Question:
Unhappy Post Ops

I've been watching this sight for some time now and am still trying to decide if WLS is for me. Has there yet been a surve, that indicates an average of Post Ops That are not sure if they should have gone with WLS or simply are unhappy they did? It's wonderfull seeing all the possitivity of this sight has to offer, but I really feel I need more information. I would also like to see why the Post Op is unhappy. Can you help me? Thank You for your support and information. Jo    — Jo M. (posted on August 12, 1999)


August 12, 1999
Well, opinion of the unhappy post-op for the most part was not expecting the immediate pain/discomfort in the hours after surgery. Most will tell you it was not easy, not what they expected, no walk in the park..so on and so on. Well, the human body is wonderfully resilient. I have had many surgeries, none were walks in the park, however, the best thing any nurse did for me was make me get up as soon as possible, within hours of the surgery actually. Less than 45 min. after coming from recovery for an open gallbladder removal and bile duct resection I was up and walking to the bathroom. Within 4 hrs of surgery of Spleen removal, I was up and walking and that was the worst ordeal anyone can ever imagine "12 hours of surgery" and that one was a 14" scar running from the center of breast bone to my waist far left side, tubes down my nose and in my sides intensive care. So, although I have not had my RNY yet..I will soon and I'm ready to start living my life again and I'm prepared for what pain or discomfort it takes and I know I can handle it. Good Luck with your decision.
   — Victoria B.

August 12, 1999
The properly selected bariatric surgery patient is overwhelmingly pleased that he/she made the decision to have surgery. I refer you to an article in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons in May 1999 from the Ohio State Bariatric surgery center. Dr Patricia Choban showed that 53% of the patients felt that their health was much better than one year ago, and that 21% felt that it was somewhat better. None felt it to be worse.
   — Bruce B.

August 12, 1999
Dear Jo, I have been researching weightloss surgery for 6 months now. I found www.gastricbypass.com to be EXTREMELY informative. I printed out 47 pages of information and am very pleased with all the information. It describes everything from history of the surgery, to even the surgeons bios. I hope this helps you and please email me soon and let me know. [email protected]
   — Denise T.

August 12, 1999
Hi. My name is Kathy Kujawa. I had gastric bypass surgery in Oct. of 1998 so I am 9 months post op. I was unsure of having surgery for the longest time and this was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. I have been overweight most of my life even as a child. I chose to have the surgery because I'm not getting any younger and I wanted to live a longer, healthier life. I have lost 128 pounds. That never would have happened without having this surgery. I look good, I feel good and I know I am going to live a longer, happier life. I will never regret having this surgery it has changed my life forever for the better. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
   — Kathy K.

August 12, 1999
I personally feel that the reason you're seeing so many positive posts, is that most people are quite happy with their decision and their new life and their progress. The only negative posts I've seen are when people have had complications. But that is the exception, not the rule to this surgery. I'm certain, anyone who's had negative experiences would be happy to share them, and likewise of the positive experiences. It truly gave me my life back! I am thrilled I made this choice. Best of luck in your journey of searching out the answers for you.
   — Sherrie G.

August 12, 1999
Dear Jo,
   — BJ K.

August 12, 1999
Dear Jo,
   — BJ K.

August 12, 1999
Dear Jo, I am one of the few people who have had serious(life-threatening)complications from WLS. There have been many times I have been unhappy and wondered WHY did I do this to myself. Then I see a morbidly obese person walking by, hearing kids say rude things or people staring and then I remember.... I would do it again in a heartbeat. The good outweighs the bad, even in my case, where I am still seriously ill. You can be unhappy fat and you can be unhappy as a normal weight person. It's all about attitude. I wish you good luck, which ever way you go. Blessings, Bev.
   — BJ K.

August 15, 1999
hi jo, I though that I had made a mistake the first couple of weeks. But losing 20lbs in the first 2 weeks helped. It took a lot out of me mentally because I was use to eating anything I wanted when I wanted. I wasnt happy doing things that interested me before I go no pleasure from I lost intrest in quite a bit of small things. I am post op 2 months now and am adjusting, I guess. I feel better since I have returned to work. To soon to tell if I want to change my mind. It really was difficult at first. I like the fact that I can eat anything I want. Well almost anything. I avoid foods that I think might make me sick. This surgery is not like a diet plan where you have the option to cheat if you want to. No bingeing. But I also knew I couldnt follow a diet plan. I am hoping it is going to be worth it. It is everything I expected. So I wasnt unrealistic as to the consequences. I dont think about food as much because I dont get the satisfaction out of it I use to. It can be a drag sometimes. So can being fat and all the drawbacks that go along with it. I do feel more attractive even with only 35lbs off. People tell me, who dont know Ive had the surgery, how great I look. It is a big decision. juanita
   — juanita C.

September 22, 1999
I had my surgery in June of this year. For the first 2 months or so, I was absolutely miserable. I cried every day, sometimes all day asking myself why I had done this to myself. The reason I felt this way, is that I felt physically bad. I thought that I would never be able to eat and drink normally again. But all that changed. In time, I started feeling physically better. I am now able to eat virtually anything I want. Some foods like fried foods and sweet drinks with alot of sugar (something I know I am not supposed to have but sometimes crave) make me feel a little sick. But I figure, this is no different than before. How many times before I had this surgery did I eat too much fried chicken or seafood and had an upset stomach. The bottom line is that today, 3 months after surgery, I can honestly say (and it is hard for me to admit this because I had convinced myself that I had done a horrible thing), but, physically, I feel much better than I did pre-op. When I look at how much "normal" size people eat, I am eating a normal amount (ok, maybe a little less. Yes, sometimes, I do crave larger amounts, but after I have gotten full, the cravings are gone...in otherwords, my eyes are bigger than my stomach (i guess that this truer now more than ever). But, I must say, you should really make sure you have tried everything else, and I mean really try before you have this done. I have been big all of my life, and I guess I felt that this was my best chance at leading a more normal sized life. Like my doctor put, now I will have the chance to participate fully in life and not be limited by my size. I agree!
   — miles B.




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