Question:
How Many people are happy w/ there Surgery?
OK I read everyone post and answers. You have me all scared. I would like to have this surgery. Is there anyone happy w/ there surgey and doesn't have problems w/ the nutrion or other health issue. Please I would like both good and bad feed back. thank you shannon — shannon M. (posted on August 11, 2002)
August 11, 2002
Dear Shannon.. I'm 10 weeks post op BPD no DS as of Monday 8/12. I am
already EXTREMELY happy with my surgery. I am down almost 50 pounds and
thanks to dedication and a great trainer at my gym I'm down inches as well.
I already feel healthier than I have in YEARS and I know that even better
things are in store. Surgery is like everything else, you take the good
with the bad. Sure, I was lucky enough to get through surgery with no
complications, but I sincerely believe that for me, attitude has been
everything. Do your research, learn about your surgery, your surgeon..
what to expect and even the things that COULD happen. Knowledge is power.
This isn't an easy fix, an major surgery is never a 'cakewalk'.. I think a
fair amount of fear is healthy, but if you've decided on this step, don't
let yourself be beat up by the fear. Set your sights on the goal of a
healther you and press onward. Best of luck and blessings!
~Peace
— Joscelin
August 11, 2002
I AM THRILLED, for both of us, me and my wife Jen both had surgery. I am at
goal 184 started at 313, Jens surgery dec 10th, start weight 293 now about
198 closing in on a 100 pound loss. Our health is MUCH improved.
Unfortunately it doesnt fix our finances, were broke right now. But health
and such is like the difference between night and day, We can both eat
anything:)In limited quanties. I eat what other normal weight people eat. I
watched others on our june cruise. Honestly the weight was killing us both,
jen couldnt work because of asthma. That is GONE completely. I am off all
prescription drugs and Jen is nearly too. she still takes allergy pills and
birth control pills. They will end at the one year date for her, we want to
have a baby! ALL this thanks to WLS!!!!!!
— bob-haller
August 11, 2002
I am SO happy! I wasn't at first -- just like anyone, when you're at home,
uncomfortable and not feeling great -- and I started to regret it. But now
I'm 2 months post-op and have lost 50 lbs. I can't remember when I weighed
this amount. I think if I didn't lost another pound, I'd be happy and know
that it was worth it. I couldn't get to this weight, no matter what I did
-- meds, diet changes, exercise -- everything. Everyone has their own
potential for complications, and I don't think that you can predict what
they might be, if you have them at all. But know that I went into this
being in overall good health -- my weight hadn't started to cause any
problems yet. And I haven't had any problems yet. I also love exercise,
so that part of it hasn't been a problem -- especially as I start to lose
more weight and can move easier. This is NOT an easy decision to make. I
suggest you discuss your fears at length with your doc/surgeon. After
reading about a lot of things on this site, when I had my appt. w/my
surgeon, I brought up the ones that I was personally concerned about. He
addressed all of my concerns and was understanding of my fear. I hope your
doc can be as compassionate regarding your doubts. Good luck!
— Karen B.
August 11, 2002
8 yrs: HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY! Life is not perfect, no. BUT at least I have a
life to whine about. I was dead where I stood in 1994. I would not undo
it, nor would I change the type of surgery I had. Neither would my husband
(except he'd have had a later model of the same thing).
— vitalady
August 11, 2002
I think the first 2 months after surgery were the worst. However, after
that, I really haven't had any problems to speak of. You have to be
willing to make MAJOR lifetime changes. Exercise, vitamins and knowing
what your stomach can handle. Personally, I eat anything and everything I
did before the surgery - just no where near as much of it. The surgery has
been a godsend. This time last year I weighed more then 100 pounds more
then I do now. I was fat, looked like crap, didn't exercise and my body
looked and felt like crap. In just 1 year, I've lost 108 pounds, have been
exercising 5 days a week for the past 8 months, am wearing size 8 clothes
and just recently had a tummy tuck and liposuction which so far looks REAL
good. I made the committment to do this. It wasn't easy and for those who
say it is, that's a bunch of garbage. I can guarantee those same people
couldn't have made the same lifestyle changes that I have. Only you can
decide what is best for you. I just wish I had this option 20 years ago.
My life would be EXTREMELY different at age 20 then it is now at 40.
— Patty H.
August 11, 2002
Open VBG in June 2001 - and THRILLED!! I lost 140 lbs in the first 11
months - eat anything I want - just in tiny portions. I've gone from 4x-5x
tops, 30-32 pants to Ladies M tops and size 12/14 pants....and I feel
GREAT!!
— Cathy J.
August 11, 2002
I agree completely with all the other comments. Four of us in our family
have had lap RNY surgery, and my older daughter is scheduled for next
month. We were literally dying on our feet...physically as well as
emotionally. Today, we are all at goal, and happier, healthier, and more
energized than any other time in our adult lives. An added bonus for my
younger daughter (BMI 70; weight 406 pre-op) is her 220 lb. weight loss,
marriage last year, and recent birth of a beautiful baby girl....all events
which would have only been an unrealistic fantasy for her 32 months ago.
