Question:
Does anyone Regret having this surgery (HONESTLY)!
Everyone sounds happy but if the chance was available to go back would anyone not have the surgery. I scheduled to meet with the doctor and I am so afraid that once it is over I will feel like I made a mistake.... Or be seriously ill — [Anonymous] (posted on August 4, 2000)
August 4, 2000
There was a lady who spoke of her problems on this website but she was
flamed so badly she hasn't written lately. I also had some complications
and I regretted it very much at first. I got better and now I can say I am
happy with the results. The recovery for each person is different. Some
have an easy time of it and some have a difficult adjustment. What ever you
do, dont base your success on what others have lost, how fast they lost it
or how their surgery went. I think a lot is based on your age health
conditions and mental attitude. Good luck on your decision and dont be
afraid.
— [Anonymous]
August 4, 2000
HELL NO!!!! I would do it all over again. I am very grateful for the
surgery.
— martha F.
August 4, 2000
No I do not regret having the specific surgery type that I had. I LOVE IT
and would do it again in a NY minute!! I think if I had anything else, I
would have regreted it. There are many different types of surgeries, so
research them all and choose the one that you can live with forever! You
don't want to do this again. Good luck to you! Take care for now.......
— [Deactivated Member]
August 4, 2000
I hesitated to answer this question cause I don't want people flaming me.
I think it is important for pre ops to have an honest overview of the wls
both negative and positive aspects. Not everyone is the same and not
everyone
reacts the same post op. I had both mental and physical components to deal
w/ post op.
Being on psych meds for years then having to stop them, along w/ the trauma
from
surgery left me in the pits emotionally. The surgery itself was not that
bad. I hated having
the NG tube for 3 days but it was necessary. The pain from surgey was
manageable w/ the morophine
pump handy. 2 days post op I told me surgeon that I wished I'd never had
the surgery. He said I'd change
my mind and that lots of patients feel that way just after surgery. I am
now 17 days post op and I won't lie
and say everything is "peachy keen." It isn't. My mental state is
still very low. I have no energy. There are days
I am glad I had the surgery and there are other days I wish I didn't. I
have lost about 30 lbs and I can walk better
than before. My back does not hurt all the time like it used to pre op. I
like wearing clothes 2 and 3 times smaller
than I did pre op. So, as you can see, little by little, my mind is slowly
changing about whether I think it was worth it
or not to have wls. All I can say is make sure this is what you want. Once
you have it, you can't go back. It is a life long
commitment. Your way of eating has to completely change. Your way of using
food for comfort has to change. You have to develop a
total new relationship w/ food. If you want to become successful, you can't
act on "head hunger" anymore. Some have it easier than
others. Hearing all the good things that come from wls is great but I think
we need to talk about some of the problems that can happen
after wls, too. If we don't we are not giving a clear, honest view of wls.
Probably, on down the road I will kind of forget the uncomfortable
parts of wls..when I start feeling better and see the pounds melting off.
Please, don't flame me for stating how I feel right now.
— kathy S.
August 4, 2000
I initially regretted it. The surgery and recovery time were very hard for
me and then I didn't have the food crutch to see me through. It hurt and
you get very tired and somewhat depressed during the recovery weeks and you
are learning all these new habits, I resisted a little and resented what I
had done to myself. BUT I don't believe this is uncommon. I am now 3+
months on the other side and my ONLY regret is that I didn't do this
earlier in my life. How I regret wasting those years being fat and
miserable.
— Beth B.
August 4, 2000
I think how you feel about the surgery depends on how far you've gotten
past the actual procedure. At my one week post op checkup, I teased the
girls in my dr's office that I'd wondered what I'd done to my body.
Seriously, I had. I was overwhelmed. I couldn't figure out what to eat or
drink...nothing tasted good, I wasn't hungry...I was emotional and dreaming
about food. Then, true to their response, my feelings passed...actually at
about 4 wks...which is when I came back to work. I got into my routine and
incorporated a workable exercise program into my lifestyle. The rest is
history. I'm loving life and myself.
