Question:
Were any expectations let unmet?

Were there any suprises in your journey? Any regrets?    — jennifer W. (posted on May 27, 2005)

May 27, 2005
Hi Jennifer, Great questions! In answer, I should preface with the basics: I had open BPD/DS with Dr. Aniceto Baltasar in Alcoy, Spain July 2, 2002. I was a self-pay patient after denials from two different insurance carriers. I was in a wheelchair, extremely diabetic, had stroke level hypertension, congestive heart failure, GERD, stress incontinence, severe obstructive sleep apnea, etc., etc., etc. I weighed 365 lbs and had a BMI of 64. My doctors had given me less than a year to live. Surprises? That it was so do-able. That it was SO an answer to my problem. That I could succeed at it. That I could be out of my wheelchair within weeks of surgery - not years. That my diabetes was not just controlled - but GONE - by the time I was discharged from the hospital. That my health would improve so rapidly. That I could really and truly just live my life and eat real food and lose my weight - so amazingly effortlessly. Did it leave my expectations unmet? No, not at all. It far surpassed my expectations in ways that I didn't even have the ability fathom could be possible. Any regrets? That I didn't know about the DS earlier, that I didn't have a passport - I could have had my surgery in weeks, instead of months. Other than that - no, none at all. This has been the most mind-blowingly amazing gift! I am SO thankful for my surgeon and my surgery! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

May 27, 2005
Dear Jennifer, No I have no regrets other than I wish I would have fought harder for the surgery with the first surgeon that I went to. He would not do it because of a bowel disease that I have. I eventually had my surgery about 18 months later with a different doctor (actually this second surgeon's program is better than the first surgeon's bariatric program) and have not had any of the problems that the first surgeon anticipated. I guess the biggest surprise is that I am doing exercising now that I thought I would never do, like I just started jogging and major weight strengthening (I thought weights would be boring). I never thought in a million years that I would be an exercising junkie. I have had no major problems with handling my food, I only get mild dumping so I really watch my sugar intake because it is a trigger for me as are carbs. I love my new way of life. My husband also had RNY and is doing real well. He does dump big time and he really watches sweets and fats, thou sometimes he has not learned from the last time he dumped and will have that junk and pay the price. He also loves to ride his bike and can do so much more than before. One disapointment that he is facing right now is that he may never get off of his CPAP, he has gone for 2 sleep studies in the past 3 weeks and still has moderately severe sleep apnea. It may never go away, but he realizes that he is still alive even after all that he has gone through and is enjoying life to the fullest. All in all we love our new lives now and know that with God's help we will be on His earth many more years to do His work for Him down here before he calls us home to be with Him.
   — ChristineB

May 28, 2005
Jennifer, Very good questions. I am still very new at being post-op (5 weeks) and I have read many a journal that said the first 6 weeks are the hardest and some gave reasons but I missed the journals that gave the following reason, which happens to be the most important for me and I strongly believe that you should be aware of it - even though each person handles it differently. My doctor, my nurse, nor anybody I knew in person who had this surgery ever talked about it but maybe it is because I don't think anyone can be totally prepared for how powerful this problem is: FOOD ADDICITION WITHDRAWLS It hit me hard - if I had been a suicidal type of person - that would have been the end of it for me. The first 3 weeks were the absolute hardest - not cause of the new diet, , not because of being nauseated all the time, not the vomiting, not the soreness, and not because of the recouperation of the surgery - it was the restaurants I had to pass in the car to get home - the smells and sight of food tormented me, even in my dreams or should I say nightmares. I don't want to make response too long so when you have time, please feel free to visit my journal and start reading after April 22nd for details http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=V1103934943. In my opinion food addication is worse than drug or alcohol addiction because you don't have to have drugs or alcohol but you always will have to have food - and the withdrawal is just as bad. All in all - I DON'T REGRET THE SURGERY - in fact it is the best decision I have ever made - I just want to bring awareness to the withdrawal factor and my advice is to start as soon as you can in reducing your fast food, candy, cakes, chocolates, carbonated beverages, breads, pasta, chips, coffee and/or whatever your weight-gaining vice is. Even if your surgery is 18 months out start slowly working those items out of the house - you will be much better off for it and will be loving life much sooner! Good Luck, Kelly
   — Kelly MzKelz Valdez

June 11, 2005
What a great question. I have never had any regrets what so ever just very thankful for the never ending gift God and my surgeons gave me. I still find it hard to believe sometimes how I look and feel at this point. It truly separates your mind and body for quite some time. Being 3 years out in July is truly amazing to me that I have come this far and been so successful. I have never thought I could be so happy with myself and enjoy life and all of the wonderful things it has to offer. The only stupid regret I have and it is not even that big is that I cannot eat cereal anymore. I loved it and it just makes me feel horrible so I would say in the grand scheme of things..... Losing a 165lbs or eating cereal it is no contest. Proud to be part of this wonderful family and good luck to all wherever you are in your journey.
   — UMMADUMMASS