Question:
Can you ever research TOO much?!

I went to my first support mtg today and think I've experienced 'tunnel vision', as was mentioned today in the mtg. I've been aware of some of the 'side effects' of the surgery, but have had the attitude/hope that nothing serious would happen to me. It never does, right? I guess my question is, is there EVER a time when you can sit back and enjoy the success of the surgery, or could you still have complications, 5+ years down the road? Also, I've read that there is a bacteria produced in the small intestine that is usually expelled through your BM's. Since it's not attatched anymore it has nowhere to go, and build up of the bacteria can end up causing long term damage to your immune system. Is this true, or are people on the Internet just trying to scare us pre-ops? Please post answers or email...Thank you    — Erin C. (posted on February 9, 2002)

February 9, 2002
Since WHAT is not attached? Your colon? No, it's still there. Not usually touched during routine WLS. Your small intestine? It's still attached to SOMETHING at both ends, just differently than you were born. I think they're trying to twist your brain around the old JIB (intestinal bypass). But even so, that description is not accurate, either. I think you hit the nail on the head: fear tactics. Yes, you can have post-op complications, from this surgery, or the ones resulting from your comorbs. OR perhaps you will NOT. Perhaps you will just end up with a tidy list of comorbs you USED to have, a stack of ever improving lab work, and a healthy glow about your normal weight self. It's POSSIBLE that you might surive it and succeed, though I know there are movements afoot to say it ain't so.
   — vitalady

February 9, 2002
Hi. I have read the same thing that you are speaking of in your post. The bacteria, in rare cases, has been found to build up in the biliary-pancreatic flow..the length of intestine left that goes from your gallbladder/pancreas/liver to your small intestine. I spoke with Dr.John Husted about this potential problem at his seminar and he felt that the risk of developing this complication was miniscule (sp??). I am planning on having the BPD/DS after I successfully finish with the insurance company. :o)) hopefully! Hope this helps..good luck!
   — Theresa A

February 9, 2002
Ya know, I think you can go overboard with research. It gets to the point where all you see and hear is the negative because you started out so up about everything. I am almost 8 yrs post ops and am healthier than I have ever been and no *side* effects except being able to shop in normal size stores, buying clothes off the rack without trying them on, actually experience having to return clothes because they are too big, having a ton of energy, being percieved as a normal person (If the public only knew the truth BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!)and I can go on and on. The only crashing truth I found out at around 3 yrs post op is that the surgery is not a magic pill/panacea and I had to change the way I lived my life if I want to lose more wt or maintain.... I agree with Michelle, and she is 7+ yrs postop. Start looking for the longer term post op stories and read them. This will give you a big boost.
   — vt_rita

February 9, 2002
Interesting question. I am also pre op, with a surgery date and addicted to this board, and any information I can get my hands on. I dont think you can research or know too much, however I do believe it is possible to become too single minded about this process. It has become important for me to balance this process with the rest of life, though it feels like it is the most important decision in the world, that is only to me. Other people in my life have their own issues and priorities, and I can not always expect this to be number 1 for them. Also I need the distraction and routine of the "rest of my life". And those distractions will become twice as important post op, when food will no longer be the center of my world. Take care,
   — Nene B.

February 9, 2002
I researched so much before surgery, I could have done it myself if they would have let me.
   — Goldilauxx B.

February 10, 2002
The problem with researching too much, is that you'll come across information that's not accurate. Of course, you can come across that even with little researching, but the more you look, the more you'll find. It's best to look at the source of the information, and try to limit it to people who've researched this through responsible and respectable methods. Even first hand knowledge from people who've had the surgery is subjective, not objective. As for the internet...you can probably find a web site that will prove the earth flat. Doesn't mean it's so.
   — Cyndie K.

February 10, 2002
Yes! I know this is going to sound weird, but you can research too much. You need to get all the info you can before you made your decision. After you have learned all about the surgery and the good the bad and the ugly, you need to sit back and let it sink in. If you don't you will start to think about nothing but the surgery. I know this is a big step. I can relate because for 6 months solid all I did was research! It got to the point that all I was doing was getting the same info over and over. My best friend finally said that enough was enough and I needed to take the info I got and decide weather or not I was going to do it. I agree with her. I still come to this site once or twice a week, but I'm not on it all the time. Good Luck.
   — Sarah K.

February 10, 2002
I researched for 1 year, before having surgery. I feared everything, from dying of the operarating table, to throwing daily and not being able to hold down anything. Well.... I my doctor calls me the"poster child" for WLS. I was up the next day walking, ate soft solids while in the hospital, have only thrown up once, can eat anything in small portions. I feel so much better than before, and by /June I'll be at my goal. I even have amazed myself, as to how easily I recovered from surgery, and am back to normal. One thing I did was skip over questions/articles that might be scary to me. I don't now, i almost read everythiing, Good Luck!
   — Cindee A.