Question:
Is there anyone out there that has not had any complications
I read the Q$A board and sometimes it scares me. Are there people out there who have not had post op complications...hernias, stomach stretching, etc. Sorry if I sound paranoid I guess I am..... — Schatzie1 (posted on October 16, 2002)
October 15, 2002
I have not had any complications, I can eat most anything in small amts and
have not had any problems at all. Lap rny on 6/11/02 down 68lbs.
— Pam W.
October 15, 2002
No complications here either. When you compare the numbers of people
having complications to the total number of people who have had WLS, the
percentage is probably pretty small. The people who have complications
are going to be the ones posting the questions to the Q&A. Not many
people are going to post "Hey, I am doing great with no
complications"...JR (open RNY 07/17 -96 lbs)
— John Rushton
October 15, 2002
No complications, plus I rarely have a question because I was so well
prepared by this board and my surgeon.
— faybay
October 15, 2002
I am a little over 3 weeks out and I have not had any complications at all.
I was very prepared from this family here on what to do and look for and I
walked and walked and walked after surgery I am doing very well walking
over a mile a day now and have lost 30lbs
Good Luck!!!!!
— Peggy A.
October 15, 2002
I am 1 year post-op, down 215 lbs and have had ZERO complications.
I consider myself very lucky, but still in the majority.
I notice that most of us have had very few complications, and
if there was one, it was minor. Of course, there are exceptions
to everything. But in any major surgery there can be complications,
not just wls surgery.
— OLD RODEO C.
October 15, 2002
Four months next week and not one.... I used to read this board and scare
myself to death too... but remember, its like watching the Jerry Springer
show.. you're seeing a small but vocal part of the population... when
people are 'normal' they don't go on Jerry Springer.. and when people don't
have problems.. they don't post about how wonderful things are going
here... you know? Sometimes they do.. but my guess is.. for every
complication here... there are 80 or 90 people doing really well.. maybe
more. I did great... Good luck!
— Lisa C.
October 15, 2002
Rose, I am approx. 13 months out and down also 95 lbs. Although I am
losing at a slower pace, I am losing and have absolutely no complications.
The nurses in my surgeons office and my PCP office kept saying the I could
be a poster child for this. Again, like some of the other poster, I was
will prepared for this. I visited this site everyday for months before
surgery (and still do) and went to monthly staple club meetings. I can eat
anything, only in small portions. The sugar is limited because it does not
agree with me too well. However, I don't consider that a complication. Who
need all that sugar anyhow? I had open RYN and my incision is barely a
white line. I have 45 more to lose before I hit my personal goal and I
figure within the next year I can do it. Good luck to you.............
— Betty M.
October 15, 2002
Well i did loose 130 pounds.:) My only problem was a couple slow healing
port sites. Looking back WLS was the best thing I EVER did!
— bob-haller
October 15, 2002
Hi...Zero problems here...I had LAP RNY 14 months ago, down 161 lbs, and
131 in. Good luck!
— lily1968
October 15, 2002
13 months post op, down 166 pounds, zero problems, except trying to get the
weight loss to stop. Some problem huh.
Michael
— MICHAEL Z.
October 15, 2002
I have not had any complications at all. Read my profile for more
information.
— Linda A.
October 16, 2002
6 months + 5 days - down 110 lbs....no complications other than learning a
whole new way of life in regards to eating. Good luck to you ~ ps...I was
paranoid too...think positive...they're getting more & more experience
on this surgery every week.
— Lisa J.
October 16, 2002
Ten months out today from an Open DS. No complications of any kind. I'm
down 147 lbs. and have never hit a plateau.
Blood work is great and life is unbelievable. We are the silent majority!
— grammie5
October 16, 2002
Hi. It used to scare me too, sometimes to read all the posts about
complications. But you have to think, people with complications and
problems are more apt to write about them and ask questions than the ones
w/o, don't you think? cuz they need advise, etc. I am 4 months post-op and
down 70 pounds, so far nothing wrong! (knock on wood) :)
— Lezlie Y.
October 16, 2002
I am 3 years post. Lost 161 lbs in 12 mths. Went from size 30 to size 4.
I have been maintaining my loss for 2 years. I never once threw up. No
complications at all. Furthermore, I had lap surgery on a Friday and went
back to work Monday morning. I only missed 1 day of work. My only regret
is I didn't do this surgery sooner. I have changed my choice of food, by
choice not by force. I can eat normally with people who have no idean I
have had this surgery....I do not stand out...no one notices. I AM
NORMAL.
— lee J.
October 16, 2002
three months post op and no complications
— Darlene P.
October 16, 2002
Hi - I'm just about 7 months post op, down 106 pounds, and feeling great -
no complications at all! Lisa
— sssuzie1
October 16, 2002
Not one problem. I'm 4 weeks out and down 36 lbs.
— Janelle G.
October 16, 2002
2 months post op, lap RNY. Minus 50 pounds and nada complications!! I am SO
glad I had this done!!
— Stacy C.