Linda
3-27-00
256.5lbs/189.00
— Lucky B.
August 4, 2000
Everyone's experience is so different. Everyone has a different tolerance
to pain. I am 4 weeks post op today. And this surgery has already changed
my life for the better. For starters I am down 38 lbs. I feel great, never
had any pain at all. I did have discomfort,mostly from the binder wrapped
so tightly.MY energy leel is increasing every day.I know for me the key is
to move,even when I am tired and have no energy, I force myself to go
outside for a walk, maybe not a long walk but I go out and move. Then I
will come in and take a short nap.I don't think that I could ever regret
something that has saved my life. Althought I have not had any
complications up to this point, I still could have some. But for me living
my life 150 lbs overweightwas not exactly complication free.
— STAR W.
August 4, 2000
I am very glad this question was asked and Kathy S., Thank you for writing
about your experiences. I am sorry you are having a rough time. I have
heard so many positive things about the surgery, but it is important for me
to consider all posibilities of the after effects of surgery so I can
prepare for them. I hope things get better for you very soon.
— Cecelia R.
August 4, 2000
I had a lap RNY June 21. Had complications and within a week of that had
two additional surgeries. Was sent home way too early and was completely
dehydrated and passed out three times, then was readmitted and spent five
days in ICU and received 22 units of blood due to inbelievable hemoraging.
I am finally beginning to feel normal again and getting my energy back. I
went in to the hospital for a three day stay and it turned into almost a
month long one. So, I am not ready to say I would do this again. However, I
also would not say I regret the surgery. I was blinded prior to surgery
with all the positive posts and emails and didn't pay much attention to
risks. However, I'm sure even if I was fully aware of all the risks that I
still would have had the surgery. I'm told in a few months I, too, will be
saying this is the best thing I ever did!!!!!!
— Denise K.
August 4, 2000
I had my open RNY 2 years ago and am freq asked this question. And the
answer is still the same as it was from the get go-YES. No sugar coating
here though. I am a nurse so I was more knowledgable about all the things
the surgery itself involved. Even on the worst days postop, I saw
immediately results that made it worthwhile. I was diabetic going into
surgery, almost needing insulin since the pills weren't working anymore.
From the ist morning post-op til present, I no longer have had to take
anything for the diabetes--under control and basically gone! I still am
monitored for it because it runs in my family but nothing residual left. To
be free of that awful, chronic and eventually debilitating, deadly
condition and its side effects would make me go through it again. I know
what diabetes can do to the body eventually- it affects every body system.
Also, immediate post-op I had some hard times emotionally because of being
off my psych meds for 5 days. I went through a deepened depression until I
was back on them and built the levels back up in my body. I do not promote
the surgery when asked without great emphasis on the fact that one really
has to be prepared to face any of the complications, including death. But
as for me, it was the best choice because I have regained control over my
body's health. I now am able to be alive to live life and enjoy it. By the
way I was: 400 now 200lbs. at 5'4".
— Barbara D.
August 5, 2000
Hi, I'm now 8 days post-op. I have noticed a change in my self and in the
way I act. I know I'm not the only one, my Mother actually called my
surgeon about it. I guess they consulted and, I'm now on Prozac!?! I guess
I just need a little extra help. So, what I'm saying is, it has not been a
cake walk this far but I KNOW it WILL get better!! *HUGS* Jay
— Jason B.
August 5, 2000
I had no regrets, the only one was I waited so long. But I believe we do
this when WE are ready. I feel great, have much more energy, and had no
complications. I trusted my head and heart to do what my body and soul
needed, and took one day at a time while healing myself after surgery.
Surgery May 1999-224-now 120.
— Darlene E.
August 5, 2000
Absolutely no regrets. Would do it again in a minute. Don't know why I ever
waited so long. My surgery was April 28,00 and I have now lost 70 lbs in 14
weeks. Have gone from size 22/24 to 14. Started at 260lbs now 190 and
feeling great, losing on a constant basis, and no complications at all.
— rosemary I.
