Question:
I'm scared - what did I do??
Okay, I was looking for information in the AMOS library, and came accross a post regarding an anti-RNY website (anti-WLS, really). I'm a fairly intelligent person, researched the surgery and lurked on this site for 2 years. I took the plunge 6 months ago and had an open RNY. I've had great luck. But ever since I've done this, I keep having thoughts about long term effects, things that could go wrong, etc. I guess I'm just now realizing how permanently I've altered my body. And no one really knows the long-term effects. And this anti-wls website really shook me up. They even accused obesityhelp of being populated with people that have things to benefit from the surgery - salespeople and surgeons, disguised as patients! (Okay, come clean - who out there is actually a surgeon out to promote themselves?? lol) They made this site sound like it's nothing but pollyannas with no one reporting anything negative - which I know not to be true, having read literally hundreds of profiles, posts, and archived material. Can anyone help me? I really want to know the things that could go wrong after 6 months, and how likely it is to happen. I don't regret my surgery, but on the other hand, I'm just scared that I've signed on for some really serious problems down the road. I'm very scared, and just need some reassurance. Open RNY 03/20/03 326/235/146 — vittycat (posted on October 1, 2003)
September 30, 2003
Ahh Sue:( Her site started as a bash WLS. Now I post there from time time
to time. Like you I stumbled onto her site and joined her group to see
whats up? Honestly I enjoy a good debate:) sand had fun debunking her sky
is falling position! I ask lots of questions and ran many of her positions
by my surgeon and kindablew her out of the water! She would have you
believe that anyone who gets anything as a postie got it because they had
surgery. Now its true that bad things can happen, anyone who has visited
our memorial site knows that.
— bob-haller
September 30, 2003
Sorry I was interrupted.<P> Anyhow things changed over there. A
surgeon Dr Rosser who she knew and admired had my surgeon do his RNY. He
atrtendeds our support group meeting occasionaly and looks great! His
problem was he got so big he couldnt stand anymore to operate:( Sue
attended a support group meeting and she even had a doctor Terry Simpson
start posting on her yahoo group. We posters suspect someone in her family
is getting WLS but she hasnt admitted it. Her group went from surgery
bashing to touchey feeling support with lots of well wishing with a
undercurrent of risk discussion and how to avoid uit. Pretty much what we
have here. I got too busy to post and havent visited lately but her groups
transformation was amazing and exciting
— bob-haller
September 30, 2003
I haven't seen that site yet. However, I would say this.....they have been
doing this "type" of surgery to people that have had cancer,
stomach problems, etc....for many many years. My surgery was 3 months ago,
and I have NEVER regretted it. I have lost 63 lbs so far and LOVE IT! The
surgery is tough, we all know that. But being overweight was tougher and I
never want to be back there.....EVER! You are healthier.....keep a good
attitude and enjoy your new life. Some people just have bad experiences,
not everyone does. ANd some people are just negative people. Keep the
faith and you will be ok.
— lesleeloo
September 30, 2003
Lastly the biggest danger for us is immediately after surgery. Actual
surgery risks, bloodclots, etc are the big problems. By a couple months the
risks drop dramatically and my surgeon says that by 6 months were safer
than before surgery. Thanks to all the co morbidities that improve or go
away. I support sue that everyone needs to know the risks! But I am glad to
report her site changed dramatically but I guess its time to visit once
again.
— bob-haller
September 30, 2003
Having had WLS (RNY), I have no regrets, no matter what happens down the
road. Many years ago, severely obese people had the old small bowel bypass
surgery and contended with constant diarrhea and a host of malnutition
issues, because there were no long term studies. We now do benefit from
their learning and experience. My father-in-law had this type of surgery
back in the '60's, when he weighed over 400lbs. He is now in his 70's and
healthy and active, except for osteoporosis. (Never was started on any
calcium supplements or anything after his surgery.) He is 5'11" and
maintains his weight at about 190lbs, as he has for as long as I have known
him. No doubt he has avoided diabetes and heart disease (and his parents
and only sibling were diabetic) which he would have developed without the
surgery. So, you see, we do have the benefit of some folks who had more
drastic surgeries before us. Now we know we need to take vitamins and
supplements and be sure to get the protein in. In my case, even though I
haven't made my goal weight, I am in better physical condition and
healthier than I have ever been in my adult life, and I don't think that
will change!
