Question:
doesn't sound like many of you are happy with your wls?
I am considering wls. I came here to decide on lapband or rny but now I'm scared to death!!!!! Anyone have any success??? — angel1972 (posted on February 18, 2009)
February 17, 2009
Stephanie -- welcome to the site, and I hope you find the information
you're looking for. I'm nearly 9 years out from a VBG (vertical banded
gastroplasty -- they don't even do that kind of surgery anymore) and I've
never regretted having the surgery done. No, I don't look like Twiggy, but
then again, that wasn't really the goal. I look like me, and I've lost
(overall) about 140 pounds close as I can figure it over those almost-nine
years. I gained some weight back about five years out but lost it again
{plus a few more -- I really don't look at the scale anymore, I look at how
my clothes fit)when I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes (you can beat the
flab, but you can't fight the genetics) in 2006. I've never regretted
having the surgery, not even when I was having dizzy spells and nausea or
the stricture (from stress) that lasted for almost a month, because my life
is much better than it was before the surgery. While many people who
haven't had WLS consider it "the coward's way out", I, and most
of the people on this site, would beg to disagree. This is, in many ways,
very hard. It's a hard choice to make for many, and then what happens
afterward ain't all rainbows and unicorns. Your body changes faster than
your head can keep up -- and guess what, everything that was going on in
your life when you were fat is still there when you're not -- but you've
removed the literal and figurative barrier between yourself and your
problems, so for many of us there's a great deal of emotional work to do
along with the physical. What you see often on this site is venting --
asking questions and sharing experiences with people who, deep down, KNOW
EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. I would venture that, of the post-ops on
this site, about 98% are happy with it -- we're just encountering a bump or
two or twelve in the road. Have courage, my dear, and make the choice that
is right for you. Blessings --
— Cheryl Denomy
February 17, 2009
Hello, I have had nothing but success with my RYN. I had surgery on Oct 16,
2006 and have no complaints. My webpage is down right now (soon to be back
up) otherwise you could read my story. Point is there are a lot of success
stories on the wls. Best of luck to you and good luck making your decision!
— Jean N.
February 17, 2009
I know u r probiably looking 4 someone that is more then a year out. I am 7
months out and would not change anything. I have read also about things
that have gone on in peoples lives with weight gain up to several years
out. I hope and pray this does not happen to me and if it does I would hope
I am a strong enough person to contact my doctor and get the appropriate
help that is needed to get back on track,this was the first thing I was
told by my nurse she did not care if in 3 years I was having trouble to
contact them asap to get the help I may need. I can honestly say I was
scared to death staying where I was with my weight, now I have a chance to
live. I say if you have any eating disorders get help prior to surgery
because this new tool we get is no miracle cure it only provides help not
to eat as much we still need to watch what and how much. I wish you the
best Please do not be scared to live.
— Tammi Sandoval
February 17, 2009
RnY here - VERY happy!!!
— nursenut
February 17, 2009
Just had my two year surgiversary on 2/15 (last week). I am down 140lbs.
From a size 26/28 to a size 4. Never regret having surgery - ever. Even on
days when I feel sick to my stomach and have to force myself to eat (once
or twice a month) - I never regret surgery. It's the best thing I ever did
for myself. I am living my life again. It's amazing and I am very happy.
— jammerz
February 17, 2009
I have heard more success cases from RnY folks than from lap banders. I
had the lap band and although I do not have any problems, the weight loss
is very slow. My highest weight before surgery was 244. When I went on
the two week diet prior to surgery I lost 8 lbs so I started at 236. When
I went to the Dr on 2-3-09 I weighed 211. As you can see, I do not lose
quickly. I exercise almost every day now. Good luck and even though I am
losing slowly, I am losing inches and all of my friends think I look
fantastic. I am pushing on and eventually, I will loose the weight that I
need to lose to be healthy. Susan
— susangielda06
February 17, 2009
Hi there... I am about two weeks until my surgery date. I have been
researching this procedure for about a year now, and have chosen the RNY.
