Question:
400+ Recovery

I need to know how your recovery was. I am 400 plus and the Dr said because of that there can be more complications involved. I know everyone is different, but I just want to read other journeys.    — Naes Wls J. (posted on October 18, 2002)


October 18, 2002
I had my open rny 1/16/02 and can honestly say had no complications whatsoever. I had a c-section that was 10 times worse than this! By the end of the 2nd week, I was in Atlantic City hitting the slots! I also had my gallbladder out at the same time and still had an amazing recovery. Best of luck to you on your journey and feel free to email me if you have any questions. Valerie Marella
   — Valerie M.

October 18, 2002
I've updated my profile recently, so if you want the full-scale version, check it out! The abridged story: no complications, great success so far.....
   — jen41766

October 18, 2002
I started at 440 and had no complications and a fairly easy recovery. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I had my surgery on Monday. Got to ICU at about noon and was up walking at 4 that afternoon. The hardest part was getting out of bed. Once I was up, I was fine. I wish I would have had a trapeze thingy above my bed to help me get up. On the other hand, there were 2 people that were older than me (I'm 20) in the hospital at the same time. They were both over 400 and struggled more than I did. I think age has its advantages. There are a lot of people on this site that are 400+ and didn't have any complications. You'll do great! =) E-mail me if you have any questions or want more details about my surgery/recovery!
   — Tanya B.

October 18, 2002
My daughter weighed 406 lbs. at the time of her lap RNY. She did beautifully...no problems at all. She was sitting up on the side of the bed one hour after returning to her room from Recovery, and up walking to the bathroom two hours later. The next day she walked the length of the hospital hall eight times during the day, and was discharged home the following day. Of the five of us in our family that have had lap RNY surgery, she was more active and had less discomfort in the hospital than the rest of us, although none of us (in the mid 300 lb. ranges) had any problems or complications either. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

October 19, 2002
I just had my surgery a week ago, on Oct. 10th. I started out weighing 420 lbs at 5' 2" tall. My doctor was very sure he would have to do open surgery on me because of my body shape (short waisted). He was prepared for the worse. The Anesteoligist said he would probably have to keep the breathing tube in me for a couple of days too. Well. lo and behold, my Dr. was able to do my surgery the Lap procedure, and my breathing tube came right out in the recovery room. I have had very little to no pain. Was walking the very next morning, of course, with some soreness. All the doctors were very pleased with how well I did. I felt great. My only complaint was that I had a cough with mucus the first 2 days after surgery. Make sure you do your breathing exercises they give you to do, it really helps. I wish you the best, I know you will do just fine. I had alot of prayer for me from family, friends and my church. I do credit the Lord for my extremely good surgery and recovery.
   — Patricia C.

October 19, 2002
I had my surgery 9-23-02 and was almost right at 400lbs. I'll be 4 weeks out on Monday and absolutely no complications or problems whatsoever!
   — Rebekah A.

October 19, 2002
I started at 465 and had surgery on 5/02. I was out of the hospital in 3 days and have not really had any problems. I just weighed today and am 340. Good luck
   — Gary H.

October 19, 2002
I was 494 day of surgery in 5/00. I had a partial gastrectomy and duodenal switch. Go to www.duodenalswitch.com for more info on that type of surgery. I am currently 239 and in the process of reconstructive surgery to remove the excess skin. I have had no complications, but have had to increase the amount of calcium supplement. No big deal, my calcium studies are within normal limits. I eat anything I want and am living a normal life. I am still losing about 3 pounds per month and will eventually get to about 180 or so. This is the ideal weight for me, given my longstanding super morbid obesity (BMI 94). Feel free to check out my profile. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

October 19, 2002
Age 34 years, two previous c-sections, 424 the day of surgery (7-22-02), open-RNY, zero complications, out having a cigarette 9 hours after surgery. Ok stupid, maybe, but it got me walking!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 24, 2002
Hi, Nadine. The day of my surgery, I was 43 and 487. My RNY was able to be performed LAP, and overall, things went very well. Had I known *how* well, I would have fought harder with insurance ten years ago and had this surgery done then. God Bless you...and we'll look forward to hearing your good reports!
   — CaseyinLA




Click Here to Return
×