— koogy
October 1, 2003
Krista, I wanted to address a different side of your post. I just spent
this past weekend with Eric Klein the founder and owner of Obesity Help and
Jeanne Coulter (JC), the Executive Director at the Texas ObesityHelp
Conference in San Antonio. I can assure you that they were not pollyannas.
They were both intelligent and devoted people. Their passion about
helping save lives of obese people via the site came across in everything
they said and did. I am nearly 50 years old, have lived all over the
world, fairly bright, and am a very good judge of character. I am sure
that there are folks on the site for their own self-serving purposes.
Guess what Krista? I could care less as long as they don't get in my way
of achieving the sucess and life I want. I started out at 414 pounds and
have lost 99. I have a long way to go so I will probably be around AMOS
for a very long time. Everything is not rosey post surgery and yet in my
opinion it is so much better. I have hope and OH gives me help. You and I
have altered our bodies but we have also altered our lives. I am proud of
you. Being scared is just a sign that you are alive and human. I wish you
peace. Ann in TX
— Ann B.
October 1, 2003
Will be having surgery on Nov. 10, 2003 after having
been...fat...husky...chunky...obese...strong as an ox...built like a
stump...and a host of other things. I know for a fact that if I stayed at
this weight of 360, (same as in H.S., now 52 yrs. old.), I would develop
some life threatening symptoms. Like what?> Obstructive sleep
apnea...got it....Type 2 Diabetes...got it...muscle and joint pain from
excess weight....got it...and a host of others too numerous to mention.
OK...so do I continue to live life as is - slowly accumulating various and
sundry symptoms that will one day result in a possible slow and needlessly
painful death...or do I proceed with surgery...a last course of action as
nothing else has workerd..ever? This fat lil' cajun will take the surgery -
thank you! Scared You bet, doubts? always...but I know in my heart of
hearts that this tool will be the lifesaving procedure that will keep me
around long enough to finish out my life and see my grandkids. Risks are
all around us, and all of life is a risk, it all depends on how much of a
risk we are willing to take. the 1 in 400 (or 800) depending on who is
stating statistics...chance of real complications are worth it to me. The
odds without surgery are much less favorable. Read with your mind, but
follow your heart...you will not be dissappointed!
— track
October 1, 2003
This is America and that is a freedom we do have, to express ourselves.
And more power to those people, I haven't read the site, but I guess some
people need to focus on the negative and not the positive. Before I really
did my research I was one of those that had nothing good to say about this
surgery. I was uneducated and let's face it, re-arranging the digestive
system is a big step. Bless those that can do it without this life saving
tool. You can't change what is done, but you do have control over your
future. Even on my 'bad' days, I know (truley KNOW) deep in my heart that
I am eating far better now than I ever did before. Granted some people
have gone on to create businesses (ie protein, clothing.....) but, that is
an added benefit to the surgery. Some people find what really works for
them and they want everyone to know about that. Is there really anything
wrong with that? There are people here reporting the negative, let's face
it, if we all woke up from surgery and felt wonderful, would there be any
postings on this site? As far as your being scared, that's is normal. I
know I question whether I could have done it without surgery if I did
things the way I do now. And guess what!? The answer would be no! I
tried them all from cabbage to Phen-Fen. Sure they worked for a few
months, but never long term. I am still not long term, but I have no
intenetions of going back where I came from. Make this your little
challenge, take one or two statements they made and find YOUR proof that
they are wrong. I heard an interesting statement on tv (a woman having
plastic surgery after losing 100+ lbs with RNY) she said that she would
like to look and feel better, but that she started this whole weight-loss
cycle because society has set a standard as to what is acceptable, and
being over-weight isn't. Those who are different are made to feel bad
about themselves. My goal in life is to feel good about myself (a work in
progress) and to educate those around to be accepting of everyone, good,
bad or indifferent. There are always going to be those people who look at
us as cop-outs, failures, taking the easy way out..... you name it! We
have to live with that, but that's what we will be doing.....LIVING!!!!!!
