Question:
Does anyone here REGRET having gastric bypass surgery?
I hear so many good things about WLS and how it has helped people, but has anyone here regret having it for any reason? and why? — Tiffany A. (posted on September 2, 2003)
September 2, 2003
I am consider a slow loser and have had complications with keeping food
down at the begining but I am so grateful and blessed to have had this
surgery.....NO regrets! I highly recommend it so if you're thinking about
it do plenty of research ask a lot of questions and do it for yourself and
your health....Good Luck
— Twin R.
September 2, 2003
Not on your life!! It SAVED my life, LITERALLY!! I'm 20 months post op and
pregnant with my first child, after having been told many times by many
specialists that I would never have kids. No regrets here! :~) (I know
this isn't what you were looking for, but I had to put in my plug FOR
surgery! :~)) Hugs! Sharon
— Sharon m. B.
September 2, 2003
I am only 2 weeks post op and don't regret the surgery becasue I know the
problems I was facing being obese. But if you are considering surgery, know
this: The recovery can be really tough, there is a period after the surgery
of abdominal discomfort or even pain and some folks don't do well with the
pain meds. Especially during the recovery time, sometimes beyond 3 months,
you will be fatigued like you never have been before. Be sure, SURE, you
know what the possible side effects and complications are and the possible
areas of discomfort after surgery. You probably won't have them all but you
will most likely have at least one of them. It seems to me that the younger
women, who have not yet had debilitating problems from their obesity have a
rougher time emotionally duirng this recovery time. My physician assistant
says that he hardly ever has a patient who doesn't wish for a revision
during the recovery period. Its usually during this period of adjustment
that folks entertain the idea of having made a mistake. Beyond that I am
sure there are some who have made it through the recovery time and still
regret it. I would like to hear from them too.
— sissie S.
September 2, 2003
Of course there are people who regret having this surgery. Some because of
severe complications. Some because they cannot adapt and don't get
couseling. There are also many who read and research but only retain good
stuff. There is a lot of hard work here and it is only a tool. You have
to want to do your part. If you go into this believing in "happily
ever after", you are in for a shock. If you expect it to cure your
lifes problems, it won't. It will allow you the health and energy to take
care of your own problems. Just my 2 cents worth.
— faybay
September 2, 2003
Well if there was a complication I had it. A "leak", fluid
build-up around the lungs and spleen, Pneumonia, collapsed lung, and
pulmonary embolism. What I thought would be a 4 day stay in the hospital
ended up being a 5 day stay, then an ambulance ride back to the hospital in
the middle of the night and another 3 week stay. But you see I was told
upfront that complications could happen, but I thought not to me. Well...I
was wrong. But all that bad stuff is behind me. Now I am off my Acid
Reflux drugs, my high blood pressure drugs, and my twice-a-day diabetes
drugs/insulin. I see this surgery has being my drug rehab and I'm now
drug free. The complications were tough, but I'm living a better drug
free life now.
Best of luck whatever decision you choose on the surgery.
— John B.
September 2, 2003
From the reading I have done, even the majority of the people who have had
some very serious post-op problems still say they would do it again to have
their life back. I had some eating issues from 6-14 weeks and had to have
an outpatient surgery to remove stitches that would not dissolve in order
to get my incision to heal shut, but these were so minor in the scheme of
things. I literally made a choice to live because at 442 lbs I was headed
for death and sooner than I would care to realize. I think when one is
faced with very serious co-morbs or is very immobile and literally is much
closer to death than life, they manage to deal with whatever comes their
way as a post-op and get through it and are so pleased they stuck it out.
Go in with realistic expectations and a positive attitude and it will carry
you a LONG way.
— zoedogcbr
September 2, 2003
Not even for a moment. I'm 3 1/2 months out.. down65lbs. I've had a few
very minor complications. But, I've also had some great rewards. Being
able to tie my own shoes, walking all of Disney World from one end to the
other for 12 hrs, having my husband be able to put his arms completely
around me, and people telling me how pretty I am. Not to mention my BP is
down, I'm sleeping better. And I just have an over all better view of life.