I began seriously working towards getting insurance approval and diving
into the program in September. I have been following my surgeon's eating
plan (75% protein and 25% carbohydrates, low fat) since October 1 and have
lost about 25 pounds. I've ordered and tried sample bariatric packages
which contain different protein drinks, desserts, and soups. I've read the
book "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach (which is required
reading by my surgeon). He also requires that you attend support groups
twice a month, he gives seminars monthly, is available to ALL his patients
by email and phone (he gives you his private phone number), and he employes
a registered dietician whom he expects you to work with, in addition to
going to nutrition classes. If you have made up your mind that you want to
be healthy, and you understand that this is only a TOOL and not a magic
bullet, you will do fine. If you have eating issues that are
psychological, you might want to deal with those first... because if you
don't, you may very well go back to eating the way you ate before surgery,
and then you'd be right back where you started. Luckily for me, I was in
therapy for a while, and my therapist helped me see that my weight was my
sheild - my armor against being sexually molested and unhappily married. I
have worked through both of those situations now, and the underlying causes
have been healed. Now, it's just a question of getting the weight off. I
tried Weight Watchers and lost the same 50 pounds and put it back on with
extra twice. The Doctor Atkins diet worked wonders for me before I became
fat-intolerant. This seems to be my last, best option. I refuse to have
this wonderful opportunity given to me, and then un-do it all by going back
to bad eating habits and not exercising, even though I was recently
diagnosed with severe arthritis of the spine, and spinal stenosis, which
makes exercising very painful. I am dedicated to losing this weight and
keeping it off... and I think that's the mindset you need when you approach
something like this.... and you WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. All the best to you.
And just for your information, there is another site you can visit for
information and WLS forums and support.... it's called BariatricEating.com.
You can also purchase products, vitamins, and supplements designed
specifically for bariatric patients there.
— Erica Alikchihoo
February 17, 2009
I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on March 2nd, and I have lost 112
pounds since then. I have had ABSOLUTELY no side effects from this
surgery, and I LOVE IT! It was the BEST THING I EVER DID! I am within 30
pounds of my goal, and should get there in about 4 months to 6 months or
so. I lost weight like gangbusters at first, but my weight loss has slowed
some since the start. This is to be expected. One hundred and twelve
pounds in less than a YEAR is NOTHING to be scoffed at, and I did it
without the side effects that are common with the Gastric Bypass. If you
want to find out more about your various weight loss options, check out my
profile page at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/. Look for my
post titled "Surgical Comparisons." If you can't find it on the
main profile page, look for it in the March 2008 archives. I hope this
helps. Hugh
— hubarlow
February 17, 2009
Hi: I am extremely happy with my RNY surgery. But remember, it is major
surgery and does require recouperation. However, it works and is not so
bad that you should be afraid of having it. Good Luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
February 17, 2009
I had the vertical sleeve with mesh band done back on March 4th, 2008
(coming up on one year!), and I hit my initial goal of 100 lbs back in
November. I've since lost another 6 lbs. I'm now working on finding ways to
just maintain. There are rare days when I miss being able to just pig out,
but IMO it was worth the sacrifice. I'm quite happy with the results, but
it was not easy and I'm regularly forced to make choices; that will never
go away. Best of luck to you. Just keep in mind--if you commit to this,
COMMIT to it! It will work!
— suezahn4me
February 18, 2009
I just celebrated my 5yr anniversary. I don't have one single regret! I
now live the life I always wanted to live. I was overweight all of my
life, no co-morbities, just restricted because of my 330lb shell. I have
lost 170lbs. and to this day love exercise and fun things with my family.
This was the greatest decision I have ever made in my life. Oh, by the
way, I had the Fobi-Pouch, gastric bypass. Good luck on your decision and
thanks for asking about those that are happy, it's probably tough being new
and seeing that most of the questions sound negative. Just keep in mind
that this is where WLS patients find support and answers, probably where
you'll find yours. Good luck!
— bariatricdivalatina
February 18, 2009
i feel that if you choose wls, you have to be prepaired to work VERY hard
after whatever surgery you choose. its not quick fix. you will have to
change the way you eat forever.
— chickie_mama
February 18, 2009
RNY saved me. Not only did it save my physical body, but my soul is
renewed. I am finding the real me. Not the me numbed by food or encased
in a body of fat. I am 8 months out and as of today I have lost 100 lbs.!!
I love my surgery and what it has enabled me to accomplish.
- Gina Swisher
— gmswish
February 18, 2009
Hello Stephanie,
This site is to help people to gather info,opinions, and what ever we need
at that time. This is so people may ask others that have had the same
things done what works for THEM. Each one of us is different,yet many of
the same issues [good& difficult] come up. We all make our own minds
up about the info we are given. We should all feel safe and comfortable
tell/asking questions and giving our OWN opinions. Then as responsible
adults making our own decisions as what works for us. I don't think the
people on this site are un-happy with their decisions to do what we need to
do to improve our health. It may take us time to readjust our thinking as
well as our habits.
