Question:
I need more information please!!!!!!
I am seriously considering having WLS & have been reading ALOT about it lately. Some very scary things, like death, which I don't even want to think about, but I'm seeing alot of post-ops with various problems, from bowel problems, to issues w/ the "lower stomach" developing ulcers, fistulas, etc. Stoma's being narrow & needing strictures? what is that? & really how often do these problems occur & were people that develop these problems having major health concerns prior to the surgery? The only issue I have going on in my life is I'm fat & can't keep weight off, I have no other co-morbities that I am aware of. So, do I want to have this surgery to loose weight & then develp one or more of these various problems. I am very commited to the after care & exercising, etc. It will be so much easier when I'm thin, so I will do it, but reading some of these things, man, really make me wonder if I should go thru w/ it. I have a young son (3 years) & am a single mother, so I need to be alive, first of all, & healthy for him for years to come. Any answers/advise will be appreciated!! — [Deactivated Member] (posted on May 24, 2007)
May 24, 2007
Keep in mind this board reaches folks around the world so the percentage is
not as great as it seems for complications. I am 4yrs out and have not had
any of the things you mentioned.
Best of luck
— Kriola
May 24, 2007
Denise,
The biggest thing you need to think about is do you want to get healthier?
I was 353lbs, had sleep apnea, horrible heartburn, rheumatoid arthritis,
cholesterol and thyroid issues, and more. The loss of almost 180lbs I've
had so far has fixed almost every health issue I've had except the
arthritis which I knew wasn't going to be fixed by it. I had to decide what
was more important to me... sitting around slowly dying or trying to regain
some of my life and be alive to watch my daughter graduate from college
and have grandbabies someday. Even without my comorbidity problems, I'd do
it again in a minute. I feel better, have more confidence about myself, and
have gotten to a point where I have more of a life than I had preop.
Remember though, and this is what so many people forget with surgery...
this is a TOOL to help you lose weight and not a fix all. It's also not
necessarily easier because you are thinner. It's still mind over matter on
lots of things. Remember that just because you lose weight doesn't mean
that every other issue in your life will be fixed. It won't. If you are a
depression or stress eater, you need to fix that issue or you will still be
one. Binger? Find out why.. and fix it. The secret isn't the surgery, it's
mentally fixing yourself and why you ate when you did and what you did.
Also, remember that this is a major surgical proceedure and there are
problems and side effects that can happen. I haven't had any issues, and am
one year out in just a few weeks, but know others who have.
BTW.. the stoma is the new hole that is made at the bottom of the stomach
to attach it to the small intestine. Sometimes it has to be stretched to
let food pass through.
Hope this helps and good luck
— oceanrayne
May 24, 2007
All the information I have read and my doctor gave me, death rate is 1% for
gastric bypass and less than 1% for the band. Think about the problems you
can have down the road from being over weight. Im only 26 and before
surgery I already had diabetes, high cholesterol, sleap apnea, not able to
have babies, back problems and high blood pressure. Now after surgery my
sugar level is good, my cholesterol is normal, and my blood pressure is
normal. Being over weight can take years off your life. My mother passed
away at 52 years old. She has been over weight for years and her death had
to do with problems she had due to her weight (stroke and kidney failure).
You have to make your own descision which I know isnt easy. Good luck!
— barfiep01
May 24, 2007
While you may hear the horror stories and hear about people having
problems, think about al the people you don't hear from. The vast number of
those who have no problems whatsoever and go on living life and don't come
here, or are here for just a while.
— koogy
May 24, 2007
Denise, I did research on the RNY for 3 years before I was able to get it.
I found out that most surgeon's have a less than 3% death rate and that the
one I went to had a less than 1% death rate. I'm almost 2 months post op
and have had no complications, and was up walking around within hours after
my surgery and loving every moment knowing I was on the road to being a big
loser! I had gouty arthritis in my knee, idopathic edema (made worse by
the gout medicine), and high blood pressure. Since then everything has
disappeared except for 100% of the edema. It occurs occasionally at only
about 15% (around my menstral cycle) which is sooooo much better than 100%
every single day! I know that won't disappear overnight, and that it will
take time for it all to go away, so I'm being patient. I can walk
comfortably etc. I just weighed the pro's and con's of weight loss surgery
(RNY) vs. the risks of dieing from morbid obesity and well found out there
are less risks with this surgery than the risks of morbid obesity. Also
remember, most of those "scarey things" happened because the
patients didn't follow their surgeon's aftercare to the T. By not drinking
their protein, by not taking vitamins etc etc. I was my surgeon's best
patient. Whatever he told me to do I did. I also got lucky with my
surgeon's office being ranked number 2 in the U.S. and number 1 in Georgia.
Chances are if you do everything you should before and after this surgery,
you will be fine! I am also a divorced mom of a now 13 year old so I had
the same "worry" that you do about not being there when she gets
older. Make sure this is what YOU want and realize it will only make your
quality of life better for you and your son! Please feel free to contact
me about any other questions/concerns! Good luck!