:-) Good Luck to you!!!
— KellyJeanB
September 2, 2003
Of course there are people out there that do regret having this surgery.
This is a life-long committment to change behaviors that have been learned
over a lifetime and there are many people who on one level want to lose the
weight, but they don't want to make the committment to do those things this
tool often necessitates. You can never, ever again eat like you did
pre-op. You must always have a conscious effort to listen to your body and
quit when you're full. There are foods that just aren't good for us
post-op any more and there must be a conscious effort to stay away from
them. Fortunately, I've been one of those that have had a good experience
with this. Recently, I was in the hospital having my gall bladder removed
and my roommate was a woman who had the surgery and had 10 weeks of nausea
every time she eats anything. After listening to what she said about her
eating patterns and lifestyle changes, I suspect she was one of those who
really wasn't ready for the surgery and now she's paying the price. Very,
Very sad! But the majority of those that have the surgery have a very
positive experience, but I know it's partly responsible to obeying the
rules and being good to your new pouch.
— Cathy S.
September 2, 2003
Funny, she asked if anyone "REGRETS" the surgery and the only
answers she gets is from happy campers? Perhaps I misunderstood the
question???? I'm over two years out and I really have wondered if it was
worth it. I have absolutely NO ENERGY. I've had many blood tests, and I was
told they were COMPLETE blood tests. I have the beginning of osteoporosis
and feel at times like a walking corpse. I'm still in the overweight BMI...
lost 160 of the 190 I needed to lose. But I have kept all but about 5
pounds off. So at least I've managed to keep from regaining. :)However I
had more energy at 319 than at around 163. Would I do it again.....??? I
don't know. It would be nice to feel alive. What did I do this for if I
look "reasonalby good" but have "no energy"? My
arthritus is worse and I can't "stomach" the pain meds since
wls... I think I now have an ulcer. I don't mind the life long changes in
eating. There are many others who had lots of problems, and at least one
who had it reversed. I doubt they are here anymore as when they were in
pain, people here came down on them like flies on sh##. (I don't know why
people thought they had the right to kick them when they were donw). I too
feel like shit. And it is'nt getting any better. (Watch the flies decend on
me too <smile>). But do I regret this? Yeah, more than I'd care to
admit. Yet I'm not saying I would'nt have had wls as I could'nt have
carried that weight much longer. My knees were totally giving out and I was
walking with two canes because of it. I was terrified of getting diabetes.
So I actually waited until I figured the risks of NOT having wls was worse
than the risks of having it. So I really did'nt have any choice. But NO
energy at 28 months post op is a real piece of crap. And it does suck
badly. Yes in some ways I'm much better off, but in others I'm not. Life is
not enjoyable when you have no energy to deal with it.
— Danmark
September 2, 2003
Here's the profile of someone who regretted it:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=janci974646166
There's also a group on yahoo, maybe OSSG gone wrong or something like
that? I would think you'd find some people there. My PCP said she has two
people who regretted it. Both had problems w/ major anemia and nausea
years out, and can't maintain a decent weight. The majority of people here
seem to be happy campers. You may need to search around some other sites
for the other side.
— mom2jtx3
September 2, 2003
You must also remember that regret depends quite a bit (though NOT
entirely) on one's own personality and perspective. I know people who've
not made it near goal but have lost a significant amount of weight and are
thrilled at their new found freedom. I know another person who had
significant complications and continues to have complications and is also
thrilled to have had it done. I know yet another who had no complications,
lost to goal, but is very depressed because she hasn't found another coping
mechanism and very much regrets the surgery that will enable her to have
children, live a healthy life, but not binge eat. My advice - do your
research, carefully select your surgeon, establish a strong support
network, and do this for yourself. Good luck to you.
