Question:
Can anyone tell me advantages/disadvantages of surgery?

I am in the process of being schedules for open rny wls and am curious who out there is willing to honeslty tell me what they regret about having the surgery. I am 32 years old, 5"5 and 255lbs. I have several minor health problems but have passed all pre-op test with flying colors. However, I just want to hear about all the guts and glory of this surgery. I just want to know when I feel frightened or absolutely sorry I made this choose that I am not alone. Thank you in advance! :-) Steph P.    — Steph P. (posted on January 30, 2003)

January 30, 2003
I'm about 1.5 months post-op, and I can't say I regret anything. Well, maybe 2 things. 1. That I didn't do this sooner, and 2. That I didn't eat a few more Reese's cups pre-op because I sure do miss THOSE little buggers sometimes. I don't miss them enough to go HAVE one... LOL! You'll do fine, and you'll be regretting #1 also. :)
   — Diana L.

January 30, 2003
Well, the only regret I have now is that I can't have any sugary desserts. I guess that really isn't a bad thing, but every now and then, it would be nice. I really don't miss 'gorging' myself at the dinner table, lugging that extra weight around, not fitting in, being the biggest person in the room, etc. The list can go on and on. I started out at 5'6" and 300lbs and now down to 170 with my PS happening in March. I had NO complications but it did hurt like hell in the begining. No bones about it. And, it is very tough in the liquid stage and the first month or so, readjusting how you eat and drink. It isn't easy!! Hey, we have all been scared about doing this but once its done and your on your way, its very exciting! Its like your world has finally opened up to you! Just make sure that your research is thorough and you truly know what your getting yourself into.
   — Kris T.

January 30, 2003
I can honestly say that I do not regret a single thing about having had this surgery. In fact, I would do this whole thing over again in a heart beat if I could. In my opinion there have been no disadvantages for me and my situation.
   — twenc

January 30, 2003
Hi Steph, I have surgery on Monday Feb 3rd. I have been reading on the surgery for one year now.For me I need to do this or I am afraid that my weight will keep soaring and DIE from a heart attack or another complication.I have not backed out of my decision at all. My disadvantage is not living the best life possible because of my weight. I have suffered enough. My advantages do more with my kids, work full time, breath easier, going up stairs without getting wore out and just plain shopping in the reg clothing stores!!!!!!I have let food be my buddy long enough. I hope this helps a bit. Good luck
   — lori H.

January 30, 2003
My answer now is different that it would have been a couple months ago. I am 4 months post op and the first 8 weeks were hell on earth. I did not have any complications, just a lot of pain and muscle spasms, difficulty dealing with the dietary restrictions. For 8 weeks my sense of smell was increased by like 100 times and everything smelled bad. I had a funny metallic taaste in my mouth and was brushing at least 6 or more times a day. even drinking water was hard, it gave me gas and I could feel and hear it gurgling down me. I am to this day always cold. NOW FOR THE POSITIVE. Every day I am grateful for my improved health. My cholesterol has dropped from 240 to 153. I have lost 60 pounds. I was wearing 28 - 30 pants and recently bought 18/20 jogging pants. My energy level is soaring thru the roof. I sleep more soundly. I move easier. I jogged the 2 flights of stairs from the basement to my bedroom for the first time. I can geton the floor and play with my grandson and get back up by my self with out pain, My achilles tendonitis is improved. My carpal tunnel is nearly gone. I haven't had a back ache in a while now. the funny smells and tastes are gone. I can drink water like any "normal " person. I can eat most foods with out a problem in my little baby portions, and I am satisfied. Even knowing the drawback, and I believe in being honest I would do it over with out question. I only wish other post ops had not painted only a rosey sweet picture of the recovery, so I would have had a more realistic view of what to expect.
   — **willow**

January 30, 2003
I'm only 9 months out so my interpretation is that of a fairly new post-op (doen 160, need to lose 100 more). The advantages are the basic ones, health, movement, clothes shopping, comfort--the standard. One more really important advantage for me is self-respect, oh, and confidence. I can speak and not fear rejection. The disadvantages to me are not being able to eat how much food I want (double edged sword), hating eating out, vomiting often, having to remember to take my vitamins, having a very busy surgeon who is always running hours behind, having people either make a big deal about losing the weight or completely ignoring the obvious weight loss, people thinking the surgery is "just like Weight Watchers"--some brainiac told me that a few weeks ago and having this gross, sagging, skin that just won't go away! I am about two sizes bigger in the midrif than I am on top. HOnestly, I wouldn't change a thing, well, maybe being born with good genes and not fat genes!
   — jenn2002

January 31, 2003
You sound just like me a year ago. I think you may find a lot of answers in my profile. I want to answer you here but it would take pages. But this is the best thing I have ever done.
   — Linda A.

February 1, 2003
I underwent a laparoscopic Duodenal Switch in June 2002. It was absolutely the best thing I've ever done for myself, and I don't regret a thing except not finding this solution sooner. Best of luck to you!!
   — Tally