— crystalsno
May 24, 2007
I'm 3 months out and situation the same as yours -- fat and couldn't keep
the weight off. I didn't have any co-morbidities and after the surgery
they told me I had sleep apnea -- news for me -- must have been very mild.
Anyway, I haven't had any additional medical problems. As always there are
dangers with every surgery when being placed under any kind of anesthesia.
I too felt the same as you when reading some of the posts and problems that
people where having. However, you must stay positive as you move through
this process and know your health situation and why you want to have the
surgery.
— the7thdean
May 24, 2007
i totaly feel you. I am also thinking about getting WLS and i have to say
after reading some of these post, i have gotten a little scared. I too have
two small children my daughter is 3 and my son is 1. All i know is that i
want to be around for them. Im 25 and already have a bunch of problems that
are coming directly from my weight. I think what really halepd to make my
decision, was the fact that my best friend got WLS in Jan and she told me
she has never been happier. she explained it all to me and easied my fears.
But remember, all surgery have risk, but that doesnt mean its going to
happen to you. good luck and let me know what you decided. :o)
— marygriego
May 24, 2007
I am also thinking about weight loss surgery. The 2 people that I know that
have had it both had problems one is having heart problems she is a little
over 1 year out from surgery. I dont even know if it is from her rapid
loss. the other ladie had a hernia and bad infection not long after her
surgery she is about 9 months out and has lost almost 100lbs. she has some
dumping issues. It also makes me very nervous . I some times feel like I'm
stuck between a rock and haed spot . If I diet I gain it back plus more I
am not able to change my lifestyle for ever on my own . so surgery seem to
be the tool to help me be able to make the lifestyle changes. The fear is
real faith or no faith Iam at risk health wise either way I way 315 and am
5 foot 4 this is also putting my life at risk.
— jldanden
May 24, 2007
To me the choice was a no brainer! I looked at how my quality of life
would be in 10 years and didn't like what I saw...no mobility, shortness of
breath, MORE fat, etc....the most important thing you can do is to RESEARCH
several doctors, go for consults and attend their support groups. Talk to
their actual patients and ask lots of questions. I think the surgeon you
select makes a huge difference. I spent a year researching wls. Pick a
center that is comprehensive, there should be a nutritionist on staff,
counseling, etc. Make sure the nut. will see you during your entire losing
and maintenance process. I have heard of nutritionists who give a certain
amount of visits and then you need to pay again! Make sure all staff
members are accessbile via email too! Once you start losing weight you
will have tremendous energy and will want to exercise. Go get this
"tool" ASAP and take the steps necessary to get healthy! Lots
of luck! (I'm down over 77 lbs as of today - 29 weeks post op - 10 lbs to
goal!!!!!
— Sheri A.
May 24, 2007
Hey I hear ya! I was pretty much in your same situation. I had a BMI of
40. I second-guessed my decision all along wondering how much worse off I
would be if complications arose - when I could have easily lived without
the surgery (albeit lived and been FAT). I know you hear a lot about the
complications, but not everyone has them. Get a really good surgeon,
follow the rules to the letter and since you dont' have other health
problems, you're much more likely to come through surgery and rebound with
no problems. In hind-sight, knowing how much I worried that I might
seriously regret my decision... I've lost 90 pounds in 6 months, look and
feel TERRIFIC and would do it again in a heartbeat. That being the bottom
line for me. When I was seriously doubting myself I asked how many people
would do it again and the answer (complications and all) was resoundingly
positive. That is how I settled it for myself. Best of luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 24, 2007
Remember there are several surgery choices. Some have fewer or more long
term side effects.
— Donna O.
May 24, 2007
You are wise to question if this surgery is the right thing for you. I am
coming up on 6 years post Open RNY and for the first 4 years I didn't
question my decision at all, even having a bowel obstruction at 19 mos. out
didn't sway me from feeling very positive about it. But I have had pain in
the abdomen for the past year that cannot be diagonosed inspite of having
pretty much all the tests, 2 - EGD's, Colonoscopy, MRCP, 2 - abdomenal
ultrasounds and a CT of the abdomen. I also have had a regain, partially
due to a few bad habits sneaking back in but also due to a enlarged stoma.
It's coming off with due diligence on my part but it is something that can
happen. Know that if you have an RNY or DS you will need to supplement
with vits. and minerals and protein drinks for the rest of your life, it
takes a commitment. Also know you could experience a great deal of gas
that is extremely foul smelling, it's harder on those you live with than it
is on your self. Do I regret the surgery? No, mainly because it helped me
get rid of 150 pounds and it made me face my food issues. I can move
easier, sit in any seat, don't get stared at in public anymore, and tons of
other wonderful things. But I also start out in one size pant in the
morning and due to extreme bloating and pain I am typically a whole size up
at the end of the day. Making a list of the pros and cons is a great idea
and make sure you make the decision for yourself, no one else can decide
for you. Everyone's story is different but listen to the ones that are
years down the road since that is often when the longer term issues rear
their ugly head. I wish you well and feel free to write to me off list.