— Yolanda J.
September 2, 2003
Hi, I am 27 days Pre-Op, getting nervous, but not too scared. I am trying
very hard to keep an open mind on this, that is important. This surgery is
important for me and my family to continue living. Anyway,(gettin on that
soap box), I have been reading everythingI can find, Yesterday I went to
the Library and checked out 'The complete Doctor's guide to WLS.' So far so
good, third bood I have read. I also started a notebook, filling it with
questions, comments and notes of all kinds, so I can refer back to them
anytime. Just research and follow YOUR heart.
— pateblkbrn
September 3, 2003
I have to admit that shortly after I had the surgery I seriously wondered
if I had made a mistake. Now at a little over 5 months out, I don't regret
it. I am off of all medication except for one blood pressure pill and both
I and my doctor see that as my next goal. I feel good most days although I
did go through several months of extremely low enery (that is just now
beginning to improve). The one thing that I think led to my initial
feelings of regret was the things I didn't know and didn't expect to have
to deal with. So I will whole heartedly agree, research, research,
research! I thought I had done a pretty good job but I now know that I
could have better prepared myself and saved myself some aggravation. So
even if you think you've done a pretty good job, do a little more research
just to be sure.
— Marie S.
September 3, 2003
I'm so glad I had WLS because it gave me my life back. I do have food
issues and have NO ENERGY even though all my blood work comes back ok and I
have VERY low blood sugar. But the good does out weigh the bad and for
that I'm grateful. I have a friend who is 8 years out, has gained all her
weight back and feels like pure crap 90% of the time. She said she would
do it again but she is in no hurry to talk about revisions. Just go in
knowing that bad things can happen so know the risks. I also believe that
EVERYONE should have some sort of counseling(not just an eval) before they
are allowed to have WLS. It will same time for a lot of people down the
road. I know it would have helped me. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 115
— Siddy I.
September 3, 2003
I'm probably going to get flamed for my answer but I feel compelled to
respond. Know that every word I write is said with compassion and empathy
and, in no way, is spiteful or argumentative. Daniel, you made a comment
that the only people who responded were happy campers. Well, the questions
was basically a "yes or no" question so it's perfectly acceptable
that happy campers responded. You also made a comment that two years post
op, you have no energy. However, the first line of your profile is:
"I've had some very serious surgeries in the past that have gone very
wrong (not weight loss surgeries)". So it seems that some of your
medical isses could be related to your other surgeries. I think Yolanda
said it best - regrets depend alot on the personality of the individual. I
had a HORRIBLE hospital experience and several month's worth of
complications following my WLS. I never had regrets but wondered often
"What in the world have I done to myself?" Now, at almost 3
years post op I have no regrets at all. I'm certain there are people out
there who regret having WLS although they are either very quiet (possibly
for fear of being flamed - however we should support and nurture them
rather than discourage them) or they've left this site. I host a very
large support group and have never encountered anyone with regrets but,
again, I know there must be some out there. WLS is such a personal
decision that it would be difficult to base a decision to have surgery or
not have surgery on other people's outcomes. Daniel, please know that I'm
not assaulting you. I read your posts often and most of all I wish you
could be happy and healthy. Tiffany, I hope you find the info you're
looking for and best wishes to all of us as we make our way through this
complex journey.
— ronascott
September 3, 2003
Right after the surgery I wondered if I did the right thing. When I had my
stricture and then had a bad reaction to the scope, I wondered again. When
I spent the first few months with everything getting "stuck" I
wondered. But now, at almost 8 months, I'm doing the happy dance. I do it
a lot when I'm in department stores trying on sizes 8-10 petites. But
mostly I am happy to be off the diet cycle of hell and feeling very
energetic and happy. No regrets here.
— susanje
September 3, 2003
I don't regret the surgery, but I don't care for the afetrcare of my
surgeons office. It feels like since we had the surgery oh well get out of
our face now. The surgeon is a wonderful DR, don't get me wrong, but they
tell you to call with anything and when you do with a problem(Like na
infection of an incision) and you get treated like you're a bother.
