Question:
I have some questions for post ops, I am preop (5/31/02) and I would like to know if

anyone has had open RNY and not needed any plastic surgery, I realize boobs are gonna sag and under arms but I really don't want to have to have a tummy tuck. I have been through surgery so many times in my life, this one I am looking forward to the outcome but dreading the actual surgery and don't want to have to go through the anesthetic again. help. need some positives on this subject, also can anyone tell me about post op birth control pills or shots, not iud. My dr. told me he would not operate unless I had birth control pills in hand and now I see all these posts that they are not effective, can someone clear this up for me? Thanks so much and I am so looking forward to crossing over to the other side......    — Dawn L. (posted on April 5, 2002)

April 5, 2002
As for anesthesia- I don't have much advice. The only thing I can say is that none of my pain meds worked right (starting from the epidural, to the morphine to the demerol) and I survived- and I'm the biggest wimp around!! You can do it- the end definately justifies the means. As to hormone-based bc - they aren't known to be as effective post op because your natural hormones are going CRAZY! Rapid weight loss forces a bunch of estrogen to be released (why post-ops are WAY more fertile). The pill can help control it, but I would NOT use it as my only form of birthcontrol. A barrior method (condoms) are really the only sure-safe birthcontrol until your hormones have settled down. It is SO important to be extra carful during the first year or so because of your hormones being in overdrive, several people who thought they were infertile have become pregnant. I am surprised your doc would only suggest the pill, I wouldn't rely on it though. Good Luck to you!!
   — Angela B.

April 5, 2002
I'm post op 6 weeks and can comment on the pain. In this day and age there are few reasons for excessive pain. (exception is poor pain control which is your medical provider's responsibility) When you enter the hospital they should introduce you to a "pain scale" some places use a 0-3 (o least 3 worst you can imagine), 1-10 (same 1 least 10 worst) some places even use happy and sad faces lol. Anyway, let them know what you consider acceptable for pain (mine is a 4) then after surgery if you are higher then a 4 (in my case) you call for additional pain med. If the nurse doesn't think you need it (as mine did) you need to be assertive and insist she call the doctor and tell him the meds are not holding you. (because your in a dependent position have a family member or friend with you who will speak for you if you don't have it in you after surgery to be assertive) Try to discuss your pain concerns with your Dr ahead of time, give him a heads up, he may even write it in your orders for extra pain med as needed. :-) God's blessings to you.
   — Brenda F.

April 5, 2002
I was 50 yrs old and 278 lbs 5'7 when I had my surgery . It is almost 2 yrs later and I now weigh 137 and have very little loose skin. I believe genetics had a lot to do with this , neither of my parents were obese or even overweight and had great skin tone and muscle tone. I am not an exerciser but I do walk. And I was very careful (even though I was on liquids for 6 weeks) to get protein and vitamins in. I don't know if this helps you or even if it really had anything to do with my aftermath but that is MY story! Can't comment on birth control but I can say my hormone and thyroid meds had to be monitored monthly and adjusted many times. Talk this over with your surgeon and PCP. Good luck.
   — Rose A.

April 5, 2002
I forgot to mention ...the boob thing...I went to victoria secret , after trying on many bras in many stores , and found the Body by Victoria SHAPING bras work best for me. They give me shape hold me in place and look great under anything. Be sure to get properly measured and learn how to put a bra on correctly. That prevents the "HANG OVER" many people get at the underarm area.
   — Rose A.

April 6, 2002
For God's sake...don't take the depo-provera shots! I made that mistake and I am now suffering severely with migrains, dizziness, and hormonal issues, if you know what I mean! ha! Seriously, when you start losing weight rapidly, the estrogen that is stored in your fat cells starts going wild. You have to do something and I have now decided on the IUD. I was afraid of it in the beginning and that's why I chose the shots but after suffering so bad over the last several weeks I've changed my mind! Good luck and I hope this helps you. Sharon Robinson
   — Sharon R.

April 6, 2002
I have lost 174 lbs. I DO NOT plan on getting plastic surgery. Yes, my boobs are a little more saggy and I could probably use a tummy tuck, but I'm happily married and not trying to pick up men or anything. I'm happy with me the way I am and will not undergo elective surgery.
   — Terissa R.

April 6, 2002
I think you're borrowing trouble by thinking about post-op plastic surgery at this point. You may not ever want to have any done and you may not ever have any medical reason to, which sounds like what you want. I don't care so much just for what I look like, but I'm reasonably sure that if I have any rashes, infections, etc. due to hanging skin, I'll want to have it taken care of. I already have chafed skin under my breasts and panni. If I don't work hard at keeping those areas clean and dry, I am miserable. I don't think losing weight is going to help with that.
   — garw