Blessings, Anita
— ALF
May 25, 2007
Hi Denise, thanks for writing, and doing such great research! I am always
encouraged when other people really look at all sides of this surgery. You
have every reason to be careful and cautious. Surgery is NOT for everyone.
It has taken perfectly healthy people and turned them into health problem
people. It has taken lives of people who were otherwise healthy because
blood clots can happen to anyone. Problems to happen, not to everyone, but
sometimes you cannot predict who gets those issues and who does not.
Surgery is a difficult and serious decision, make it carefully, it is a
life changing surgery and if you don't treat it like that, then it can be a
real problem for you in the end. I am 3 years post surgery and I have had
great success in many ways. No leaks from the beginning, and no real
complications at surgery. I developed an ulcer about 1 year out and still
for the most part have that ulcer. I take protonix for it, and it is under
control, but it is still present, especially when I get angry at something
(not that often). The Stoma is the exit from the stomach, and sometimes it
swells from surgery. I did not have this at all. Never a problem there.
I had a "scope" to discover the ulcer, and this year I did have
an obstructed bowel from excessive scar tissue (at 3 years out). Things
happen, and that is why you have to get an annual check up with your
surgeon every year after the first year. The first year, you should get a
check up about 4 to 6 times during that first year. You also call them if
anything seems odd. Catching things early is the key. If you think that
you can have surgery and never have issues again you are right, you can,
you will always need vitamins and calcium and have to deal with the
nutritional issues to stay healthy, but this surgery can have maintenance
problems that cannot be ignored. Take them for what they are, and hope
that they don't affect you, but they absolutely can. I am very satisfied
with my surgery dispite the fact I have had a couple of procedures since.
Weigh the questions and answers carefully. Being obese has it's own set of
problems and health issues, and you have to weigh the risks of surgery to
the risks of waiting. Once you have complications, it is hard to reverse
any of the affects of diabetes or bp issues. You can clear up the issue,
but not always the affects it has had on the body up to that point. You
are wise to seek the truth, but you still have to apply it as you see it
and make your own decision. It might not be the right timing for you. A 3
year old child needs his Mom, but then any child at any age need their Mom.
You could have a stellar recover and surgery, and you could be the one
that an error is made or a "goof" or an undiscovered problem
during surgery that causes problems that you never hope anyone has to go
through. When I had surgery, I read the memorial page on this site to give
respect to everyone who died after having wls. I thought it was respectful
and right. It gave me more respect for what I was about to do. Maybe this
is a good idea for you. I prayed a lot and put my trust in the God who
saved me. It was His choice in surgery, and I was content with that. He
chose to give me success in surgery and recovery, and I am thankful. I
wish the same for you, but the decision is yours. I don't know your
relationship with Jesus Christ, but if you are a Christian, we have a rock
to turn to. Take care, Patricia P.
— Patricia P
May 25, 2007
Denise, research it some more and get more feedback and talk to more people
who have had it done. I remember when I had to sign a whole
"book" of papers during my pre-op appt and each had a number of
things that could happen, most of them resulting in death. If you don't
feel it in your gut that this is your last option, then wait a while. I was
374# this past December and am now 233#-- 5 months later. I have a
3-year-old little girl and I knew that if I didn't do something drastic and
change my eating habits for good, then I may not live to see her grauate
high school. THAT scared me more than anything. I had open RNY on 12/27/06
and had no complications with the surgery. I don't regret it one bit! But
heck yeah I was afraid! But I felt like I was living on borrowed time and
it was running out. I've never felt better now! Don't make any hasty
decisions and try not to focus on the negative things. Your mindset is very
important to have a dramatic surgery like this. Best wishes!
— airbear762000
May 25, 2007
hi denise
there are some of us who have no coplications at all -- i'm 6 months out
and my husband is a yr out -- both of us had Open RNY -- textbook -- not a
problem -- i started at 228 and my husband was 373 -- neither of us had
major problems -- just fat -- the bowel problem you should encounter if you
don't keep up with a proper vitamin/suppliment regiment is constipation --
the stool is hard -- this is due to malabsorption of foods and liquids
--just keep it in check
get info on all procedures and doctors!! you want a good TEAM behind you --
counseling, nutritionist, gastro/intestinal surgeon -- and you want these
people for a long long time to come -- try to stay away from the 'money
makers' -- dr's who promise weight loss -- you want to be healthy and not
just thin -- you want to breathe right -- you want risks to be lowered,
heart, lungs, diabetes -- check out the dr like you would check out a day
care center -- how is it run, who is there, how long have they been doing
this, talk to other patients -- don't jump -- take your time -- be wary of
dr's who give surgery dates without approvals - -this will get your hopes
up and it might come crashing down when insurance doesn't approve right
away
the best of luck to you :) the decision is all yours :)
Roberta
— RCassety
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