I love the weight loss, hate the not being able to eat much and the puking,
but no regrets on the surgery.
— Beverly S.
September 3, 2003
That's a loaded question in a sense. It really depends on the expectations
that the person had going in. Many people believe that they can eat
whatever they want and not exercise and that the surgery will do it all for
them. Then there are some who have other health problems which don't go
away after surgery.
I had hypertension, severe diabetes, asthma, degerative arthitis,
gastritis, gastroparesis, acid reflux, and heart problems. Now I'm only on
Prevacid and Zoloft. I watch what I eat and exercise for an hour or more
4-5 days a week. I've gone from 300 to 175 with no excess skin in less than
a year.
I also think that the difference is the surgeon and what the person expects
after surgery life to be like. However, some people will have legit
regrets.
— George B.
September 3, 2003
First let me say that I believe now, no matter how much homework you do
pre-op, and believe me, I did the research!, you can not know what this
surgery is going to be like until you go through it. We're all individuals
and have our own tastes and issues. I, for instance, am a very happy,
positive-natured person. It takes A LOT to get me down. I'm not manic or
anything:) just always try to look in the bright side of things.
PMA...positive mental attitude. I was out of bed 4 hours after surgery and
walking the hall because I COMMITTED myself to this surgery once I was
serious about it. I told my surgeon the morning after surgery, I would do
it again in a HEARTBEAT. And that was without seeing any benefits yet. I
think its all in how you look at it. My issues have been 1) finding a
protein shake I like which I finally did today. It took 3 tries of nasty
ones..but I kept plugging away til I found one. (its pro blend chocolate
from gnc 55g protein, 7g carbs) I didnt get discouraged. What would that
accomplish? The surgery is done, now it's MY JOB to make it a success. To
let the healthy person of me get out. To reclaim my life, enjoy my
childern, be able to breathe. 2) I've become OBSESSED with the scale. I
dont get it. I weigh on my way into the bathroom and I weigh 214..and
after I pee (sorrY) I weigh 216. So my solution (yes I am weak!) is to
have my DH HIDE the dang scale. Those are my only 2 issues. I'm not
afraid to eat. I don't miss food. I cook full meals for my family
including desserts, and I DONT WANT ANY. I'm totally content with what I'm
eating. Maybe this will change, the further I get out. But I have asthma,
and can already breathe better, even just being -25lbs. (or 23 if I pee!)
In all, if you're committed to this surgery, I don't think you'll regret
it. I dont mean you need to KNOW everything beforehand, you simply CANT.
Its on the job training. Totally learn-as-you-go. Have I regretted this??
Not for a NANO-SECOND.
— kathy B.
September 3, 2003
I would do it over agin 100 times.
— mrsmyranow
September 3, 2003
I'D DO IT OVER AND OVER. No regrets. I got my life back. I am
celebrating my birthday today. I'm glad I have reached this far and FEEL
GREAT.
I took the surgery for granted and don't really take care of myself the way
I should. I have been through the ups and downs. I've been hospitalized.
I am stubborn and selfish now. I LOVE LIFE. The last 3 1/2 years have the
wildest, healthiest, and selfish years. I made a life change and have been
fortunate to have a great husband. The downs never outweigh the ups. Most
people don't recognize me anymore both physically and mentally. It
actually brings smiles to their faces. They are just a little concern that
I'm too crazy now. LIFE IS GREAT!
— Peggy R.
September 3, 2003
YES I regret having this surgery. Now I cannot eat those Hostess cupcakes
that are calling to me from the demon snack machine in my company's
kitchen. Oh wait, that was the reason I had WLS. Didn't want to progress
from pre-diabetic to full blown diabetes. Didn't want to suffer the rest of
my life with excrutiating back pain. So I figure out a way to get past the
cupcakes to get to the water cooler (blinders help). I figure out a way to
overcome the desire to munch after dinner from sheer boredom. And I figure
out a way to change on the inside to be better prepared to face life
without the crutch of food (the Serenity prayer helps too). So yes I regret
it (sometimes) but all the time I am grateful for this last second chance.
