Article I found on WLS

I found this article on line today in the NY paper my family reads. Even though I did not have RNY, I am glad this article did not appear before I had my surgery. I am sure I will still get lots of questions though!
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsweightloss04-nws,0,6 783807.story

I am anxious to here the posts on this....It is quite an article...However; did they just find one patient and follow her horrible results? Have the surgeries imporved??? Man do I have a lot of questions now!! Thanks for the article Nancy!

This article failed to mention if this patient was compliant about taking all her supplements the way she needed too. You have to take them from day one. You can't wait 2-3 years down the road and try to make up for not taking them. It just doesn't work that way. I think the key to successful WLS is to have a great followup program. So many people have the surgery without even knowing what they are getting into. They don't do their research and then they choose to make their own rules as they go along. It doesn't work that way either. I will tell you that I have seen very few complications with  our WLS patients. Do complications happen? You bet they do, and sadly you just never know who they are going to happen to, or what kind of problems you are going to have if any. Again, you have to do your research and you need to know what can happen. Alot of these complications can happen with any of the surgeries ,not just the RNY, if you don't take your viamins and supplements.

For those of you that are thinking about WLS and after reading this are hesitant, please speak with your Dr. about any questions or concerns. I am almost 14 months out and my lab work is perfect. I DO take my supplements as directed, and I have from day one because I took this seriously and knew the consequences if I had not.

Rita

Not only did I wonder about the research that was done but also the follow up that was provided. I found it interesting that they talked mostly about a program that was no longer practicing WLS and little about programs with a high success rate. I too took this very very seriously , but I have no doubt some of my family *****ad this will not be happy I did it and there will be no convincing them otherwise.

I just hate when I read the articles that only show the bad side of things.  It was also not specific, as Rita mentioned, as to whether or not she was compliant with taking vitamins/supplements, following the diet, seeing her surgeon/PCP for regular labs, etc.  I have had my share of complications, but I have also been compliant.  I know how much it would have been had I not been.  I feel like a success of RNY because of that.  I think news articles should feature the good and bad sides in an article, not just the bad side.  Let people see both sides of things, not just one!  I hope no one is frustrated by that and has changed their mind about the surgery because of it.  There are so many testaments of success with WLS (RNY and all of them) and the surgeons will tell you that!  I hope you will all remember that~ *hugs*

It is good to hear straight from the horses mouth! I too think they only looked at the negative side...but that is what scares people into not taking  a chance on changing their lives.....I'm doing this and even that article isn't changing my mind! I have to do this or I won't make it much longer!! It's not just a weight issue for me....It is life and death.
Thanks for your imput girls!

Ok here goes what might be a unpopular opinion on this but it was written to showcase the possible negative asspects of WLS. That let's all be honest we were informed of by our Dr.s or at least I was warned that everything they stated was a possibility. We all know there is complications but we also know many many wonderful sucess stories and there is many who have had complications listed such as the hernias that will still tell you it is the best thing they ever did. They do tell in the article about the benefits possible with WLS as well, but it was meant to get the story of this woman out there. I personally believe we should go into this with open eyes aware of anything that might possibly be so that we can be aware of what to look for. I think all patients should research and study the entire WLS process so they are as well prepared as possible.

I remember when I attended my first seminar and my consult with Dr. Walton he said "if you won't follow the instructions, agree to take the vitimins for the "rest of your life", come to the follow-up appointments, have your labs checked, no longer eat potatoes, pasta, rice or bread, exercise and drink your water then WLS is NOT for you.  He said you need to be able to afford the after care and purchase the vitamins.  That was never going to be an option to NOT take them.  I look at that as my responsibility to do my part.  None of this is magic.  He didn't wave a magic wand over me and poof...it's done.  He gave me a tool to help with the WLS.  It is a very important tool that allowed me to be successful in something nothing else did.  I have faithfully had my labs done every 3 months and they have all been perfect.  The very first labs I had after 3 months my doctor made some adjustments in my supplements.  We have to be responsible for ourselves!!!!  We're all adults. 

Thanks for sharing the article Nancy!!!  Enjoy your trip to New York and you're looking good and I know your family will be amazed.

I was holding off on commenting because my first response is always "Were they compliant?" and then someone tells me I'm blaming the victim.  But, as always, that WAS my first thought.  And then my second evil thought about the woman who dumped on everything was how fast and what was she eating?

My early experiences with WLS were a couple of failed ones-and even without research I could tell you why they failed.  The emotional and mental work is half the battle, and without that work, it won't work.

I've also secretly felt that for some people, WLS is an attainable form of anorexia-and that always ends badly.

I try to make nutrition priority one.  On tight days like today, there is no room in the inn for junk.  My bloodwork kicks butt-and ask Anna-I have a little upper body strength now.  For me, this is not about wasting away, it's about being robust and healthy. 

That was an interesting article.  Thanks for sharing.
I agree with the other comments.    I agree that follow up and support are the key to success.  The Ok forum is the best for support!  LOL! Surgery is a RISK. One I was scared of but I have been very fortunate so far.