Question:
Becoming nervous about lap RNY. Need to hear from long term post ops.

I always see questions on here about "let's hear about people not happy with wls." But no one ever really responds. I found a site online and I was shocked at the personal stories of complications from the RNY. No one ever told me these things could happen. The doctor sure didn't mention it. <br> <br> I guess I'm getting cold feet about doing the RNY. They talk about malabsorbtion, kidney failure in long term, adhesions...etc... This site does mention the new adjustable band where you get "fills" and it says it is reversible (ok the docs will say the RNY is reversible, but good luck at finding a surgeon to take you). <br> <br> I guess I just need to hear from those long term post ops. I need to hear that everything is ok. And if it isn't, what problems do you have? No matter how trivial or gross, I want to know. I can't make an informed decision without knowing what COULD happen, even if just a small % chance.    — Goldilauxx B. (posted on December 1, 2001)

December 1, 2001
I had an Open RNY, but what they do to your insides is exactly the same as a lap RNY. I had my surgery about 9 months ago. Since then, I have lost 150 lbs. I have also lost about half my hair. I had to get a short haircut, but I am hopeful that my hair will grow back in months 9-12. Other than this, I have developed an incisional hernia which will need to be repaired at some point. Fortunately, it's not painful. So the hair loss and the hernia have been my only complications so far. I think the reason some people have kidney trouble after an RNY is that their doctors put them on a modified Atkins diet, with most of their calories coming from protein (most people choose meat) and none of their calories coming from carbs. I don't think this is healthy to cut out and entire food group, so I have a moderate amount of carbs in my diet, but not all do. Too much meat can cause kidney problems for anyone. Serious malabsorption problems normally occur only with the distal, or more extreme, form of the RNY. They normally don't even consider doing this operation unless you're 250+ lbs. overweight and need all the help you can get. Normally, they do a "proximal RNY" in which only 75cc of your intestine is bypassed and you can avoid deficiencies if you're conscientious about your eating. With any surgery, you risk adhesions, but some people have a problem with them and some don't. Has your mother, father, or other family member ever had a major surgery? Did they develop adhesions? This will help you find out how your body will react to the surgery. Think about it this way, though ... if you don't have the surgery, how many future surgeries are you going to have to have for heart problems, gall bladder problems, kidney problems (from diabetes), etc.? You have to weigh the downsides of having this surgery with the upsides. I think you'll find that the upsides way outweigh the downsides!!! Good luck in making your decision.
   — [Anonymous]

December 1, 2001
Four of us in my family have had lap RNY surgery. My daughter is 23 months post-op; I am 21 months post-op; my cousin is 14 months post-op; and my husband is 9 months post-op. Each of us experienced totally uncomplicated surgeries and post-op courses. We are happier and healthier than we have been in many, many years....in fact, the surgery was very likely life-saving in the case of my husband and myself. Please remember that there are NO surgeries without risk. Your "job" is to research the information and talk openly with your surgeon regarding his/her mortality statistics and incidences of complications. If you don't like what you hear, take the opportunity to obtain a second opinion. In this field, experience and expertise are critically important. The other thing to remember is that although this site, and others like it, are wonderful sources of information and support, it is for the most part a forum where pre-op and post-op patients can air their concerns and search for answers and support for problems that they are facing. Thousands and thousands of individuals have completely successful WLS each year, and simply move on with their very happy lives, never thinking to return to this site or others because their "needs" have been met. There are other post-ops who stay in touch long-term because they believe in the support system and feel as if they may have helpful information to offer on occasion. RNY and DS surgeries both involve some degree of malabsorption...DS more so than RNY....and require a lifetime commitment to supplementing vitamins, minerals and protein. Adhesions are a risk following every abdominal surgery, but less so with laparascopic than open surgeries. I have no information regarding long-term effects on the kidneys, but it hasn't surfaced as a "problem topic" in conversations with my surgeon or his very large support group network. VBG has a higher "failure" rate, and requires real commitment on the part of the patient to alter their food choices and caloric intake. AGB is still fairly new, but seems to offer some very promising results. Banding surgeries and RNY are completely reversible; however my surgeon has only reversed 2-3 RNYs out of over 800, so statistically that doesn't seem to be much of a problem or a need. Your "cold feet" are completely normal...I would be more concerned about you if you didn't have them. Do your research, find a reputable surgeon with experience and expertise, then weigh the pros and cons for you personally. No one else can know if WLS is the answer for you. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

December 1, 2001
the adjustable band you speak of is only 40% effective, it can slip, many problems with the "port"- where you fill, erosion of the stomach, the band is guaranteed for 7 years only, and there are also numerous side effects of the surgery as well--essentially the same ones as RNY--blood clots, etc
   — [Anonymous]

December 1, 2001
I am not a long term post op but have done extensive research while deciding on my surgery. The LAP BAD is completely and easily reversible but sometimes not as effective weight loss wise. There is no malabsorbition, and some folks pick the band and eat easy to digest high calorie foods like milkshakes. Lap banders generally cant eat bread once their bands are tightened up. As to RNYs, kidney problems are very rare and were a problem for the obsolete old surgeries that allowed folks to eat a unlimited amount of food that was seriously malabsorbed. Adhesions are a small but always hazard to ANY abdominal surgery. It concerns me that your surgeon didnt brief you on the risks, mine sends out a HUGH package of printed material that must scare off some. It details ALL the risks up to including death.I have to add I am thrilled with my surgery, and even if I get a complication it was worth it for how much better and heathier I feel. I would rather live fewer years than drag out a fat unhelthy life, although it would of been short...
   — bob-haller