August 5, 2000
Regrets? None... Wish I had done it a year ago... I can live without
8 of these listed Co-morbidities and that's the point right? being able to
"LIVE"
<p>
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Cholesterol
Diabetes Mellitus
Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
Respiratory Insufficiency
Heartburn - Reflux Disease and Reflux Nocturnal Aspiration
Asthma and Bronchitis
Gallbladder Disease
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Degenerative Disease of Lumbo-Sacral Spine
Degenerative Arthritis of Weight-Bearing Joints
Venous Stasis Disease
Emotional/Psychological Disease
<p>
I have never regretted my choice in procedures or my surgeon..
Everyday I wake a with smile, knowing I don't have to haul my old 367
pound body out of bed.. I had surgery 12/8/99 and as of today 225...
visit my profile page for information, links and recipes..
<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen">Gastric
Bypass Information, Links & Recipes</a><br>
— Victoria B.
August 6, 2000
For the first six weeks after surgery I had regrets. I was having a hard
time determining what and how much food to eat, I was angry that I could
not eat like I once had. But I started walking the day after I got out of
the hospital, my blood pressure has gone down, and since 6/6/00 I have lost
45 pounds. I never could have done that before. I finally see light at the
end of the tunnel.....I might be able to be "normal" like other
people and this was the only way that was going to happen. Good luck to
you.
— twenc
August 6, 2000
As a pre-op I appreciated reading the many responses to this question. I
too want to hear all the negative and positive. So I know what to expect
(good and bad.) It makes me wonder when 99% of the comments are positive.
I think to myself... where are all the unhappy people my pc keeps talking
about?
But bottem line is.. I am glad it is supportive here - I need some positive
support in my life.
— Emily H.
August 6, 2000
Seriously, I do not regret it and I would never go back the way I was if I
had the opportunity - even if I could go back without any pain or
surgery!!!
The worst thing I had was the pain after the surgery - as I did not respond
well to the pain meds. I have a history of this, so it wasn't a total
surprise. Everything else has been wonderful - I am truly amazed every day
at how well I feel and how easy it has been for me. I have not thrown up
one time and I had open RNY surgery. Best wishes.
— Cindy H.
February 23, 2001
This surgery has been the biggest mistake of my life. I posted a negative
comment on the message board and someone deleted it. I am now 5 months
post op and am sick all the time. The only relief I get is from taking
Marinol, the legal form of marijuana, given to me by my GI doctor, who
thinks the surgery should be reversed.
— [Anonymous]
February 24, 2001
I'm pre op so I can't answer the question specifically, but I did want to
make my own statement. I went to 2 educational seminars from 2 different
groups in San Diego, and I was surprised at how they would cover the
potential problems and then immediately follow it with a BUT and some
positive comment. The second group I went to had over 200 people
attending, and I was sitting there wondering why they felt they had to
"sell" the procedure. People who are overweight don't need to be
talked into things to try and lose the extra weight, that's why so many
bogus weight loss inventions make a fortune. Of course you should keep in
mind that this may be coming from my frustration at having to wait for my
surgery because so many others are also going through the same process.
:o)
I also wanted to say that I think it's awful that any negative comments
would be deleted from this site. I enjoy all the uplifting posts as well
as the next person, but I also want to know the bad things that might come
up. With any surgery the potential to die is there and no one should be
sugar coating or downplaying that. I personally would rather die than
continue with 40 more years of increasingly poor health. I made my decision
to have the surgery and any bad comments about it from others won't change
it. I think everyone should feel as strongly about it as I do before they
proceed. Don't be one of those people who later say, "but I just
didn't think it would happen to me." It CAN happen to you or me, and
it WILL happen to some of us. If you still want to have the operation,
like I do, then lets do it and hope for the best. I can relate to this
somewhat as I did have "elective" surgery 2 years ago with Dr.
Grant Stevens in Marina Del Rey, CA. I had a breast reduction to help with
my back pain~didn't help. If anyone would like to discuss the
complications I had from that surgery please feel free to email. Good luck
to all.
