode of throwing up, and that episode was my own fault.  I did not chew enough on my first attempt at raw carrot after surgery.  I have lost over 100# and gained a new, active life.  I would do the surgery again if needed.  My tool still works, I can not eat large meals like I used to.  I have the energy to do what needs to be done and less aches and pains of daily life.

I have been able to stay off insulin to control my type 2 diabetes since surgery, and I was on LARGE doses before wls.  My CPAP pressure is half of what I was before surgery, my arthritis hurts much less.  I am on less medication and more life!!!!

Any specific things I can address?  Try to come to monday evening chat sessions for a chance to chat with others here too.  Looking forward to many posts from you over the next few weeks.  Hugs

I went through surgery in April and was really second guessing while on the gurney in the hallway.  The thought of surgery itself is scary regardless of what it is for.  My mother is an OR nurse and always told me never to have a gastric bypass the complications happen to everyone.  Well she does not yet know that I have had it done.  I have a bit of hair loss (it will grow back) and constipation (there are easy steps to deal with this issue).  I am diabetic, GERD, HBP, cholesteral, anemic before surgery.  I am  no longer on HBP meds, iron supplements, and i have reduced my meds for diabetes and GERD.  The benefits of this surgery exceed the risks of surgery and the other risks of being obese.  I wish I had it done earlier.

Whatever choice you make, it is yours to make.  Listen to all of the information and make a decision that you alone can live with.