Question:
What are the negative side effects on you and family through this surgery?

I have read through the questions and I can tell that most are just appreciating the fact that they're finally loosing weight. What are the most serious side effects and what impact does the surgery have on yourself and your family, coping with the surgery. I am worried about how my children will react to the fact that I choose this option.    — karen C. (posted on September 25, 1999)

September 25, 1999
Yor're right, most people who post here are happy to be losing the weight, no matter what the impact of the surgery has been. I have had 6 gastric and intestine surgeries from complications of my wls. I have great difficulty eating solid foods and in fact, have a feeding tube. My family and extended family now wishes I never had the surgery. I have come close to death several times and the emotional toll has been great on them- especially my teenage sons. This surgery works for most people, but it's important to remember, that it's not without risks. Blessings, Bev (\O/) open rny oct.96 320 lbs today 115 lbs and holding
   — BJ K.

September 26, 1999
After fighting obesity most of my life, when I heard about this surgery I knew that this was the answer for me. My Mother, Brothers, and Children were hesitant about me having the surgery, they were mainly worried that something would happen to me during surg. I just knew in my heart that this was for me, and I asked God to direct me according to his will. I started going to a BTC(Bariatric Treatment Center) and I had asthma too severe for them to feel they could safely do my surgery. I was led to another Dr. who operated in a large hospital that had an ICU/CCU and specialists incase I would need any extra assistance(which I did not) I did develop pneumonia 10 days post op but after that cleared up I have done great. I have lost 160# in 16 mo. and I feel sooooo much better that I can't even begin to tell you what a change it has made in my life. If you feel in your heart that this is what you should do then go for it. Your whole family will reap the benefits of you being healthier and when you like yourself you can like others even more. I could go on and on and would be happy if you want to write me back. I am extremely pleased with the surgery and my whole family is really glad that I went ahead and did it. They were scared of losing me, but now they realize that they would have lost me sooner by being so overweight than they would by having the surgery. I had an open RNY distal with a 1cc micro pouch. I used to live in Tx too, I lived in Humble for 4 1/2 yrs. Good Luck in whatever you decide. Let me know if I can be of help. God Bless you and yours, Jan Terry (pjterry@ megsinet.net)
   — Jan T.

September 26, 1999
I don't think my kids give a rats patootie about what option I chose. I know they love that we now bicycle, boogie board, go to the waterslides, go to amusement parks, play lasor tag, go hiking, together. Not with dad while mom stays at home.
   — dboat

September 26, 1999
First off ... I hope your doing this surgery for yourself, that it's you who wants to be healthier & happier. In that light ... your family should be supportive and if they are not, ask them to not speak negatively, especially in front of your children. Tell your children, that you are chosing this option so that you can enjoy your life more fully, so that you can laugh & play with them (age?) or your grandchildren. Be honest with people, tell them of the indignities that we suffer when we are fat ... things that they take for granted like sitting in a restaurant booth, walking down the street and seeing the disapproval in others eyes, but worst than that ... disapproving of yourself. Be honest with them ... and let them know that you are not asking for their approval, just their support and if they cannot do that, then please do not broach the subject. Good Luck... Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much Mary Anne
   — Mary Anne M.

September 27, 1999
I am pre-op, (8 days and counting)and my seven children are all grown, so I don't know if this will apply to you or not. The older children wanted to make sure I had done my homework before making my choice. They asked lots of questions, before they were sure Mom knew what she was doing. Our youngest daughter is taking 3 weeks off from work and coming home to take care of me (and her father) post-op. They are worried, but supportive. They want me around to help with the grandchildren for many more years. :o) Without the surgery I face serious health problems that could shorten my life considerably.
   — Fran W.

September 27, 1999
I had VBG 14 months ago. My daughter was only 4 at the time. It really didn't affect her at all. Sometimes she would want to go eat some place that didn't have anything that I could eat. That is really the only thing. As for my husband, he has been sio supportive. I would say that I cook differently. I make healthier choices and don't keep a lot of junk food around the house. That is reall yhte only thing that has affected the family. I noticed that you were from Baytown. I live in Houston and we have a support group that meets every 1 Sunday of the month. We will be meeting this Sunday October 3 and would love to have you join us. There will be lots of post- ops there to answer questions and usually one or two pre-ops. E-mail me for details if you are interested.
   — Donna D.