— sherry hedgecock
February 25, 2001
Please write to me at my email address and I would love to talk to you
about this. I am neither happy nor totally unhappy about this surgery but
yes, I have had many problems. I think that I am the person that someone
mentioned that used to write and doesn't anymore really. Would be glad to
talk to you.
— Barbara H.
February 25, 2001
I HAD THIS SURGERY DONE IN JUNE OF 99, I WAS AT 350 LBS.ALSO AT THE SAME
TIME A TUMOR WHICH HAD TAKEN OVER THE SPLEEN SO IT WAS REMOVED ALSO. BY MAY
OF 2000 I HAD LOST OVER 100 LBS. AND HAD A TUMMY TUCK DONE.TODAY I HAVE
LOST DOWN TO 130, MY LOWEST BEING 122. I AM 5'9" AND 40 YEARS OLD. I
DID NOT ELECT THIS SURGERY IT WAS DONE TO SAVE MY LIFE AS THEY COULD NOT
FIGURE OUT WHY THE WEIGHT WAS STAYING ON. I HAVE HAD THREE EXPLORITORY
SURGERIES TO TRY AND FIND OUT WHY THE WEIGHT WILL NOT STAY ON.ONCE THEY
REMOVED SCAR TISSUE OVER THE OPENING OF THE BYPASS. I HAVE HAD TWO PICC
LINES AND BEEN ON TPN FOR ABOUT 3 AND 1/2 MONTHS. I JUST GOT THE PICC LINE
OUT THIS LAST WEDNESDAY. I HAVE BEEN OFF TPN FOR LESS THAN THREE WEEKS AND
HAVE LOST 14 POUNDS. SO MY PROBLEM CONTINUES.DRINKING WATER IS ALMOST
IMPOSSIBLE,FOOD IS VERY HARD TO EAT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. I NOW HAVE PNEUMONIA
, BUT THE DOCTORS ARE NOT AGREEING ON WEATHER OR NOT THE FLUID IS INDEED
THAT. I WAS SUPPOSE TO DIE IN NOV. OF 2000,BUT I DID REAL WELL ON THE TPN.
MY HOME NURSE CLAIMS THAT ALL HER TPN PATIENTS ARE FROM THIS SURGERY. IS
ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIFE? I'D REALLY LIKE TO
KNOW..THANK-YOU SUNNY
— SUNNY C.
May 7, 2001
I am 6 weeks post-op. Since my surgery (3/01) I have had many problems. I
am unable to keep down any food and/or water no matter how slowly I take it
in or how small the amounts may be. I have been hospitalized 3 times for
dehydration. I am unable to keep down any vitamins or protein supplements,
so my energy level is very low. I have taken medication for bi-polar
disorder for 8 years. Since my surgery I have not been able to keep my meds
down. I have tried crushing, cutting, and mixing with various soft
foods.(To no avail) Since the meds I take only come in oral form, my Dr. is
looking into finding a similar type of med that can be injected. I have
been very depressed. I am CONSTANTLY thirsty. I can honestly say that
hunger isn't a big issue. But always having been a BIG water drinker, my
thirst is never quenched. Both my Dr. and my nutritionist seemed as
frustrated as I am. I am in the process of going through different tests
(i.e. barium swallow) to see what is causing me to vomit EVERYTHING back
up. The word "regret" is frequently used in my vocabulary right
now. This surgery is different for everyone. It is very personal in many
ways. I do not want to deter anyone from going through this procedure. I
only want to suggest that you ask EVERY question (there are no stupid
questions!) and consider EVERY factor in your life before making a
decision. My true regret is that I didn't ask more questions and get a
second opinion on everything.
— Julie T.
May 7, 2001
I am almost 2 years Post-Op! I made it thru my surgery with flying colors!
I was 302lbs Pre-Op and am down to 150lbs. I have no regrets, I am
fortunate to have not had any complications other than a minor infection in
my incision which cleared up w/antibiotics. I miss some things I used to
be able to eat and am gearing up to start checking into my tummy tuck and
breast lift (contrary to popular opinion I didn't lose anything in the cup
just thru the back and shoulders). I would do it again w/no regrets. Good
luck to you!