— Dana B.
October 1, 2003
Krista, the WLS surgeries change over time as the medical community learns
more and more, so there is no way that there will be long-term studies on
the surgery you had for a long time. But, there are long-term studies on
earlier versions, and the problems with those surgeries (mostly
malnutrition) are being corrected with the improvements we benefit from.
You're right that no one knows what will happen to any of us down the road.
But, what I do know is that obesity was going to kill me. There is no
doubt in my mind that I was headed toward disability and an unpleasant
death. WLS was my only hope of preventing that. Even if there are
long-term affects from the surgery, I don't have one moment's regret. Even
if I do not live one day longer than I would have without the surgery, I
will have lived a better life, in the sense that I feel good, and I can do
things I could not do pre-surgery. A better quality of life is worth
something. But, even with that thought, I have no reason to think I will
have any problems. The basic research is there. As long as I continue to
follow the known rules (protein, vitamins, calcium, exercise, and regular
medical evaluation) there is no reason to think I will suffer any horrible
after-effects (at least nothing more horrible than my obesity). I fully
expect to live a long, healthy life. You should, too.
— Vespa R.
October 1, 2003
You know, there could be problems long term: bowel obstruction,
osteoporosis, and anemia are the top ones that I worry about. Having
looked at your profile, I just wanted to say that you are one of the those
(like I was!) that were already heading for trouble being morbidly obese.
WLS has no guarantees, it's not a 100% perfect solution, but you've traded
the inevitablility of the health problems of being MO for a much healthier
life and a lower possibility of problems. Do what you can to avoid the
risks, but it sounds to me like you made the right decision.
— mom2jtx3
October 1, 2003
Does anyone have the addy for the site?...I would like to check it
out...Thanks! :o)
— Lisa F.
October 1, 2003
Any kind of surgery can have long term undesirable effects. But I figured
being obese was more of a risk than having the surgery(I had lap RNY
9/26/03)My grandmother was one of the 1st 13 in this country to have it
done nearly 40 years ago. My mom's was 23 years ago. Both would do it
again. Grams surgery they dont even do any more and yes, there has been
some problems with osteoporosis for them both. But I wonder what there
lives would be like if they were both still obese. Now, there is so much
more info on the surgery, I felt like it was something I wanted to do and
am hoping for the very best.
— Teri C.
October 1, 2003
Hi Krista- Pollyannas?!? I think some of the people from that scary
website need to visit this site for a reality check. We have the memorial
section, the member profiles which show the physical, mental and emotional
struggles many of us go thru post op, and this Q & A forum, with many
questions from people in pain or facing other problems. I am still pre-op,
but I can only imagine the exuberence that posties must be feeling when
regaining their health. (BTW, glad that you're doing so well :o) Maybe
that is the "Pollyannaism" that the scary website if referring
to??? As far as long-term issues, I feel I will be dead from MO-ity issues
well before my time. Life holds no guarantees, look what happened to John
Ritter:o( Best of luck to you, Krista :o) Mea
— Mea A.
October 1, 2003
I think that the long term success of the surgery depends largely on the
individual. You have to take the surgery for what it is: A chance to start
over and do things RIGHT this time. You have to feed your body enough of
the right kind of food (plenty of protein and not a lot of JUNK). You have
to take supplements to help your body get things that it might be lacking
because of the surgical changes that were made (multivit with iron,
sublingual B-12, and calcium CITRATE). You have to drink plenty of
non-caloric, non-caffeinated liquids. You have to stay active. You have to
be aware of health risks that COULD happen due to having abdominal surgery
(gall bladder problems, kinked bowels, etc.) and act as your own advocate
if a dr refuses to take your concerns seriously. You have to take charge of
your medications to make sure that they will work for you after surgery (no
extended release/sustained release meds, nothing with sugar in it to make
you sick, nothing that would irritate your pouch, etc.).<p>The bottom
line is that weight loss surgery gives you a new start. But that's all it
is: a START. YOU have to take responsibility and treat your body right to
be successful and healthy. If you do you can live a lot longer than you
would have as an MO individual. If you don't, well . . . Let's just all
take care of ourselves so we don't have to worry about that, 'kay? :D
— ctyst
October 1, 2003
Well, it's too late now! :-P<P>I'm kiddin', of course. As long as
you keep up with your labwork (including a dexascan of your bones on a
regular basis), and take proper iron and calcium supplements (and B-12, if
needed, or whatever else comes along -- those are the biggies, though), and
as long as you work your tool properly so you don't regain, you should be
fine. I do think that a lifetime of vigilance with all of those things is
absolutely necessary, though.<P> I also think it behooves us (hey!
