Question:
HELP! I'm thinking of backing out of surgery!
I have been reading lots of information about WLS through the entire process from the original consultation, to surgery date, which is less than 2 days away. I have come across information that says that you will age quickly, and shorten your life span dramatically after the surgery. It goes into a number of serious and life threatening health conditions due to lack of absorption after surgery of nutrients. There were several articles that addressed people who had the operations reversed, and continue to have severe health problems. My Doctor went over all of the risks of surgery with me, and discussed the importance of a healthy diet to include supplements. But no informaton was ever discussed regarding what the surgery will do to your body long term. From what I have read, you trade morbid obesity for osteoporosis, liver failure, etc. Does anyone have anything to offer me on this subject? I don't want to make my life worse. I wanted to do this to improve my health, and instead, it looks like it will only make it worse in the long run! — beryl (posted on September 18, 2002)
September 17, 2002
Every so often one of the Amos members goes to a website (can't remember
the name) and gets scared out of his/her mind. Terrible things happen to
some of us who have this surgery, but most of us do well. There are no
long term statistics on the RNY yet because it is new. But there are
plenty of not so long term statistics for morbid obesity. Whenever I read
about deaths, serious problems or just negative newspaper articles, I go
right to the before and after pictures and also read many profiles. Most
members when they lose their weight no longer post here, they just gone on
with a normal life. It is your decision, and you can always postpone
untile you feel more sure of yourself. For me, it was life saving. But I
had an unusally easy time of it. Best wishes on whatever you decide.
— faybay
September 17, 2002
You are not alone in your thoughts--I was on the gurney being taken to
surgery when I asked myself what in the hell are you doing? But as only 6
weeks out and down 40 pounds--not bad for a lightweight--being able to toss
my needles and insulin in the garbage--nearing a time when the blood
pressure pills are a thing of the past--feeling better than I have in
years--looking younger--healthier--I wouldn't trade it for anything in the
world. Yes, like with anything, there are 2 sides to the coin in weight
loss surgery too. But I thinkg the good far outweighs the bad in this
surgery. Follow your dr.s orders and as Mr. Spock on Star Trek says---live
long and prosper
— Linda L.
September 17, 2002
Sadly many pre ops were like me. Type 2 diabetic with high cholestrol, high
blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and other co morbidities that
were frankly kiling me. I thought about backing out too and am SURE GLAD I
DIDNT! Down 130 pounds, I am a normal weight for the first time in my
entire life! See my profile, although it needs updated bad, I am so busy I
have little time. LONG TERM? Long term was real short for ME. I was going
to die. Now I feel wonderful! Long term bad side affects? I will deal with
them in the future WLS is giving me! The bad affects were from old
surgeries no longer perforemed. <P> All of us post ops know what your
going thru, having entered the OR ourselves... But relax, your about to
have a life saving operation that will improve your entire being! If you
had a week to surgery I would tell you to take a post op to dinner, or
attend a support group meeting. At this point hang out here, read the
profiles of post ops and look thru the before and after pictures. Soon you
will understand why I say,, POST OP IS THE PLAXCE TO BE!
— bob-haller
September 17, 2002
You come back to this site in one year post op and read your own question.
I believe you will be saying thank god I did it. My advise, go for it you
will live many a years to come back and read your own question.
Michael
— MICHAEL Z.
September 17, 2002
Only you can make this decision, but you should not make a decision based
on FEAR. Fear is the Devil's greatest weapon. On 9/28/2002, it will be
one year since my surgery. I have lost 146 pounds, went from a size 26/28
to a size 10/12, run upstairs instead of creeping and puffing, my blood
pressure is normal for the first time in 15 years, my blood tests are
"outstanding" to quote both my surgeon AND my regular (not
connected to surgeon in any way) physician, and I have more energy than
ever in my life. I was frightened; I believe apprehension is NORMAL before
ANY major event in our lives. I prayed and pushed through the fear, had
the surgery, obeyed my doctor to the letter, and was miserable off and on
for FOUR MONTHS. However, after four months, the light at the end of the
tunnel was no longer an oncoming train but rather a new lease on life.