— Carole V.
September 3, 2003
Regrets? Yes, actually, I do have one: that I didn't have it years earlier.
— Chuck O.
September 3, 2003
Regrets, YES. I hate the fact that I will never be able to eat normal
again. And I guess even tho that is a good thing and will be my only
salvation to maintaining a weight loss!
— Janie I.
September 3, 2003
I can't say regrets...but this has been a very hard journey. I am only 9
weeks out and there are days when food doesn't go down very easily and I
get very frustrated. But on the positive side I have lost 57 pounds and I
am under 200...YEAH! But no one could of prepared me for the emotional
rollar coaster that I ride daily. For me, food was a huge part of my life
(just like most of us on this page) and especially the first 3-4 weeks I
was very depressed. But things have gotten better, but I just continue to
look to the future and I can't wait to reach my goal! Good luck in your
journey! Denise Davis 256/199/140
— Denise D.
September 3, 2003
I wish I would of done uit sooner. Bad things can occur but its really
rare. Wanda my friend is one of those regrets. But she would of died
WITHOUT surgery. Her case fortunately is very
rare<P>http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/status.phtml?N=S1007516003
— bob-haller
September 3, 2003
NO I DO NOT REGRET HAVING SURGERY, I AM 9 MONTHS OUT OF SURGERY. IF YOU
WOULD HAVE ASK ME THAT QUESTION A COUPLE OF MONTH OUT OF SURGERY I WOULD
HAVE SAID "YES". MY EATING WAS CLOSE TO NORMAL BY 6 MONTHS.
YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS ARE A LITTLE ROUGH, BUT AFTER YOU LEARN HOW TO EAT
AGAIN, THINGS ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME AS BEFORE.
— NANCY W.
September 3, 2003
I would do it again in a split-second. For me, there are SO many more
positives to this operation than negatives. Sure, you'll go through some
hard times, but it is well worth it.
— Betty Todd
September 3, 2003
My only regrets are that it's so expensive, that I HAD to have major
surgery to lose a significant amount of weight and that so many others are
fighting so hard to have it. Otherwise, no regrets (that count anyway
lol).
— [Deactivated Member]
September 3, 2003
My only regret is that I spent so mny years morbidly obese and embarrassed
by my appearance and too large to get out and move around and enjoy life. I
have a whole new life. The only thing I miss is coke! the real thing with
all the sugar and caffeine included. Small price to pay for a new life I'd
say.
— **willow**
September 3, 2003
I am 6 weeks post-op. Presurgery wt was 223 and now 195. I must admit
that I have asked myself many times why did I do this to myself. I get
constipated even with a stool softener and am lucky to have a bm once a
week. When I do, I have horrible cramps for about an hour. I have found
it difficult to make the time to eat at work because of my schedule, have
things get stuck, and am still exhausted, especially when putting in a full
day at work. However, I honestly feel that once I get through all of these
difficulties and can eat a wider variety of foods, that I will no longer
question my decision. I don't miss sweets or anything like that buy I am
dying for fresh vegetables. I have just recently been able to add some
fruit but a lot of it doesn't agree with me (too much sugar).
So, in a nutshell, yes I do have regrets but they seem to be dwindling as
time goes on and I am still hopeful that I will feel like so many others
and think it is the best thing I have every done. I do want to say that
preops really need to be cognizant of what is ahead as far as the diet and
complications. I researched this for over two years before I decided to do
and as one poster said, "each person is different in their reaction to
this surgery." You can read all you want but it still goes down to
experiencing it
— Melody B.
