Question:
Quality of life?

Hi Everyone! I would like to know whether you feel that your quality of life has improved or gotten worse since having this surgery? I am currently pre-op, 315lbs, and am generally healthy other than the weight.. I do not want to spend the rest of my life having problems because of this surgery (RNY).. (I know, I know, if I stay this weight I will have problems).. My main goal is to be healthy and if this cannot happen through surgery, I will find another way... I would really appreciate honest answers, both good and bad, and would love to hear from some really "old" post-ops... My e-mail is [email protected].. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!! Nicole    — Nicole A. (posted on February 3, 2002)

February 3, 2002
I could write a book on the improvements in my quality of life. Before surgery I weighed 469 and was just barely able to get around. I was very close to losing my independence because I could just barely fit behind the wheel of my car. I had to have people help me do almost everything. They cleaned my house and even shopped for me. Seventeen months after surgery I have lost 329 pounds. I am down to 140, 5 pounds from goal. I have more energy than I know what to do with. These are just some of the things that I can do: Cross my legs, sit in a booth, fasten my seatbelt, fly comfortably, ride a bicycle, sit on a folding or plastic chair, sit in a chair with arms, tie my own shoe, clean my house, shop till I drop, ride a roller coaster, participate in Church Activities. There is nothing I can't do these days. I am healthy and Oh so happy.
   — DeeDubbs

February 3, 2002
Well, I guess I'm certainly OLD if you want old! LOL! Had my sugery in 94, so fairly long term, too, as well as being old! 262 to 110 or so. No more apnea, asthma, high BP, migraines, fold rashes, daily lower back pain, broken chairs, falling asleep at church or during conversations, & more stuff I can't remember. Less joint pain, only 2 colds in 7+ years, no bronchitis, not sick, but of course, I have days when I "don't feel good", like everyone. I have a normal appearance (OK, CLOSE to normal), wear normal size clothes, fit in normal seats, do most normal things. Most do not know (by looking) that I ever was more than double me. Of course, if they ASK....!!!!! My life is not perfect, of course. I keep myself regulated with my supplements & regular lab work, watch my sugar intake, but other than that, live normally. In fact, I know more "normies" who are way more food focused than I am. I'm set free from the dominion of food over my life.
   — vitalady

February 4, 2002
I'm a little late in responding to this question, but here goes. Saturday I spent the day with my granddaughter shopping and running errands. At the end of the day she replied to me "Grandma you're wearing me out!". A year ago I could not hardly get groceries due to the pain in my hip from arthritis and shortness of breath. Has the quality of my life improved? I feel like I am living in a dream instead of the previous nightmare I was in. I love my life now.
   — Janie C.

February 4, 2002
Two years post-op in April, -172 lbs from 355. Size 12/14 from 32/24. I live rather than exist. I played softball over the weekend. I can power shop and not be winded from walking down the aisle as well as buy normal clothes. I am taken seriously by my colleagues. I get attention from men. The best thing, though, is I have won the battle over food. It no longer controls my life.
   — [Deactivated Member]