Question:
Has anyone had any unexpected surprises from this surgergy?

After a very long year researching this surgery I am in the final process of deciding what is best for my health. I need a mans prospective of the pro's and con's of this surgery...please relate your best and worst experiences. An honest answer of the journey that you have traveled will be greatly appreciated...Thank you    — Charles S. (posted on July 27, 2003)

July 27, 2003
Charles, it's so hard to put my finger on just one event or surprise. This is a JOURNEY, not a single event. I worked real hard at keeping up my journal for the first year post-op. I hope you read my profile and come away with what it was like as a man (both good and bad) going through this life-changing event. I wish you the best!!!
   — Robby E.

July 27, 2003
Charles, My only unexpected surprise was that I ended up with fluid on my lungs after surgery and had to go to ICU for 3 days. I can honestly say that I never really experienced any true pain after surgery...more like a soreness. Good luck!
   — tibberkat

July 27, 2003
I was sure I would miss sweets and candy much more than I do. While I look at them fondly, I am not bothered by people eating huge hunks of fudge cake in front of me. Rather, I try to calculate the number of calories I am saving that I would have gobbled down begor surgery without even thinking. On the downside, the pain after my open RNY was much greater than others had told me. Frankly, it hurt like hell after surgery However, I have absolutely no regrets and would do it again. I would, however, be more aggressive in and out of the hospital about better pain management.
   — Margaret S.

July 27, 2003
The only suprise I had was that everything has worked out as well as it has. I fully expected -something- to go wrong after having researched this surgery into the ground. No strictures, no vomiting, no dumping, and I have lost 150 pounds in 1 year, am 25 from goal, and awaiting a tummy tuck. I thought I would miss sweets, but I don't. I thought I would miss hamburgers, pizza, chicken fried steak w/ gravy, but I don't. I thought I would never enjoy eating out at a restraunt with my friends again, but I do. It has been one heck of a ride and I would lay down on the surgeons table again tomorrow and do it all over if I had to. I think that I am actually at peace with myself, my health, and feel in control for the first time in years.
   — Greg P.

July 27, 2003
I thought I would never enjoy a meal again --I eat what I want now , careful with the carbs and no sugar. I love to go out to eat, plus I can fit in the booths and the chairs!the surprizing part of my surgery is that I have never really been sick. I take (2) multi vitamins, 1 B12, and an iron supplement each day, my blood work at three months and six months came out perfect. I get my protein in (top priority) and plenty of water. I do get very tired if I dont eat right --meals on time lots of protein etc. I am shocked that I only drink water, sweets arent craved, junk food like nachos,crackers sit on the shelf for weeks.
   — debmi

July 28, 2003
Yes. I am pregnant...I had problems before and thought that was impossible...NOT...we're due in November and couldn't be happier...
   — MF