Question:
Would you do it again? Why? or Why not?
Did you experience any complications? What were they? I am working on an argumentative research paper for my nursing degree. I would like responses to the above questions both positive and negative. No identities will be used in my paper other than for example 43 y o f or 35 y o m. I have had surgery, and consider myself sucessful as I reached my goal within one year and am currently maintaining. I no longer take BP meds, asthma meds, arthritis meds, and no longer have diabetes. — Lynn S. (posted on October 8, 2002)
October 8, 2002
I had a complication after 5 days out of a RNY Lap. I had what they call a
herniated intestine, or in layman's terms, a kinked hose. I experienced
severe pain that was much like a gall bladder attack, and they had to go
back in and fix it. My doc was able to do it again lap. I had to have a
feeding tube for about 3 weeks, in which I had to pour Ensure to keep
myself nourished. That was the worst thing that happened. I am now doing
just great, -45 pounds from size 24 to 18 (loose) and not having any other
problems.
— missmollyk
October 8, 2002
Yes!!!!!!!!I would do this again in a heart beat. I had open rny on 2/22/02
and have lost 100 lbs. I went from a size 20 to size 6. This is the best
thing I could have ever done for myself....talk about change in quality of
life!! I no longer take the three medications I was taking for type II
diabetes. (haven't had to take it since the day of surgery) I no longer try
to hide when I see someone I know,hoping they won't see me (or should I say
hoping they wouldn't see how much weight i'd gained since I saw them last)
I actually enjoy running into people now, it's wonderful. I am able to
swim, rollerblade etc with my children, and they are loving it....need I
say more? Yes if I had it to do all over again i would without a second
thought.
— Kelly T.
October 8, 2002
I forgot to mention in my post that I have not had any complications. I
stayed one extra day in the hospital due to excess trapped gas and
constipation, but other than that everything has been fine.
— Kelly T.
October 8, 2002
Well I can't seem to reach goal. I'm at 80% loss. My only regret is I
did'nt do this in the late 80's or 1990 at the latest. It would have made
my other many surgeries go so much more easy. It would have made my 30's
more pleasant rather than carrying all that heavy ugly weight around.
— Danmark
October 8, 2002
Yes I would do it again. And no I didn't have any complications. Read my
profile for details.
— Linda A.
October 8, 2002
Hi Linda-
I am 4.5 months out and down 85lbs. I had a Lap RNY. In just these few
months I have gone from having moderate sleep apena to being able to sleep
the whole night through. I can not even express to you what it feels like
to get a full nights sleep after about 5 years of no rest. I'm 41 and I was
not going to live the rest of my life on a CPAP. Although I have much more
I want to lose, what has happened so far has saved my life. I had no
complications (great surgeon) and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
— Cheryl S.
October 8, 2002
I would do it once a year if that's what it took to keep the results I have
had! No kidding. I had few complications -- pneumonia in the hospital, a
couple of endoscopies in the first few months, once in awhile I get cramps
in my feet or legs --- NOTHING compared to the pain I was in pre-op from
arthritis, GERD, and plantar fascitis. I'm happy happy happy. hugs,
Ann rny9/10/99 260/130
— [Deactivated Member]
October 8, 2002
No I would not do it again. I am 2 months post-op and feel weak everyday
although I now swim/do aqua-fit 5-6 times a week. I have lost 50 pounds
which is nice but I wish I did not feel so depressed and so physically weak
at times.The surgery (open RNY) went okay but woke up in agony and had
terrible trouble with breathing for a good week.
— chealsea L.
October 8, 2002
There are now five of us in my family, ranging in ages from 29 - 58, who
are post-lap RNY and we are living testimonials to the absolute
"wonder" of this surgery. Four of us are at goal, and my older
daughter is just three weeks post-op. We four "veterans" are
healthier and happier than we have been at any point in our adult
lives....off all prior medications, including blood pressure and diabetic
medications. We had wonderfully uncomplicated surgeries by an exquisite
surgeon...two day hospitalizations, and back to work in 8-14 days. The
only regret that has ever been expressed in our household is that we didn't
have this surgery years and years ago. Would we do it again?...in a New
York minute! Good luck on your paper!
— Diana T.
October 8, 2002
I had no complications. WLS 1/19/2002. Starting weight370. I've lost 150
For the first 2 weeks if asked I would say no! But after that I think that
this is the best thing I have ever done . I would do it again in a
heartbeat. No more meds or sleep apneia. I also find that people are more
accepting of me and my ideas.
— Robert L.
October 8, 2002
I would definitly do it all over again, I haven't had any complications,
except for minor dumping, consisting of running to the toilet and the dry
heaves, I have lost 138 pounds and 91 inches, my highest weight was the
day I got out of the hospital at 270 it is now 132 pounds and i am getting
a tummytuck and breast reduction/lift in December, this surgery has
literally saved my life!!!!!!