I've always wanted to use "behoove" in a sentence!) to keep in
close contact with others in the WLS community, including long-term
posties, so we're "up" on the latest information as it develops
over the years. I've learned a lot more from checking this site (and
others like it) on an almost daily basis, than I have from in-person
support meetings or my doctor. The resources here are just much broader
and greater, since we're all exposed to so many different doctors, diets,
and advice (though you do have to sort through a lot to find what you can
rely upon). I think it's a mistake to walk away from active contact with
the WLS community at one or two years post-op (or sooner) thinking,
"been there, done that," and expect not to have problems with the
surgery in the long run, the biggest of which is obviously regain. This
surgery entails a lifetime of commitment. The more you know by reading up
on what your peers and precedessors have seen and done, the better equipped
you are to deal with the alarmists.
— Suzy C.
October 1, 2003
I look at it this way. I have taken no greater risk than waking up every
morning as a SMO 442 lb person. I do not know what my future was in my
ever growing body. I also do not know what my future is as a gastric
bypass patient but I was willing to gamble it would be better. Even if I
die an early death, due to something no one could forsee when I had
surgery, at least I will have enjoyed myself and done so much more than
living my previous life. Think of Big Pete, he would not have changed
anything and went out knowing he got to finally live life.
<p>I've committed to regular bloodwork, daily calcium and vitamins
and b-12 weekly or however often is needed and being followed up by my
internist and surgeon to try and catch things before they become a serious
problem. This is all I can do. I was dying anyway, and sooner rather than
later. This way I have a chance of living longer and at least having a
quality of life while I am on this earth.
— zoedogcbr
October 1, 2003
I am currently 9 months out and have not had ANY problems thus far. I have
a friend who is 18 months out and does not have any problems. I just went
to visit my surgeon on Tuesday 9/30 and he said the best thing to do is to
not only keep your primary care physician in your life but to keep a
relationship with the surgeon's office. Make sure they both know everything
about you so they can keep tabs. You should have some blood work done soon
as well so the dr.'s can check your iron levels and vitamin levels, etc.
There are risks that things could develop later on, but if you are eating
right, drinking your water, exercising and taking your vitamins the odds
are that things will be just fine. I truly believe that the best thing you
can do for yourself is to keep a positive attitude and do the right things
for your body and you will be o.k. There will always be nay-sayers out
there....you have to do what's best for you. Obesity kills and what a
miserable life it is to be obese. There are just as many risks that could
kill you being obese than there are having this surgery. While I dont
recommend it for everyone, as some people just are not mentally ready to
handle the changes, I do support WLS! Concentrate on taking care of you!
— Lisa R.
October 1, 2003
I am 6 years post. I am as real as you can get. I am not a phony by no
means. I am not a Dr. I had open RNY. I have the scare to prove it. I lost
115 pounds. My picture is in the picture site. My weight is still down. I
have not had any problems at all. I am healthy, I can eat any type of food.
I know some people can not eat some type of foods after the surgery though
so you will have to learn that on your own. The people on this site are
real people. There are people who have had problems and wish they hadn't
had it done, and many many more who would do it again in a heartbeat. Just
listen to your Dr. and keep doing the right things and you will be all
right. Don't listen to the negative that doesn't help in anything in life.
— christine M.
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