Whatever your decision, excess weight maims and kills. This was the only
way I could get the weight off once and for all. It's a tool not a magic
wand, and Lord knows it's a tough journey BUT I am so glad I did it. My
husband floated through the whole experience (his WLS was 6/2001), lost 90
pounds, no more diabetes or high blood pressure, and he's been happy since
he awoke from surgery. We're all different. I pray the best for you and
know the Lord is holding you every second in His everlasting arms. Bless
you! CJ
— cjtich
September 17, 2002
No one can tell you specifically what the future will bring, whether or not
you decide to proceed with the surgery. Yes there is some concern over
patients having osteoporosis, but all that means is we should be checked
regularly and take a calcium supplement. That isn't hard or painful to do.
As for the malabsorption, that is entirely dependent on the type of
surgery you have. I had open RNY in March and my surgeon and his associate
tell us with the surgeries they do there is litle malabsorption. I had
surgery on 3/6/02 and have lost 105 lbs. I had high blood pressure, tired
easily, knees and feet hurt, had difficulty moving about, was always hot,
and breathing was difficult. I didn't sleep very good, didn't feel good
about myself and didn't like myself. I still want to lose another 100
lbs., but even now I'm more rested and feel great. I haven't taken high
blood pressure medicine since April. I can sit on the floor and get up, I
can walk and exercise, I look much better and feel much better. In many
ways I'm taking better care of myself. I don't regret the surgery for one
minute. My surgeon and his staff were terrific and so was the hospital
staff. I would never try to talk anyone into this surgery. You have to be
ready for it. But I would share my experience with anyone who would
listen, so they can make the decision for themselves. Good luck. My best
advice is pray about it.
— jan M.
September 17, 2002
In the end, it is your decision to make. For me, there was no
choice. My dr said, "Doug, either you do something right now
about your weight or you will be dead within 5 years, I guarantee
that. How many fat people over 65 or 70 do you see walking
around? Think about it!!!!!!" He also told my wife the same
thing. We both have diabetes and high blood pressure with a
history of heart problems in both of our families. I also have
or had sleep apnea. Since our surgeries our lives have improved
so much. We both take no meds for our diabetes. My wife was
taking 5 pills a day and giving herself 5 shots a day too!!
I was taking 3 pills. We both do not have high blood pressure
anymore!!!!! My sleep apnea is GONE!!!!! My sweetie says
that I do not even snore anymore. I used to wake myself up with
my snoring. By the way, I have lost 215 lbs and she had
lost 110 lbs. My surgery was in Oct 2001 and hers was in June of the
same year. Yes, we both thought long and hard about this
life altering surgery. We finally decided we had no choice,
nothing else we had ever tried worked. THIS WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is it easy??? NO!! I struggle everyday with my head hunger.
I still want food, but I don't NEED it anymore. Am I glad
I had this life saving procedure? YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!
I would do it all over in a second. You have to choose for
yourself. Good luck to you and bless you.
— OLD RODEO C.
September 17, 2002
Hi, I am 4 months post op and 30 lbs from goal!!!! I thought seriously
about your question like we all did before surgery. we all though about the
what ifs and we all got scared. probably even though about backing out. now
think about this...what will life be like if you don't have surgery? what
guarantees do you have that you won't have osteo how ever you spell it?:)
there are no GUARENTEES in life at all. We can go through surgery fine and
then get hit by a truck g-d forbid. I just know that for me....there would
have been no life without the surgery. my soul was dying and I would gladly
trade 10 years of slim health for the rest of a fat life. But ya know what?
I feel great and i don't thin im going to have to do any trading at all. I
feel like i won the lottery and I got it ALL!!! Good luck to you. my best
frinds surgery is Oct 1 and she and I are haviung these same discussions
every day! Congratulations on doing whats right for you, what ever you
choose.
— robyn R.
September 17, 2002
I was so glad to see this question and all the wonderful supportive
answers. I am also having surgery tomorrow and have also considered backing
out.I hope they give me a relaxer (a STRONGone)when I walk through the door
or I may back right out :o). Good luck on your surgery and I'm sure we'll
both do great.
— Tina C.
September 17, 2002
Lets play devil's advocate and so those stats are true...Say you WILL die
from WLS at 60. Ok, would you rather live the live you always dreamed of
from now to then, or would you rather live the life of an obese person who
every year gets heavier, has medical issues and is disabled? You decide?