Each of our surgeries were completely uncomplicated in any way....two day
hospitalizations, no ICU, no tubes/drains, back to work in 8-14 days. I
think that it's important to remember that this site and others like it are
critically valuable resources for pre-op information and post-op support
for problems and concerns. There are a few of us "oldies" who
hang around to answer questions from time-to-time, but there are tens of
thousands of successful WLS patients who are deliriously happy with their
surgeries and simply move on to active, fulfilled lives....never to be
heard from on-line again. I think that it's easy to visit this site as a
pre-op....read the concerns or questions that new post-ops have....and
assume that WLS is always a scary, intimidating, and problematic process
for everyone. There are NO surgeries/general anesthesias without
risk...but for most of us, the risks involved in remaining morbidly obese
far outweighed the risks of surgery. You are the only one who is in a
position to evaluate your life and your state of health. Do all the
research you can, then make an informed decision about what is best for
you....no one else can, or should try, to do that for you. Best wishes!
— Diana T.
August 11, 2002
I keep saying this is the BEST gift I ever gave myself.
Had my RNY in January of this year, have lost 135 pounds, I am off my
asthma and depression meds, I am not a shut in any more, I want to be out
in the big old world. I have had so far no problems what so ever. For me
the recovery has been pretty boring. I have never threw up, or had the
urge. I have not tried anything with sugar so I do not know if I dump and I
plan on never knowing, there are too many fantastic sugar free things out
there for me to tempt fate.
It is normal to be sacred. This is a big change, but I feel it is worth
everything.
Best of luck and keep researching this, you can never have to much
information.
— domestic G.
August 11, 2002
I am VERY happy with having this surgery. I had an open RNY on April 5,
2002 and have lost 70 lbs so far. There will ALWAYS be nutrition issues.
Heck, there were nutrition issues before. But talking about nutrition and
sooooo much better then talking about fad diets to try don't ya think?
— Peggy D.
August 11, 2002
I cannot even express how elated I am about what this surgery has done for
me. I did have some difficulties early on, 2 strictures and had to be
admitted for dehydration. The vomiting caused a 'Mallory-Weiss' tear in my
pouch so I was vomiting blood. But know that the chances of having a
stricture are only 4-6%, I just happen to be one of the few. My point here
is that even though I went through a short period of difficulty, I never
regretted having this surgery. At the time of the strictures, I was just
thinking that I would get through it, still thankful for such a wonderful
tool. I have even told people that if I had to have the surgery every year
for the rest of my life, to continue feeling this good, I would definitely
do it! I am on cloud 9. 9 months post-op, 5-10 lbs. to goal!
— Cheri M.
August 11, 2002
Happy??? How about thrilled, ecstatic, elated, over-joyed---happy!! Yes,
happy. Are all my problems gone? No...not all my problems are gone. I
still have money issues, I still have a teen-age daughter who will give me
a run for my money (making me sorry for everything I did as a teen--sorry
Mommy LOL)...two very active sons...a dumb dog and a husband who is human
(that means he can be a goober at times)...BUT...I am 9 months post op wls
@ goal and this past weekend I walked my feet off in New York City...two
months ago I walked my feet off in Washington DC...I taught my 4 yr old son
how to ride a bike...I play catch and softball with my 7 yr old son...I go
for walks instead of sit at home and feel sorry for myself. I know when I
walk down the street and someone looks at me they aren't thinking "who
let the cow out of the pasture?" They actually might be thinking
"gee, she's a nice looking woman" I went from a size 24 to a
size 4/6 (after the tummy tuck 2 months ago...before the TT was a size 8)
Is my life perfect? No...plenty more money would help---peace on
Earth---the end of famine and disease, pollution and
small-mindedness---contentedness for my children---health care for everyone
that needs it, when they need it (my father died because he couldn't get
appropriate health care) and a maid to do all my housecleaning and
laundry--- that would be perfect!!!! But until that all happens, I'll be
happy and content with what I've got...which is a little house, not much,
but it is mine (and the banks!!), a good job that I have been in for 13
years, a husband that does love me, even when I was MO and he is a goober,
3 beautiful children (2 my own and one adopted), a dumb dog (he's dumb but
cute), and today, I am healthy. I no longer have Type II diabetes, I no
longer have hypertension, I no longer have pain in weight bearing joints, I
don't get short of breath walking to my car, I play with my kids on the
floor, outside and wherever else I can now, I don't have urninary stress
incontinence anymore...what I have now is a LIFE!! I took it back from
that prison of obesity and yes, I am HAPPY!!!
~CAE~
— Mustang
August 11, 2002
I'm 10 month post-op lap BPD/DS. I've lost 108 lbs as of today. I take a
fist full of vitamins 4 times a day--usually when I'm out doing something
else. I don't stay home as much as I used to, so the vitamins have to come
with me! My major problem has been to keep my clothes from falling off me
as I shrink out of them so quickly!
— dantevolta
August 11, 2002
I am 3 months post op down 75 pounds. My only regret is that I thought
about this for a year before I did it. I feel like a teenager again. this
is the happiest I have ever been. I had all the sames fears that you do
before the surgery. Read through my profile I have tried to keep a pretty
good diary.
