Question:
Does anyone not feel healthy post op?
I just read a post on the message board that has me a bit rattled...A post op person posted this...'So, just for the record, this is not a cosmetic surgery. Nobody said you would look better than before and if your weight didn't cause health problems, there's no garauntee that losing it will help you FEEL better either.' This really upsets me as I have a BMI of 42 with NO health problems other than being overweight. I am doing this to feel better at a lighter weight, be healthier, avoid weight related health problems and look better as a result. Do many of you not feel healthy post op? Do you look ravaged? I need to know honestly... I dont want to create health problems for myself with this surgery. I am sorry that with all the positive posts I am jumping on this one in particular, but I have been looking for negatives. — SusanMaria (posted on April 18, 2001)
April 17, 2001
I know that I'm not very far along, just one month post op today. I have to
say though, I have dumped a couple of times, had nausea that has to pass,
cramps, and am tired. I've lost nineteen pounds, after starting with a bmi
of 40. I've had moments of regret for having this surgery, but I understand
it's normal this early in the game. It is definitely something that's an
individual decision, and one to be taken seriously. It's forever, since
without major problems, the insurance won't usually pay for a reversal. I'm
not ravaged looking. Actually, my open rny scar looks great! I'm thankful
for that. Think long and hard, and ask away. I know what you mean about
hearing all the good responses and not the bad. I'm honest about it all and
am glad to answer more questions.
— Amy K.
April 17, 2001
I am 8weeks post op and have had my times where I didn't feel very well,
especially at first. But, now with 58lbs gone, I feel wonderful overall. I
still have times where eating too much or too fast causes some discomfort
but those times pass. Perhaps someone could give you a response of what it
is like over the 100lb mark. Keep in mind that not everyone is the same. My
journey has been fairly uneventful- others I have read about have not been
so fortunate. If you believe this is right for you then go for it, and just
have faith and hope that everything will go well with you! God Bless!
— Stephanie E.
April 17, 2001
I am almost 6 months post op, and I can honestly say that the good outweigh
the bad. I have dumped a few times, actually pretty severly just last
week! I had severe cramping and diahreah (sp?) for about 1 hour, and I was
at work to boot!!! It was my own fault though and if I don't push myself,
I don't dump at all. My scar doesn't look too bad. I actually catch
myself staring at in in amazement that I actually went ahead with this
surgery. it's kinda like my battle scar. As far as my body looking
"ravaged", I sometimes think that is true. I have lost almost
100 pounds in 6 months, and all this hanging skin does bother me, but I
know I will get my tummy tuck someday. Right now I only have 1 child, so I
have chosen to wait until I am done having children to get a tummy tuck.
No use going through another major surgery just to stretch it all out with
a pregnancy. That would be pointless in my eyes (just my opinion). But
like I said, the good outweigh the bad. No one sees my scar but me. My X
and I are trying to see if we can work out our relationship. He sees the
scar and all the loose skin and doesn't seem to mind (we were together when
I had surgery). And I can hide it in clothes. I have never worn a bikini
before and I won't be dissapointed if I can't wear it now. NO loss to me!
And I feel soo much better now. I never realized how aweful I was actually
feeling physically and mentally until I had surgery and lost some weight.
Now I realize how sick I was becoming. This surgery has been the best
thing I have ever done for myself and if I had to, I would jump on that
table and let them do it to me every year. People say I look great and I
am feeling great, so this was the best route for me to take. Good luck in
your research and choose the best route for YOU! This is your decision.
— enjo4
April 17, 2001
You are wise to seek out the negative aspects as well as the positive
comments. You will want to be as informed as possible so that if you have
the surgery, you will know what to expect and what to be on the watch for.
Having the surgery is absolutely an individual decision that should only be
made after significant time spent talking to others who have had it and
medical personnel. I had a consult with 3 surgeons, each of whom had a
different approach in terms of the actual procedure. Reading everything on
the web is also very valuable, but understand that each have a unique
experience.
I am 23 days post op. I've been fortunate to have an uneventful recovery.
In making my decision, I considered the statistics as well. They greatly
in favor having the surgery. Then consider the statistics for
"continued good health" with your BMI.
I can only offer my opinions and experiences. Good luck in your journey. I
hope you will find the answer that is right for you.
— danirat
April 17, 2001
I feel and look better than in 10 years. I had some post-op complications,
but would do it all over in a heartbeat...
— [Deactivated Member]
April 18, 2001
Susan ... I'm responding to your post as a genuine "oldie" -- my
first post-op anniversary was yesterday. What a year this has been!