— bikerchic
October 8, 2002
I am having problems with possibly ulcers and have burning almost every
day. I also have a hernia. I have quite a bit of skin hanging, lost a lot
of weight in my breasts which was the only place I couldn't afford to lose
weight. Those are the only real negatives other than my concern on my
health in the future. The positives: normal blood pressure, no more sleep
apnea, breathing better, more energy. I would do it again in a second.
— Lisa N M.
October 8, 2002
I am not sure if I would do it again NOW. I am only two months out and had
major complications during open RNY. I have been fine since but have weird
pains sometimes, dump easy, etc. I am sure this will get better and I will
probably change my maybe to a yes in a few weeks or months. Good Luck.
— TP
October 8, 2002
I had LAP RNY 11/09/01, at goal!! I did have minor complications, 2
strictures that had to be dilated. With the violent vomiting with the
first one, I developed a Mallory-Weiss tear in my pouch and was throwing up
blood as a result, and became dehydrated. And even with these problems, I
never had an ounce of regret! I was desperate for this surgery. Would I
do it again? In a SKINNY minute!! I have my life back!
— Cheri M.
October 8, 2002
I, like the other two Post-op who are "newbies", (I am at 6
weeks) am not sure if I would do it again. No major complications, but I
am weak and tired. I have no motivation to do anything. I can't seem to
get all my water and protien in and that makes me feel guilty like before
WLS and still dieting. I am having Major trouble with foods- I am either
starving or sick to my "pouch."
Maybe in 6 months after this learning curve, I can say, "Yes, in a
heart beat." I hope so!
— Rebecca P.
October 8, 2002
I was 44 when I had surgery, 8 yrs ago. I had distal RNY, open. All went
well, but I was subject to marginal ulcer. HOWEVER, I was subject to
regular ulcers pre-op. Easily controlled by meds post-op. Because I had an
early surgery, I had staple line disruption at 5 yrs and was revised
shortly thereafter. No ulcers (of any kind) since the revision. I lost
150#, and still maintain a wt of 110-115 at 5'1". I also lost sevre
sleep apnea, asthma, high BP, high cholesterol, the potential for diabetes
(2 parents), the inability to walk across my own kitchen without having to
rest and a host of other minor co-morbs. Would I do it again? I DID do it
again!
— vitalady
October 8, 2002
YES! I am only two months post-op and have lost 45 pounds. Even when I'm
bent over the kitchen sink vomiting my guts out, I would still say YES I'm
glad I had the surgery and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
I've been completely complication free. I have felt GREAT!! I am 26 and
had the surgery mainly due to infertility. I had PCOS pre-op and hadn't
had a "regular" period (one not induced simply by gravity) in
about 5 years. I ovulated the first month after surgery and got my period
after only 30 days. I thought it would take longer for this hormonal
imbalance to improve, but I can tell that the weightloss is already having
a major impact. Now all I have to do is wait until my surgeon gives me
clearance to get pregnant - probably a year or so.
Good luck with your paper!
— mandajuice
October 8, 2002
I am 37 years old and am 5 months post-op, down 90 pounds. I am 57 pounds
away from my initial weight goal. I had a complication during surgery -
major scar adhesions from a cesarean section surgery 10 years ago. My
surgeon said it was like someone had poured glue down my intestines. This
made my surgery go from lap to open. While recuperating in the hospital,
my left lung partially collapsed and I was put on iv antibiotics for 3 days
to make sure I would not get the pneumonia. So I went from a 3 day
hospital stay to 7 days. Emotionally, I was devastated when I woke up with
a scar down my belly. If I had wanted a big scar, I would have had this
surgery a couple/few years ago. Pre-surgery I was borderline diabetic. As
of my last blood test, I have no blood sugar problems. My arthritis has
worsened in my knees since I am walking every day. I'm hoping this will
get better when I get to my goal. My personality has changed a bit. I
tend to be grumpier than usual and I get angry easily. Would I do the
surgery again? Yes. Even with my complications and all of the adjusting
I've had to do with nausea, throwing up (earlier post-op), and re-learning
how to eat, I would do it again. I feel better than I have in years and I
move around much better (and faster).
— Jennifer A.
October 8, 2002
I'm a 58 y o f, date of surgery 9/21/01, loss to date 107 lbs. Would I do
it again? YOU BETCHA! IN A NY SECOND, let alone minute. Why? I feel
better. I look better. I have either eliminated or decreased medications
for blood pressure, high cholesterol, GERD, hormones, depression, aches and
pains. I can touch my toes. I can cross my legs at the knee. I can tie
my shoes without having to haul the foot up to the opposite knee so I could
reach. I can shop for clothes in regular stores. People look at me when
they talk to me - I am no longer that "invisible" fat person. I
can eat small meals and feel perfectly satisfied leaving half a portion on
the plate. I no longer have to finish the box (it doesn't matter what was
in the box, I don't have to eat it). Anything else?
— Marjorie B.