I for one had my Gastric Bypass 7/1/08,yes I had some vomiting issues but I
am down close to 90 lbs. My blood work is great. I need NO MORE of the many
meds I was on before surg. I for one am HAPPY & HEALTHY due to my surg.
Please, dont drop this site..give it time to help you as it has soooo many
of us. Also, your Dr.and their staff are there to help you with any
questions you may need to get answered. Best of luck and will be on the
LOSERS bench waiting for you!
— tootsie52
February 18, 2009
Lots of people are living their lives not needing any support or having any
questions...Many people come to support groups for different reasons...And
the majority stay the first year or so and then just go off and live their
thinner, healthier, happier lives once they realize they are doing it all
by themselves!...I was one of those people myself, just living a thin happy
life just like any other regular person for 4 years. I got an email asking
me to come back and show new post ops and pre ops that there are people out
here living WLS life long term and he wanted me to share my struggles and
victories. So I did! You have to commit to a life style change and work
daily to maintain your weight and health thru eating healthy, making good
choices, following rules, staying on top of weight fluxes, exercise,
vitamins, yearly labs, dealing with issues that may cause your eating
disorders etc...Oh it's work! It's not easy by any means...but it does
become second nature...I just passed year 5 of RNY and I am living
healthier, thinner and happier than I have been my entire adult life!
— .Anita R.
February 18, 2009
sorry. i wasnt finished. i have butter fingers! oops! alot of people may
have some type of complication after sugery(infection, pain and the such.)
but most people know before surgery that thease things could happen. thats
when your mind has to be stronger than the pain and you go on and not
despaire and get over those obsticals. then when thats done, you have to
have a positive out look and disaplin towards your diet and yes excercise.
( i know. i know! i said a dirty word!) it is a COMPLETE life style change.
you are reborn. now just about everyone will feel blue or may feel regert
from time to time. thats why oh is an excelent web site. you have LOTS of
support from all walks of life to help you get over that hurdel and closer
to that goal. you have to check out the web site top to bottom there are
TONS of happy people. but alot of them were scared to death as well. but
they got over the fears and hurdels with the help from family, friends and
oh.
— chickie_mama
February 18, 2009
OMG...I am soooooo happy with my RNY. I know that I am only 9.5 months
post-op, but I have gone from stretched-out size 22 (227#)to size 2 (112#).
I have not had it easy but definitely would do it again in a flash:)
Rena
— RenaMansi
February 18, 2009
Hi,
Before I begin please realize that I understand where you are coming from.
In the chat room we had the same discussion.
Most questions people ask can seem negative. I had RNY 4 months ago and i
am extremely happy with my results so far. There can be complications in
all procedures. I was lucky and had very few. I hope you look into your
doctor and feel comfortable enough to decide what is best for you. I wish
you the best of luck
— vonage vinvon
February 18, 2009
Well, like others have said some come to support sites or groups for
different things. Not everyone is going to be having a great time all the
time. There are issues and you need other patients opinions because really
the "true" info comes from people who are living it. So while it
may seem like people are unhappy, I would bet you would find that even
folks having problems would not go back. I am 10 months out. I have lost
120 pounds. I was a large size 26 and am now heading into a size 10. I am
pretty tall so this is a wonderful thing to me. I have not had bad, bad
complications, but we all go through something. Even with the little
things here and there I would not go back to being a full time diabetic
with high blood pressure and being obese on top of it. The thing is you
still need support and you still need to be able to talk freely and
honestly about it somewhere and I think that can be done here. Wish you
the best!
— JaimeK
February 18, 2009
RNY here and I wouldn't change a thing. I have had a few problems that I
didn't expect, some emotional and some physical but I am healthier then
every and happy with myself. Everyone is going to have a bad day and that
is part of what this site is about, do let us letting off steam scare you.
Do your research, carefully pick you procedure and your doctor and get on
with your life.... I am a new person and will never go back.......
— phyllismmay
February 18, 2009
I have never been happier in my life. It is not about the numbers for me. I
needed to feel comfortable in my skin and be me. I was one of the lucky
ones that did not have any issues after surgery with food or complications.
I have had 1 baby since surgery and am prego with another. I don't feel I
could have improved my life any better. I am sure there are some people
that are not as happy. I think we all know what we are looking for and need
to find happiness with our results and only strive to make it better!
— stephaniejackson
February 18, 2009
First let me say that I am an RNY patient who had surgery in June of 2006.
I've had great success, losing 200 lbs, and went from being a very
sedentary person to, just last Saturday, running the Myrtle Beach Marathon.