Something of a roller coaster ride, but more ups than downs. In spite of
the fact that I weighed 343 pounds at the time of my surgery (and now weigh
218), the co-morbidities I had weren't REALLY that bad. I had moderate
sleep apnea, mild type II diabetes, moderate arthritis, mild high blood
pressure ... compared to some of the other people on this site, I didn't
have any. But I ALSO had a family history of high blood pressure,
uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, stroke ... in other words, I was a
live timebomb waddling around in size 32 clothes. I was sick and tired of
being sick and tired and fat and all that. I would do this over again in
less than a heartbeat. I also think that your chances of
"creating" health problems for yourself post-op depend on the
kind of surgery you have. I had an open VBG, which doesn't carry with it
the malabsorption complications that the gastric bypass types of surgery
(RNY, DS) can. But, if you are disciplined about your eating plan, your
protein and vitamin supplements, you should be okay. As for your mental
and emotional health, that's an ongoing journey, too ... I'm now on a
dosage of Prozac that's 1/3 the size it was pre-op, and my psychiatrist
will be looking at weaning me off it altogether over the summer. One step,
one day, one MINUTE at a time ... and suddenly, my first year is over.
There are dark times, too -- the "omigod what have I DONE?"
moments immediately post-op, the mourning for the food -- but the good
times far outweigh them, if you'll pardon the pun. Seek the good, and
you'll find it ... trouble doesn't even need our address to find us most of
the time. Warm skinny supportive thoughts, whatever your choice,
— Cheryl Denomy
April 18, 2001
I am 4 1/2 months postop open RNY and have lost about 58 lbs to date. I
firmly believe that your postop health is your responsibility. As many have
said, the surgery is a tool to get you there, but ultimately you are are
responsible for your own nutritional health. Some choose to fill that pouch
with junk. They may lose weight for awhile, but they will never feel very
good or have much energy. It is all directly related to what you eat, not
just how much. Make a commitment to do what your surgeon tells you, and to
be diligent about taking vitamins and supplements, and also to have your
pcp monitor your blood. Also, don't forget the walking as soon as you are
able, and then make exercise a regular part of your day. It isn't hard, but
it does take effort on your part. Best of luck to you!
— Susan S.
April 18, 2001
I, too, am at exactly one year post-op. My surgery was April 13th, 2000. In
one year, I have lost 172#, from 350 to 178, from sizes 28-32, to 12's
& 14's. I am 13# from my goal weight & had an open rny distal.
Other than sleep apnea, I had no "serious" health problems
pre-op. That is assuming that frequent back, knee & hip pain aren't
serious. I could see, tho, as others have mentioned, that high blood
pressure, diabetes, joint problems, & other maladies were in my
not-so-distant future. So I had the surgery before I had those problems. Is
there a difference now??? Oh, my God, YES! I can do so many hundreds of
things now that I couldn't do before. I now exercise regularly & enjoy
it! I have skied all this season & am looking forward to all the fun
things I can do now that the weather is becoming warmer. I am SO very
healthy & I feel it constantly. I sometimes check my blood pressure
& pulse in the grocery store, just for fun & my bp runs about
115/70, my pulse is actually in the high 50's!! I can walk, I can run, just
for fun & I often do. Just because it feels so NICE to be able to! I
can swim, bike, skate, garden without pain, cross my legs(!),
anything...everything! I know my chances of being around to see my children
have children have improved so much! I feel an empowerment and confidence
that I never even knew I was missing. On the negative side, I don't look as
good naked as I hoped I would. I have a fair amount of loose skin & it
doesn't look real great, and, of course, I have my scar. (But, I look great
IN clothes.) Sometimes, I can't eat very well & still have occasional
bouts of vomiting. Not a big problem, but an occasional annoyance. These
are truly the only negatives I can think of. I have had no emotional
problems at all, no complications, & my outcome has been better than I
ever even dreamed it could be. This has been the best decision I ever made
& I don't regret it for an instant & NEVER did, even while still in
the hospital & in pain. I have no pain at all now & more energy
than I sometimes know what to do with. I feel and look healthy all the
time. I know not everyone has it as easy as I did, but it has been fairly
easy for me. I don't dump at all. I still have to watch what I eat & be
careful not to eat too much sometimes, but I have real control now over
what I eat. I know the surgery is just a tool and I could blow it if I
allowed myself to graze all day. But I feel way too good to allow that. I
will NEVER go back to the way I was. This is my new way of life and I love
it! I hope my experience helps you in your decision.
— Kathy W.
April 18, 2001
Ah, the English language...ain't it confusin'? The quote noted in your
post is taken out of context so I'm not sure what was said before or
following those sentences. But it sounds to me as though the person is
noting the fact that if psychological problems (self-esteem, etc.) existed
before weight loss they may well continue to exist. In other words, if you
weren't happy-go-lucky before surgery, you probably won't be after surgery.
Does that make sense?
— Lynn E.
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