October 9, 2002
Forgot to mention in my previous post that I had one stricture that had to
be dilated via endoscopy. I do experience (still) "dumping"
syndrome, and I still vomit if I don't chew thoroughly or if I eat too much
- but I do not count these as drawbacks. They help keep me on track!
— Marjorie B.
October 9, 2002
Hi:
The honest answer to your question is I don't know. I am 7 weeks post lap
rny with no complications. Although I feel extremely guilty when I hear
about those with horrible complications who would do it again, I am not
sure. At this point, I only wish I would have REALLY known about the
terrible pain and depression postop. You can do all of the reading and
research in the world, but it does not even come close to the real deal.
Maybe if my weight loss had been spectacular, I would also feel different.
But I am still struggling for every pound, even though I am doing
everything right. I am hoping that as time passes and weight loss is
better and some comorbidities are gone, I will feel differently. For me,
it is still too soon to tell. Hope this helps you.
— Grace H.
October 9, 2002
Hi, Yes I would do it all over again. I am a 29 y.o old female, and at 14
and half months out I have lost over 175 lbs and am almost at goal! Only
complications I can say that I have had was some food issues, and a kidney
stone. Other than that I couldn't be happier!!
— Carey N.
October 10, 2002
I am 38 yr old man. Had sugery on 3/4/02 starting out at 432 lbs.
Have now lost 124 lbs in about 7 months and YES, I would do it again.
It is amazing how much better I feel, Am off BP meds, more mobile
Only complication was extremely low oxygen levels on 3rd day post-op
due to severe sleep apnea problems. I think I may be getting a hernia
in my belly button, but it doesn't really bother me. And YES I would
recommend RNY to anyone to is considering it. It will dramitacally
change your life for the better.
— Dell H.
October 15, 2002
I am a 31 yo, white female. I am so unsure of if I would do this surgery
again or not. I had my surgery on Sept 11, 2001. I had Lap RNY. It went
very smoothly, and I left the hospital in 2 days.. Felt great, and did more
then I should have. I picked up the baby too soon, and that caused a
hernia.. But before I even found out about that.. I had the opening close
up on me, had to go in exactly 1 yr ago today, and have it scoped and
dialated.. It helped, but I was still very nauseated.. Then in Nov. I had
SEVERE pain, and threw up all night long.. My hubby worked nightshift, and
I didn't have any way of getting a hold of him.. Anyways in the morning it
was so bad, I called my inlaws to come stay with my 3 children. When he got
home I made him take me to ER. There they were dumbfounded, and sent me to
the regular hospital.. I spent the next 2 days in and out of
conscienceness, and in severe pain.. So bad I thought I was going to die..
They finally figured out the problems and called the surgeon out of surgery
with someone else, to take me back, he said I was close to dying.. I had
the scar tissue wrapped around my intestines, and had a hernia, and had
critically low potassium levels. I was in the hospital for a week, all
that time my mother in law stayed with our kids. Even after I got home my
mother in law stayed because I was on pain pills, and very weak. Exactly a
week after I got home from the hospital my mother in law let my kids out to
play (something I had told her to not do, unless she was with them) Well,
my little girl ended up drowning in a neighbors pool. So for me, I feel so
responsible, like if I had just not had surgery, I would not have had
complications, and my precious child might still be here. She loved me the
way I was.. she once told me, she wanted to grow up and be a
"circle" like me.. I miss her so so very much, and although I
have now lost over 150 pds, it feels like I did it all in vain. I was at
327 when I had the surgery, and had back, knee, hip, all over pain.. Now my
body doesn't have the joint pain, it is a different pain, much worse.. the
physical ache from wanting to hold my child again.. and the pain in my
heart that feels like it will never heal.. you can see my angel at
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/m/myangelsarah Although people may be
so wrapped up in getting this surgery, they need to know to make their time
at home with their families special.. I feel I wasted a lot of my last few
months with Sarah, worrying about the surgery, and consumed with getting
thin.. Oh what I wouldn't give to go back in time.. and change everything..
Good luck on your paper, Chandra
— Chandra M.
October 15, 2002
34, Female, LAP RNY 7/2000. Yes, I would do it again- or as someone else
posted, yearly as nescessary. I suffer with PCOS; and while WLS will never
cure the incureable, my symptoms have been grealty helped by this sugery.
As was my infertility. I started at 277, got down to 187- never reached
goal of 150, inched back to 190-195 and I have maintained that weight for
close to 1.5 years. I shall try again to reach "the goal" after
the baby comes. I lost a gallbladder, but gained a smile (oh, and a chin!)
and a life. I did not have any complications, other than the GB (2001) and
Thrush (right out of the hospital).
— Karen R.
October 15, 2002
39 year old Female - Surgery 05/13/02 Started at 310 and in 5 months down
87 pounds. I feel better than I have in 20 years. Blood Sugar - Normal
Blood Pressure - Normal Pain in hips, knees and feet - GONE. Energy
increased by 250% Exercing and LOVING LIFE. I would do it again in a
heartbeat.
— Sharon H.
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