— heathercross
September 18, 2002
Look at the source for your information. Is it reputable? Is it a site that
is anti-WLS? I researched WLS on MedLine (which could not care less whether
we have WLS or not ;) with abstracts from actual research articles--not
someone's interpretation of them. A couple of articles addressed this very
issue. One in particular:<p><cite>In men
aged either 18 or 65 years at the time of surgery, who moved from the state
BMI
> or =40 kg/m(2) to the next lower state of BMI 36 to 39 kg/m(2), life
expectancy increased by 3 and 0.7 years, respectively. In women aged either
18
or 65 years at the time of surgery, who moved from the state BMI > or
=40
kg/m(2) to the next lower state BMI 36 to 39 kg/m(2), life expectancy
increased
by 4.5 and 2.6 years, respectively. Weight loss to lower BMI strata
resulted in
further gains of life expectancy in both men and women.
</cite><p>Also, it says right on the ASBS site that the
problems that CAN be caused by the types of WLS used today are predictable
and easily preventable. In other words, you are in charge of your own
destiny. If you are willing to use the right supplements and eat correctly
(read "high-protein/nutritionally sound") for the rest of your
life, you will do fine. Otherwise you risk anemia and vitamin deficiency
problems.<p>This surgery is major surgery but if you are willing to
accept the OPERATIVE risks, the POST-OPERATIVE risks are dependent upon
your adherence to the guidelines. In other words, you do have some control
over your longevity and health whereas you really DON'T have that control
if you are obese. Hope this helps! BTW, I have been at goal since February
and am lovin' life! =)
— ctyst
September 18, 2002
I too was very scared! Funny thing is, the morning of surgery I was
extremely calm, and so ready for it. I won't lie, I did think of my kids
and thought that IF something went wrong, how would they deal with it. BUT
I also knew that I tried EVERYTHING to no avail and I would rather my
family know that I was trying to take control of my life rather than
destroy it slowly. There can be some problems associated with the RNY, but
almost all of them are avoidable if YOU take control of it. Take your
vitamins, calcium, iron and most of all drink at least 64 oz of water
everyday. I had open RNY on 8/6/02 and have lost 42 lbs. From a 26 jeans
to a 22 (I can actually get on a 20 and zip it, but for the sake of
breathing, I choose not to wear them yet...LOL) I will not talk to into
this, but please remember why you chose to do this, and remember, all of us
will be praying for you! Whatever your decision, you need to do what is
best for you. Also remember having your child, (how many times did you
wish you could back out of that, I remember thinking, "OK, I really
want to have this baby, but I'm scared!" This is YOUR new re-birth!
— Dana B.
September 18, 2002
Beryl, I second what the others have said. This particular type of surgery
does not have many stats on long term post-ops, since the way they do the
surgery is different from the way they used to do the surgery. A long time
ago, like 15-20 years ago, there were more complications and I think you
may have read about some of those, and that they turned to revisions
because of their original sugeries. Itsdifferent today. There are some
who post here that are 8-10 years out, like Michelle Curran, who are doing
quite well. But it does take a committment to good health on your part-we
do have an obligation to keep up our protein and vitamins due to the
malabsorption issues. For most of us, it is a small price to pay for good
health. Think to yourself, is it better to live your life as obese, with
all the health problems that come with it, or to join us on the other side?
Only you can make that decision. If your not ready, then cancel the
surgery and you can always reschedule when and if you are ready again.
— Cindy R.
September 18, 2002
Many of the horror stories and statistics you have read refer to a surgery
(JIB) no longer even being performed! This was a severe intestinal bypass
that had horrible results. It was performed back in the 70s mostly. The
RNY as we know it has only been around for about 5-7 years, thus the lack
of long-term post-ops posting to this site. Personally, at 17 months
post-op, all I have lost is 191 lbs. of ugly and unhealthy fat! I feel
younger and healthier than I have in decades! All of my weight-related
health concerns have completely reversed. I am happy and healthy and 100%
grateful I discovered this surgery when I did. Please do not let
extremists sway you from having this surgery. Read the thousands of
positive and inspiring stories on this site and compare that against the
few horror stories floating around on the Internet. 60,000 AMOS members
can't be wrong!!!
— Terissa R.
September 18, 2002
Short and simple. 6 months out. Down 96 pounds. No complications. Did it
for me and would do it again. Check-out my postings on my profile - I
understand you fears.
— Yvette W.
September 18, 2002
I backed out over a year ago and then realized that I needed to do
something. I had mine in May of this year and am down 115lbs. I wish I
had done it over the year ago. I have had few problems. I will be in
prayer for you because you have to do what is right for you.
— Gary H.