I never thought that I'd be able to run a quarter mile, never mind 26.2
miles!!
I may be a little more critical of this site than some of the answers
you've seen so far. For support, I think this is a great site, but for
answers to questions about the surgery and what you need to do to prepare
and what to expect before/during/after, you're better off talking to the
surgeon that you're going to be dealing with. When you come to a site like
this to get questions answered you get a lot of opinions from a lot of
people who have dealt with a lot of different surgeons (some very
good...some not so good) so the answers you get may be confusing,
misleading or even incorrect.
Some suggestions I would give you would be to shop around for a quality
bariatric program. Find one that provides good care and support before,
during and after surgery. As others have said, this is a lifelong
commitment, and you want a bariatric program that is willing to make that
commitment with you, NOT one that's going to do the surgery and then have
nothing more to do with you. In my case I know that I will be seeing my
bariatric surgeon for follow up appointments a minimum of once a year until
the day he retires. I still call his office on occassion when I have
questions.
Also look for a program that has a nutritionist or dietician ON STAFF that
you will always be able to go to for answering your questions, or if need
be, getting you back on track 2-3 years after you've had your surgery.
Also, look for a program that has a pyschologist ON STAFF that can help you
deal with the emotional issues that you, more than likely, will be dealing
with both before and after you've had your surgery.
The program should also have an active support group. I would also suggest
that, while you're shopping for the right program, that you attend the
support group meetings associated with those programs. You want to have a
place you can go to for support that can give you consistant answers to
your questions.
You also want a program that stresses the importance of an active lifestyle
and proper exercise. My bariatric program included 16 sessions with a
personal trainer starting a couple of months post op. This is also an
important part of your recovery and lifestyle change after surgery. You
don't have to be running marathons, but you should be out exercising and
being active or you have the danger of slipping back in to a sedentary
lifestyle.
I tell people who ask me about complications that you should expect some
bumps along the road, before and after surgery. By expecting some of those
things it made going through them less stressful. Let's face it, going
through surgery and changing your life at the same time is stressful. The
more you can do to limit that stress, the better.
And lastly, if you have questions about why you are doing something, or why
something is or is not happening to you...PLEASE direct those questions to
your bariatric provider. If you've picked the right provider then they
have their procedures in place, they have them in place for a reason, and
they'll be MORE THAN HAPPY to help you. The right provider is invested in
your success almost as much as you are.
I hope I haven't rambled on too long, and I hope this helps you to make
your decision.
— cburky911
February 18, 2009
VERY happy with my RNY; almost 2 years out and 100 pounds gone forever. I
do not come to the boards much at ALL; no need. Most ppl who are happy
with their WLS are just out living their lives & don't post much, so
you won't hear the happy happy news all day every day. We tend to come to
the boards when we have questions or problems. Hope that helps!
— MAG
February 18, 2009
I am happy to see so many responses to your question because I could write
a book about how very satisfied, happy, healthy, comfortable, sexy and at
peace I am with my WLS experience. I had complications but if I had to do
this once a year every year. I would. Not a single regret! Surgery date Aug
26, 2008.
— Rosettagrace
February 18, 2009
I am sure for many people this is a hard decision. For me, a diabetic
(Type II) it was easy because of the wonderful studies concerning diabetes.
I had my RNY on October 7, 2008 and since then have been able to stop my 4
insulin shots per day, my oral diabetic agents and my high blood pressure
pill. I have also gotten off my CPAP machine for sleep apnea. I feel like
the poster child for this surgery. It is not an easy quick fix, it is
merely a tool, but a tool that has saved my life from the horrible
complications of diabetes and hypertension and sleep apnea.
— psrd370
February 18, 2009
It is scary, and its normal to feel that way. I'm almost 6 months out from
RNY, and its the best decision I've ever made. Most people who post things
on here are only posting on things they have problems with or need
questions answered, so it can seem that there are no success stories out
there. The sucdess stories are out there! Don't get discouraged! Good
Luck!!
— Ursie77
February 18, 2009
I'm extremely happy about my RNY, wouldn't trade it for the world. My sis
had it as well and says the same. I have lost 72 lbs since my surgery in
October '08. My knees and back don't hurt like they used to, my blood
pressure is normal for the first time in a long while, and I have actual
energy. I've gone from a 26/28 to a 22... and life is good.
