Question:
Hubby just told me of an executive at Clairol who had WLS

and has been in the hospital for the past 2 months with generalized infections due to a leak that doctors can't find. Has anyone heard about it? I think the patient is in the NE (maybe NY). Hubby is telling me that I should forget about getting the operation...    — vitoria (posted on June 17, 2004)

June 17, 2004
There are always some negative stories going around (many which are true), but I think you need to show your hubby the many, many successes as witneseed by this site -
   — GPoynor

June 17, 2004
Haven't heard this one, but then, doesn't everyone have at least one person tell them about some WLS horror story before they have surgery? IMHO, this is an urban legend until proof is presented.SHK,RN
   — koogy

June 17, 2004
There are lots of possible complications post-op, but it doesn't mean it'll happen to YOU. There percentage of serious problems is relatively low. Someone in our support group had to have many, many follow up operations due to problems with her old stomach not draining acid. A woman who had surgery the same day as I did had a herniated intestine that ruptured and she became septic. She almost died, and was in a coma for months, but has recovered. The point is that serious side effects do happen, but won't necessarily happen to you. It's good to be aware of the possibilities, and make your decision based on that. For me, even though I knew of the possible problems, I still felt it was the right decision even if I had complications (which I did, but they were thankfully resolved with a follow up surgery). Good luck with your decision, and make sure you do your research.
   — mom2jtx3

June 17, 2004
HAve your husband go on this website and do the research. Sure, there are "risks" with any surgery, but know all the facts before you make any decisions. There are all different kinds of WLS as well, Bypass, Lap Band, etc. Know them all and then speak to your doctor and find out whicc oe is right for you. Alot of surgeries can now be down laparscopically with minimal invasiveness. Research them all and then decide. I researched my surgery for over a year, even went to support groups and spoke with people who have had the surgery I was most interested in. I had Lap BAnd surgery on May 17th and have had absolutely no complications whatsoever. Good Luck! Sherry S
   — sac287