— Linda A.
August 11, 2002
Shannon - I'm 3 and a half months post-op and am down 97 pounds, I'm off
blood pressure meds, gout meds, cholesterol meds and I no longer suffer
from sleep apnea. I have absolutely no complications or problems and am
loving life. This is the best decision I've ever made. The best part
about it is that it's almost effortless. It's normal and expected to feel
a bit anxious about having a surgical procedure done, but I think that most
of us that had it done finally decided to get off the gaining and losing
merry-go-round. I hope you make the decision that is most comfortable for
you. Good luck! - Mike
— Michael N.
August 11, 2002
I'm just over 6 weeks out. I have not had one moment of regret -- not one,
not even what most people expect and I was prepared for that. Beyond what
is expected from this surgery in terms of pain and recovery, I haven't had
one problem. I'm eating regular food now, with some restrictions (no beef
or pork for six months) and my won restrictions on how many carbs and fat I
take in. My only challenges on a daily basis seem to be getting enough
protein, varying my diet, getting my water in and my exercise. Sometimes
its a little daunting but I'm no longer obsessing about it. Have this
surgery -- its scary.. but if you maintain a positive attitude, you'll get
through it. It is worth it. I've lost about 40 pounds (not sure) and
that's what I lost over a year ago, but it took me six months, not 6 weeks.
Good luck.
— Lisa C.
August 11, 2002
I could be the poster child for lap RNY. I had surgery--no
complications--and was back to work in 10 days. I followed my dr's
instructions on eating and was back to regular foods and exercise at 6
weeks. I lost down to my highest goal at 7 months and down to my current
weight by 10 1/2 months. I have never had any problems, don't need
reconstructive surgery, and my health is great. Of course I take care of
myself better now than I did before and I think that has something to do
with it, too. I am active, happy, healthy, and look and feel great. I
wouldn't change a thing!
— ctyst
August 12, 2002
Wow-I just read the posts of the others. Everyone is ecstatic with their
surgeries. I have to add my voice to the crowd. I am six months post-op
lap RNY and altho I had a rough first month or two (complication-5 days
after lap, I had a kinked bowel/hernia and had to have emergency open
surgery), I am still grateful every day for this surgery and the change in
my life. I went from a size 22/24 to a size 14 and hope to get down to a
size 10 before I am finished. I have my self-esteem and self-confidence
back, lots of energy, and a marriage that is on much more solid ground. As
far as nutrition, I am eating better than ever-before surgery I was a carb
and sugarholic eating all junk. So far, no health issues at all and as
long as you commit to eating well (protein first-lots of water), and taking
your vitamins faithfully, you should remain healthy for the rest of your
extended life....good luck.
— Cindy R.
August 12, 2002
Love it, Love it, Love it! Six months post op, down 70 lbs. from 240. Got
35 more to go. Looking into the tummy tuck. Weight loss has been slow but
steady. I have had no problems with my surgery exept I have alot of lower
intestinal gas occasionally. No hair loss, no nutritional deficiency. (I
had VBG). The big thing is to work on the reasons why you eat and get
control over the food during the period that the surgery is most effective.
That way, after you loose the weight, you won't put it back on.
— Carolynn J.
August 12, 2002
Hi there..I had open RNY 2/11/02 and have lost 124 pounds so far...I wish I
would have done this a long time ago! The first couple weeks are rough,
yes, but I would do it again in a minute. My energy is abundant, I have no
other health issues. I am actually taking good care of myself now and
exercising regularly..something I never cared about before. Good luck with
your decision...this is a great place to learn.
— Jennifer G.
August 12, 2002
Hi, I am a little over a year out, and I have to agree with some of the
other posters, that the first few months are a little hard. At first , in
those few months I was on a regret kick. But I think everyone goes through
that. When you change your life that dramatically there are going to be
moments of doubt. I can now say that having this surgery was the BEST
thing I ever did. I , yes I would like to down some food, or wish I could
eat the second helping of nachos or whatever, but then I look at my life
now compared to a year ago and 167 lbs heavier. There's no way in the
world that that second helping is EVER going to compare to how I feel now.
I have no regrets, well maybe just one, that I didn't do this sooner, Good
luck on your decision
— Carey N.
August 12, 2002
I am soooo incredibly happy I had surgery! I am only about 8 weeks out. I
haven't had any problems and I feel as though I eat pretty normal. Once in
a while I get a craving for something bad, but hey...its food. I cant even
tell you how much better I feel already with 45 pounds lost. I think I
prepared myself for a long time for the absolute worst outcome, so now that
everything is going fine....I couldn't be happier!
— emilyfink
August 12, 2002
I'm happy with my surgery, but I've traded one set of pre op problems for
others post op. A good trade... so far anyway. I haven't had surgery
problems, but have had many vitamin and nutricianal problems. I think it is
pretty common. Which is another reason people should not have WLS if they
can lose the weight any other way. Nothing is 100% safe. You must know the
risks and benifits and decide if this is for you.
— Danmark
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