October 16, 2002
I am 22 months out, down 110 pounds total and have not had one teeny tiny
(or huge) complications what-so-ever! Every day is a blessing of great
health and happiness for me! I can anything and everything, but choose to
eat right!
— Marnie K.
October 16, 2002
I am not sure if losing my Gallbladder is a "complication"... I
mean it could have easily been a complication of obesity as well. Other
than that, NOTHING, no complications. 2+ years out.
— Karen R.
October 16, 2002
Had LAP RNY on August 28, 2002 and have to pinch myself. I have had no
complication at all. Everything is going great! Be sure to watch your
portion sizes, bite sizes, and chew,chew,chew. So far I am done 36 lbs.
Good Luck!
— Linda K.
October 16, 2002
I am 15 months out and have lost 130 pounds. I have not had any
complications except for a little heartburn when I eat too quickly. I can
eat just about anything except bread and some pasta. So I would say NO, I
have had no complications. Good luck in your surgery. I would highly
recommend it!
— HotMamaDBA
October 16, 2002
I'm 4 months out and had no complications. Only one time I over ate and
did vomit.
— Adele S.
October 16, 2002
3 months out....Any complications? You betcha, I find it complicated
learning how to take so many compliments, evryone starring at me in awe,
buying new cothes all the time, not recognizing myself in a mirror and
saying who is that thin person, being able to cross my legs without even
thinking, Oh Yeah and it was really tough going to the closet and pulling
out a pair of jeans I had from high school(15 yrs ago) and putting them on
with ease. As you can tell I am just joking with you. Please don't let
yourself be worried about this surgery. YOU WILL SEE IT IS THE BEST THING
THAT YOU WILL EVER DO!! NEVER ANY REGRETS HERE. In only 3 months I am
down 63 pounds. Good Luck!
— DRutherford
October 16, 2002
I'm 5 1/2 months out and have lost 125 pounds. The only complication I've
had is a slight stricture that was taken care of in 15 minutes at the
doctor's office. The only other complication is that I have to keep
running to the store to buy smaller clothes, but I can live with that! Good
luck to you. - Mike
— Michael N.
October 16, 2002
Just a quick message to you to let you know that I also have had NO
COMPLICATIONS! I've managed to lose 80 lbs since June 3,02...sounds like
there are lots of us who have had a positive experience. It was the best
thing I've ever done in my life!!
— Deb K.
October 16, 2002
Well I know that people love to answer this question with oh my I am SOOO
happy bla bla bla. And that it seems that it is frowned upon sometimes to
complain about issues, but I think they need to be out there. People need
to be prepared for anything and everything if possible. I read and
prepared for over a year for this and still was not ready. Since my
surgery in March I have had many complications. During surgery my spleen
ruptured and had to be removed because it was attached to my liver. My
gallbladder was removed because it was diseased (pretty common in obesity),
in the hospital I was very ill and could not get anything down, I had to
have multiple blood transfusions while in there and had to stay longer than
normal, I was out of work for over 2 months because I was unable to get
food or drinks in and was in and out of the emergency rooms, etc. I was
finally diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer caused from the surgery, the
medication helped me to be able to take in food and water. I dump on
almost everything, usually every morning. I am on medication for the
uncontrolled dumps :) I now have a stricture and have to go have an upper
GI tomorrow to confirm before we do another invasive test (endoscopy) and I
have not taken in solid food for 2 weeks. I am no longer able to go out in
the heat because for some reason I faint after only a few minutes in the
sun. I get very weak if I stand for a long period of time and have passed
out there too. I throw up all the time, they think my pouch is too small
and will work on that as well at the endoscopy. BUT I have lost 138lbs in
7 months. I just found out than an aunt of mine is going to have double
bypass tomorrow, she is also MO and is afraid of this surgery. I can deal
with pooping all the time, gas, stomach ulcers, and puking. But dying, I
am not ready for that. So complications or not am I sorry I did this...no
way.
— smedley200
October 16, 2002
I am 17 months out from Open RNYand I have not had any real complications.
In the beginning it was a big adjustment, but i have managed to lose all
but 5 lbs of what I wanted to lose. I am wearing a size 2-4 and couldnt be
happier!
— Maureen P.
October 16, 2002
None here! I had my Open RNY 8 months ago and have lost 133 lbs. Still
losing about 10-12 pounds a month and hoping to hit goal by my one year
anniversary. It's the absolute best thing I have ever done!!
— PaulaM
October 16, 2002
3 months out - down 50 to 60 pounds (scales argue about it), and zero
complications. Hospital was routine - in and out in three days and back to
solid foods within 2 weeks. Had some minor side effects, dumping
(minimally once I figured out to avoid fats), odd bowel movements that are
improving weekly and my back going "out" from the time on the
table during surgery. But I'm happy, healthy and haven't slept this well
in years.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 16, 2002
Hi! I'm over 2 years out and haven't had any complications! My life and
health couldn't be better!
— Lynette B.