June 17, 2004
I have not heard anything about your posting. I will say this, since I was one of the 3% (or whatever the stat is currently) that had a major complication of a 'hole' in my new stomach. This was probably caused by tearing stomach tissue, caused by blood flow disruption. Also referried to as a fisteria (sp?). My profile goes into it a little further. Pre-op, I intellectually acknowledged that WLS is dangerous. Honestly, I did not expect anything but easy going for me. I had health problems, but not life-endangering, i.e. no high blood pressure, no heart problems, etc. I really thought I would be back to work within a week, possibly two. Well, 4 days after my LAP RNY, I was rushed to ER, emergency surgery (open), filled with peritonitis because food was leaking into my stomach cavity. Well, the fun went on the hospital for several weeks. It was a long recovery period - actually, I'm still recovering, just to a MUCH smaller degree. My biggest supporter was my dear, dear, dear husband. He knew that I was at the end of my rope before the surgery. He was supportive that I wanted to finally make a change in my life. I included him with me EVERY step of the way, including having him with me when I initially consulted my surgeon. I knew that I had to have him understanding WLS and understanding what I was going to have to go through - if he wasn't going to be there for me, I was going to have to be mentally prepared for that additional stress of non-support. I forced myself to share my thoughts and fears and my readings and research with my DH (I am way too private and secretive, part of my food addiction). Thank God, considering what I went through. He was ALWAYS there by my side. He would remind me, when I was getting down, that a year from now, I would be better and I would still have my blessed pouch. AND, here I am, 13+ months post-op, down over 160 pounds, feeling great, looking good, loving life and more in love with my DH than I was before ~ and I don't know how that is possible! He is not an angel, neither am I. All I know is that, complications happen. We are all adults that must make that personal decision before going forward with the surgery. It is HUGE! It is LIFE ALTERING! It should make everyone reflect and really look inside yourself. You are the only one to know if you are able to commit to the changes that WLS will FORCE upon you. It has been a wonderful journey for me - rocky many times, but still a wonderful journey. I am finding myself and my voice again. I had extreme pain and discomfort for a short-term period of time - yes, it was hell. I had been in hell for 37 years, what was a few more months? I was still moving forward, making a positive change in my life. I have had a hard time finding foods that agree with me - that could just be me anyway, not anything to do with my complications. I must be careful of sugars and fats - some days, VERY careful. I still find myself on occasion getting just tuckered out. Yet there are other days that I garden for 2-3 hours, mow lawn for 4-5 hours, clean up the house, cook dinner, and wonder why I haven't got more done! I think that happens to 'normal' people too. Some days I eat more food than other days, some days more sweets than other days. I think that happens to 'normal' people too. So, while I will never be 'normal', I often feel normal. I could not say that before surgery. Can I recommend the surgery? That is just too complicated a situation. No one can recommend, only you can decide. I am sure that you are researching and reflecting - scary stories should be included. This is real life, not a story, not a movie. Bad things CAN happen and DO happen. I don't think anyone was negligent - I think that things happen in life, both good and bad. I just happened to be the one that drew the short straw. And seriously, when complications happen, you just ride that rollercoaster ride back to health. What other choice is there? I did what the doctors told me to do and waited for my body to heal. I stayed as positive as I could - again, this was a very deliberate choice on my part. I could have been all negative and bitchy, but that would just hurt everyone, including me. No, I was not Merry Sunshine all the time, but you get my drift. Life is choices. I chose WLS and by working my life one day at a time, WLS has helped me increase my self-esteem and self-worth. I am calm inside and have made huge changes in our lifestyles, especially how/what I cook and the amount of daily activity I do. I am taking a balanced approach to all of it, diet, exercise, etc. There are no significant short-term results, only long-term. That was my focus and continues to be my focus. Yes, it is nice that I have lost over 160 pounds, but on the other hand, it isn't that important to me. It is more important that I feel so much better and that I continue to feel this way for years to come. I am not part of a race; I am on a journey, which ends when I do, not before. I cannot say what you should do. I do know that your decision should not be based on a speculation about someone that you don't know personally. Have you consulted a surgeon, or have considered one? Check with their office to see if they have support groups. Perhaps you could attend and then speak with some of the other attendees. Real life is what you need to hear, not rumor, not speculation. That is what this website did for me. I read it several times a day. I also knew a lady that had the surgery and I spoke with her on a fairly regular basis. Good luck to you, whatever conclusion you come to. I would hope that, WLS or no WLS, that you help yourself now. If you are MO, then please love yourself enough to make those lifestyle changes. After WLS this is easier, no doubt about it. HOWEVER, WLS is not magic. It is still intake vs output. WOW, someone put a quarter in me - I will get off the soap box now! Good luck to you. :) 336/169/???? LAP RNY 05-02-03
   — Jodie P.

June 18, 2004
I was one of the 1% that developed blood clots, leaks and infection (all three). I am now 7-1/2 months post-op and down over 100 lbs. Looking back during the first few months I regretted surgery. Today, it's a different story. My blood surgar was 389 pre-op. It's 85 today. I never took medication for diabeties once out of the hospital. I have more energy and strength then I ever thought I could. I didn't know how sick I really was. I was dying, slowly. I tell people all the time. Take this surgery seriously. Yes, there is a chance of complications, wht surgery doesn't have that percentage. However, if you have sincerely tried and failed at ever possible attempt to lose weight and your life depends on this surgery, then I strongly urge you to go ahead. The best advice I can give you is to know in your heart that you have given every other option a try and this is the last choice. In as much as you are married, this is an individual decision because this is your body we are talking about. Most people supported me, but a few didn't and when I almost died, I understood why. I am a success story from the word go. I wish you the same. God Bless you. You are welcome to contact me and we can talk more.
   — lindabaptiste619

June 18, 2004
Thank you all for addressing my concerns regarding surgery complications! You were very kind to take the time and share your thoughts and experiences with me.
   — vitoria