September 4, 2003
heya hun.. i have to say honestly..i do have regrets.. i am about 10 months
out.. i did not have any real complications.. everything went fairly well
for me.. but..having this surgery.. made me look into things..that i
suppose i never did before.. i hate that it took a surgery to make me
change.. i feel guilty alot at my wt loss.. i feel i didnt deserve it..
so... now..i try to be as healthy as possible.. having the surgery also
forever shut me out of going back to military service.. i do believe i am
healthier.. but..i do regret having the surgery alot of the time.. some
will say..i just havent adjusted well..others..who knows what they will
say.. in the end.. i did this to me.. all of it..i have to take
responsibility for the wt that led me to the surgery..and i have to take
responsibility for having it.. in the end.. do your research.. look at what
you want out of life.. and go for it.. if the surgery will help you get
it.. do it.. sorry if this is a bit of rambling.. best of luck to
you..huggles n bb..
— johanna F.
September 4, 2003
No. Not one. Even though I spent the majority of my summer in the hospital
for pancreatitis and had to have surgery to remove my gallbladder and fix
my hernia. I was 23 years old and very, very close to 400 pounds. A year
later I am 20 pounds away from 200 pounds and so much happier and
healthier. The complications were minimal compared to all the other
benefits, like being able to fit into desks at my school or taking a shower
without strain. This surgery was the best decision I ever made for myself
and my health.
— Ladybug M.
September 4, 2003
Nope....I had surgery june 9th and have lost 60 pounds so far.I started at
274.My sleep apnea is gone,the aches and pains have improved and I am no
longer short of breath..It's been a hard 3 months though.I've had 5
strictures so far and have been back in the hospital twice because of
them.I've had a horrible time but still no regrets.
— jennifer A.
September 4, 2003
No, I could never say that I regret having this surgery. I am much
healthier and have a normal size body for the first time in my life. The
only regret I have occasionally, is that I had to have this surgery to get
where I am today. It is a different lifestyle, but is also very satisfying
to feel and look so much better.
— joeandteri
September 4, 2003
I had surgery 2 1/2 years ago. I still regret it sometimes. It does
change your life. READ MY PROFILE.
(Lynbaby) I went through alot of complications. I would still have the
surgery done today. There are some downsides to this surgery and there are
some great benefits (LIKE LIFE). I never did much before the surgery. I
was always tired. Sure I am extremely tired now, but thats due to the more
activity that I do. I have not been able to shop in a regular department
store for 16 years and let me tell you it feels so ____ good to look for
clothes and find more than enough sizes to fit me. Before I could only
shop at Fashion Bug Plus, pay outrageous prices to look decent. So yes
even with all the problems I had and still do I would do it again in a
heartbeat.
— Martha L.
September 4, 2003
At 18 months post-op, I have NO regrets about having my lap RNY. I never
new that life could be this good. Is it all perfect? No. But the post-op
life changes are worth every pound I lost (all 125 of them). And, in
retrospect, the changes are relatively minor compared to the pain of
carrying all that extra weight pre-op. I'd do it again without a second
thought.
— Kathy J.
September 5, 2003
heya mario..you hit it right on the head..that is exactly what i was trying
to say..but im a rambler..
— johanna F.
September 5, 2003
The first 4 months I was very regretful. I had complications, I had 3
surgeries within a 2 week period, I had infections one after the other and
was on strong antibiotics for several months. I ran out of sick time from
work, I had to have my ex husband come across country to take care of me
for 2 months as I wasn't able to even crawl to the bathroom without help, I
threw up daily for months and months. I cried every day for 3 months, my
mother cried everytime she saw me, as did my daughters who were stationed
across the country. Yes, I did regret it, but now 18 months later and at
goal weight, I am happy. Yes, I still do throw up once every couple of
weeks, I have a lot of gas all the time which is quite
embarassing.(belching and farting, both) but I also met a man that I am
falling in love with because I am heappy with myself I was able to let
someone else in my life.
— Connie M.
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