October 16, 2002
Well, I am 4 months out and happy to say NO complications at all. I'm
loving this new life. Although I am still sorta an early post op, I would
say a good surgeon makes all the difference so have confidence in the one
you choose. Try not to worry too much :)
— emilyfink
October 16, 2002
Hi - I have had ZERO complications! None, Zilch, nada...I am a little over
1 year out. The only complication I can see is the thinning of my wallet
purchasing new clothes!
— Ilene M.
October 16, 2002
No surgicial complications at all. Now I've had 14 surgeries in my life.
WLS was about the only one I did NOT have "surgicial" problems
with. Afterwards problems with potassium and vitimins... but NO surgical
complications! :)
— Danmark
October 16, 2002
i have been super blessed. i have had NO complications. my healing was very
easy and quick. i have only thrown up once and that was because i was in a
hurry and eating and talking, not thinking of what i was doing. that was
horrendus, but the only time. i still am tired all the time, but i've
learned to accept the fact that i was born a slug in a human body....open
rny 5-2-02 -90 1/2 pounds
— candymom64
October 16, 2002
NADA! NONE. I'm 6weeks postop and minus 50 lbs. In hospital 36 hrs. No pain
medication. NO PAIN. No nausea. No vomiting. I can eat "anything'(have
not even TRIED anything that might cause "dumping" - I don't want
to know!!)Red meat is okay too. Went swimming 1wk post op. Had S-E-X 1wk
post op too. My incisions(had LAP RNY) are COMPLETELY healed. I go to
Curves, walk, and LOVE EVERY DAY!!!!
— Debby M.
October 16, 2002
No complications at all! My surgery was Aug 6, 2002 and I am amazed how
good I feel. I can eat anything, but in small portions. Life has just
gotton better. I hope my good luck continues.
— Kay S.
October 16, 2002
My surgery was 4/22/02 and I sufered no complications, just a slightly
infected incision--no big deal, I didn't even know it was infected, the
nurses kept fussing over it, though! I flew through surgery just fine,
recovered at home just fine and I am GREAT at 6 months out! I've called my
surgeon only once but the problem was completely unrelated to WLS! Not
bad, huh?!?!?!!?
— jenn2002
October 16, 2002
Lap BPD on 6/3/02, and short of my new tummy being slow to process it's
first liquids (just meant an extra day to get off the morphine and on oral
meds) I had not a single complication. I've only been back to my surgeon
for standard post op check ins and weights. Trust in your surgeon and
follow all their instructions. Sometimes stuff does happen to those who
follow the rules to the letter, but all you can do is prepare as best you
can. Best wishes.
— Joscelin
October 16, 2002
Open RNY February 5, 2002, and the only thing was a reaction to the
surgical tape. A little rash is all!
— Christina L.
October 16, 2002
Not only have I not had any complications, I reached goal at 10.5 months
and don't need any reconstructive surgery! (Well, okay, if I could have a
tummy tuck for FREE I would do it ;)
— ctyst
October 16, 2002
It is important to keep in mind that most people (myself included) only
post when there are problems... but remember how many tens of thousands of
people have had this surgery - there are relatively few complications or
complaints.
— kultgirl
October 17, 2002
hi i guess iam one of the luckey ones because when i read the promblems i
am shocked no i havent had any of those promblems the only thing that waas
bad is my incesion pain lasted almost 3 weeks other than that and i had to
learn to eat slow other than that things have been good i did not have any
hunger pains for the first 4 weeks and things have been good i am very glad
i lost the weight i can do more i started at 306 and am 5 mos po lost 80lbs
which i think i should be up to 90 but for some reason i am running behind
well take care rosemary
— ROSEMARY A.
October 17, 2002
I have had two complications, but neither of them serious. And I would
certainly have this surgery again in a heart beat. First, I had an
internal suture work it's way into my pouch and it was causing some nausea
- they did an endoscopy and sniped the suture and everything was fine. The
endoscopy was no big deal - I don't even remember it. And I have a hernia
but my surgeon told me I would probably get one no matter how I lost the
weight because I had been so heavy for so long that the abdominal muscles
were atrophied and there was nothing to support the abdominal wall after
losing so much weight. The good thing about the hernia is that it makes
having a tummy tuck a medical necessity so my insurance will pay for this
procedure.
Losing over 150 pounds in less than a year certainly makes those two minor
complications worthwhile. Like I said, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
One of the reasons you read so much bad stuff is that the people who
haven't had problems (and there are tons of them) are so busy enjoying
their new lives that they don't post as much.
Good luck with your decision.
— Patty_Butler
October 18, 2002
I too have had ZERO problems post op. I had my open RNY surgery on Feb 19,
2002. Surgery was at 9am and I went home at 7:00 pm the following day. 8
months later I am down 102 pounds with 50 to get to my goal. LIFE IS
GREAT!!!
— Ken G.
October 18, 2002
I am 4 months post-op and down 105lbs. I have had NO PROBLEMS at all and am
feeling great!!!! Every person is different and you have to remember that!!
what happenes for one may not be the same for the next!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
— Susan V.
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