September 18, 2002
hi beryl..we all understand the fear. i had 2 panic attacks about this
before surgery. each time I'd pray and ask God for direction and now I'm
reaching 4 months post-op and minus 73 lbs today. A friend helped out a
lot with these words of wisdom...STAY FAT OR OPERATE. When you look at it
in that perspective, there really is only one choice! I have not had
anything that I would consider a problem...been healthy and happy..minor
blah days but loving the new me more daily! I still love foods just the
right kind and less of it. But, I do not feel at all deprived of the things
I used to eat. Energy is up and I smile a LOT now!! I pray all the best for
you.
— Kim M.
September 18, 2002
What you have to decide is are you going to improve you health by losing
the weight on your own and solve your health problems? If you can say yes
to that, then WLS is not for you. I had a teacher once who liked to quote
"Believe nothing of what you read and only half of what you see."
That applies doubly to stuff published on the web. Check sources and do
your homework. I would not have had WLS if I thought I could solve my
health problems on my own without it and so far it has been a blessing to
me. Sure, the surgery is a risk because obesity makes us all higher risk
patients, but life is a risk. You or I could die tomorrow. We are only
promised right now. But if you cannot say that you can solve this without
surgery, then you need to do some more homework and prove or disprove what
you've read. The best place to start is with your doctor.
— Cathy S.
September 18, 2002
Beryl if your starting to question this decision then maybe it's not your
time. We all come to this under different circumstances. For me it had to
come when my health started to deteriorate and I knew that conventional
methods of weightloss were no longer an option for me . It is so true that
there are risks involved with the surgery but living in this obese body
everyday is also a risk . The thought of knowing that I could be a moment
away from a heart attack , diabetes ,high blood pressure , deteriorating
discs in my back are all the risks that I live with on a daily basis. The
question then became "are you willing to try something radical to
change your life or do you want to remain where you are now and get bigger
and bigger ?" My answer came when I was able to say "I'll take a
chance." You just might not be ready for this and that's alright , put
it off until you feel you can say "I'm ready to take this step ",
you'll know when your ready. Good luck to you in whatever choice you make .
— cinnamongirl
September 18, 2002
Sweetie...Being obese IS shortening your life and as far as aging
goes...The best remedy for that is water..Hydration for a body that is 98%
water..You're going to feel and look so healthy...Huggzzzz
— Cheri P.
September 18, 2002
Hi there.
I know what you mean about having second thoughts about going forward with
your WLS. I read all of the pros and cons and all of that. I must confess
that when they say you wont live more than 20 years after surgery and that
you can have liver failure it is way too freaky to say the least. BUT I
did actually ask my surgeon about these things. He said it was not true
that we only live 20 years or so post op. (maybe 20 more are added to your
original life expectancy but not only 20 years left) He told me if I take
my vitamins and do right with the tool that there is absolutely NO REASON
to beleive that I woudnt live to be at least 90-95 years old. I asked
about the liver deal and he said that a long while back ago there were
problems with liver failure but that procedure was a bit different and even
then when the patients faithfully took the vitamins and kept their H2O up
they had no trouble. He said neither will we. He said we will only be
better off, not worse.
You know I guess you gotta either trust God and beleive that He has our
days numbered anyway and just go for it or not go for it and live life the
way it is. I sometimes think I HATE being fat but I am happy and I do get
around good and do whatever I want to. WHAT IF (the famous ?'s) this or
what if that, Am I opening up a whole new can of worms that is worse than
just being fat? You know you can second guess and then second guess again.
It is a HARD decison to make. I have prayed and prayed about my decision
and all of the doors along the way opened freely, I had no struggle to get
approved. I think God allowed me to be approved and so I am going to
beleive that I will be OK.
Nothing is a sure bet in this world. I have been round and round the
decision myself, and come 9-26-02 I may be thinking no way just forget it
myself, but I hope I have the courage to do it. I hope I hope Ihope! Good
luck to you in your decision making. You will make the best decision for
you, I just know it!
— [Deactivated Member]
January 1, 2003
Open RNY on2/21/02, have gone from 325 to 235. WLS worked beautifully but
I had to cope with other problems (see profile). Anyhow, my three
daughters (in their 40's) checked my research, did some of their own,
talked to my PCP and surgeon, and their decision was: Get the surgery or
you are going to die soon. I believe they were right; At the age of 68 I
am looking forward to another twenty or twenty-five years, maybe longer. I
am very happy I had the surgery. Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
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