— Carrie G.
May 8, 2001
I notice that many of the people who have posted about
having regrets/problems/complications don't state
WHAT procedure they had done - that would be very
helpful and informative - and interesting - to see
if there is any one procedure that has more post-op problems than
another....
— Cathy J.
May 8, 2001
Cathy: First of all, you can click on the responder's name (unless it is
anon.) and their surgery type will be posted whent he link goes to their
page (unless that particular person has not filled this information out).
So, there is a way to find out what surgery a particular person had even if
they don't mention it directly in a response. :) Secondly, I don't think
that responses to one particular question is going to give an accurate
portrait of which surgery has 'more complications' -- they ALL have
complications and rates vary depending on individuals and also each
surgeon. I think all pre-ops should subscribe to post-op lists and such to
read about people's lifestyles, problems and share their successes. This
is the BEST way to get an accurate and even portrait of the wide range of
how these surgeries affect real people in their post-op lives. I'm not
sure of the exact name of a post-op RNY list (I had laparoscopic DS), but
one for DS pre-ops (or prospective pre-ops considering the surgery) is
[email protected]. It is open to pre and post ops for
posting, support, etc. Another groups [email protected]
but pre-ops are only permitted to lurk not post. A new group that just
formed is rny_vs_dsbpd. It isn't as active yet but you may want to check
it out. As far as regretting my surgery - I don't for a nanosecond.
However, I have experienced a remarkably wonderful, complication-free
recovery which may not be the norm for ANy surgery. :) I am not sure why,
but my body has adjusted and is adjusting tremendously well. I hope
someone will post the address for a pre/post-op RNY support group so
pre-ops can get more information. All the best, (laparoscopic BPD/DS with
gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001),
— Teresa N.
May 8, 2001
I weighed 404 pounds when I had my surgery (RNY) on 12/21/00. I'm nearly 5
months post-op and I'm down to 310 pounds (94 pounds gone forever).
The first week after surgery I not only regretted having surgery, I wanted
to go back and have it reversed because of the gas pains. I had very little
pain from my incision...the majority of the pain was from gas and no amount
of morphine will kill that pain. Nothing I tried (gas-x or anti-gas drops
for babies or walking like crazy) made a difference. For a week I was in
and out of misery and begging for death. Then once the gas disappeared I
felt human again.
Then for the first 3-4 months I was ambivalent about having the surgery. I
loved the weight loss, but I was angry and frustrated by the small amounts
and limited variety of food I could eat. I hated the fact that I couldn't
seem to get the knack of eating slowly or small amounts. I hated eating
something and then running to the toilet. I hated the fact that I not only
couldn't take my bipolar meds (Prozac and Depakote) in pill form, but that
the liquid forms made me vomit or have the worst heartburn known to
mankind. Most of all I missed having my old pals (Oreos, butter pecan ice
cream, M&Ms) around to comfort me when I was having a bad day. Then it
seemed that everything fell into place overnight and I was about to eat
everything (much smaller portions) without getting sick. I could take my
pills without risking tearing my insides to shred. And I could deal with
the world without having a chocolate fix (even though I discovered I don't
dump on high sugar or fat).
Now that I'm nearly five months post-op I don't regret having the surgery.
I am honest with people. I do tell them about the gas pain, the difficulty
in relearning how to eat, the depression, the anger, the frustration...heck
I even tell them about the constipation (prunes and water are my best
buddies). I don't sugar coat the surgery and I definitely tell them this
isn't the easy way out. However I do tell them that this surgery is an
incredible tool that can work wonders...if you work at it.
No...I don't regret having this surgery. I'm 36 and I haven't weighed this
little since I was 12 years old. Last time I was in the low 300's I was in
the seventh grade and Jimmy Carter was president. WLS helped me get to this
point...not weight watchers, Jenny Craig, Richard Simmons, Oprah Winfrey,
Dr. Atkins and the million other diets that I've tried over the years. More
importantly WLS will help me get to my personal goal (anything under
200)and stay there.
— Cynthia B.
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