— snickersblk
February 19, 2009
Stephanie, just to be fully informed, check out other WLS options, on these
forums, too. I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on March 31 and have lost
120 lbs. I do not regret my decision one bit. I do have to work at making
choices, but ANYONE with ANY WLS can eat around their new tummies. Some
surgeries just make it harder than others. Try to think long term and
living with your decision. Keep researching. You should be 100% on board
with your decision before you jump into any WLS.
— corky1057
February 19, 2009
Hey, I had the surgery 2 1/2 months ago and I don't regret anything. This
is the best thing I ever did for myself. Yes there are ups and downs
(literally). But I have lost almost 55 pounds and that is something I have
never done before in 2 1/2 months. I had no complications, I have never
felt nauseated, I have on occassion felt like something was stuck in my
stomach, but that passed quickly. I feel better than I have in years and I
am no longer a diabetic and no longer on any medications. The only down
side to this website (if you can call it a downside) is that the people who
post are those who are having problems and need advice or support. Those
of us that are happy and loving life read and lend support but don't
generally post just happy thoughts, although maybe we should occassionally!
This is not a quick fix or an easy way out, but if you follow your doctors
instructions and do your best to stay on track you won't regret RNY. RNY -
Dec 12, 2008 Happy and loving it -Cathy-
— brindledanes
February 19, 2009
Stephanie,
I rarely respond to posts, but I must to yours. I had rny 9/23/08, not only
am I happy with the results, I'm pleased that I took control of my life and
made the changes necessary for not only my health, but for my family. I've
lost a whopping 65 lbs, now there are others who had surgery around the
same time I did and have lost a significant amount more than, and some
less, it's everyone's specific journey. But the weight loss is just the
pudding, I feel great, I'm exercising and getting stronger, no longer on
HBP meds, am no longer snoring, no more sleep apnea, doctors are no longer
concerned that I will become diabetic. I have taken control of my life, not
allowed my life to take control of me. But this is a serious decision, and
you have to work the program. Good luck with your decision, i'm sure it
will be the right one for you
— prb
February 19, 2009
I am 5 years out and still have kept 90lbs off of the 100 I lost. 100 was
my goal to lose so Im very happy that I made a decision to have the surgery
that improved my life so much. I had a uneventful recovery and a steady
weigt loss, hitting a couple of platues like all do. I have had friends
that critized my surgery at first ,and then 4 years and another 25lbs or so
later had the surgery themselves. It is like drinking from the fountain of
youth as far as I am concerned, and Im sorry for anyone that has not had
good results, especially if they followed their doctors instuctions .Im
also glad I didn't weight until my health was failing causing the surgery
and recovery to become more difficult.
— Dmiles52148
February 19, 2009
I can also eat ANYTHING AND AS MUCH as I want and I think that is what
holds a lot of people up on having the surgery they think they can't ever
eat normally again
— Dmiles52148
February 19, 2009
Hi Stephanie, I'm "weighing in" to say I'm grateful for my RNY
and my results. I need to update my ticker, as I weighed in this a.m. at
143.2. That's down from my pre-op highest of 354. Yowza! I'm feeling
great and am in excellent health. This a.m., I had a body composition scan
done and it shows I have a body fat percentage of 18.7.
It is normal to be nervous, even scared, as this is a big big step to take.
Good for you for reaching out to hear how well this has worked for the
greatest majority of us!
— Jasmine130
February 19, 2009
love love love my rny surgery -- 27 months out -- textbook surgery -- in
on wednesday -- home on friday -- driving on monday -- back to a physical
job in 18 days -- i have maintained for 18 months at least -- started at
228 and went down to 124 and now hover around 133 -- not one complication
-- no throwing up -- no hair loss -- i do not eat white carbs (bread,
pasta, rice, potatoes) -- love love love my surgeon -- take my vitamins
everyday without fail -- i would call myself a success :) and my husband is
also happy with his surgery and our friend george is happy with his surgery
-- there are many people who are happy -- it is just that most ppl post
their bad experiences looking for help :) good luck with your decision :)
— RCassety
February 19, 2009
I had RNY December 10, 2008. I have never been sick or had dumping
syndrome. I eat very slowly and chew very well. I am very pleased with my
results. I am almost 50 pounds less!!
— ragan
February 19, 2009
I had RNY 12/12/08. Originally I was thinking about the band, but after
talking to the doctor chose RNY. I am so glad I had this surgery. I'm not
a perfect patient, but have lost 50 lbs and feel so much better.
With the band it helps if you live in the same town as your dr for
adjustments. If not it is a horror story.
RNY does more than create a smaller stomach. It reduces hunger and alters
the way you digest food.
— lorannw
Click Here to Return