WLS is NOT for everyone.

I try to be as honest and straightforward as I can, even if it may not  always be what someone WANTS to hear.  I honestly believe it's more important to tell folks what they NEED to hear.  It's been said hundreds of times - WLS is NOT a "magic cure" and life after WLS is NOT "easy". The surgery is just the beginning of a lifelong journey. It really does take a lot of work and dedication on our part to be successful. It requires a total committment on our part to follow the surgeon's and nutritionist's plans to the letter. To exercise and move every day. To learn from our mistakes along the way rather than try to rationalize them or use them for sympathy and attention. 

I often read comments about the psych evaluation that seem to minimize and downplay it's importance. I honestly believe that it's possibly the one area of the pre-op routine that needs to be taken more seriously.
After all, the majority of people seeking WLS obviously have some psychological issues when it comes to food.  The phrase that is often said, "They re-route our guts, but not our heads" is actually very true.

Before I made my final decision to have WLS, I tried to thoroughly research the surgeries, results, complications, etc.  I talked to my cardiologist and family doctor.  I lurked here on OH every night. I also sought out local post-ops to talk to about their personal experiences with the surgery and what to expect afterwards.  I talked to 9 people who had WLS and were anywhere from 6 months to 4 years post-op. One man told me about having a small leak that required re-admittance to the hospital a few days after his surgery. Three of them had strictures and had to have them stretched open - a fairly common thing. One lady said it took her over 2 years to totally adjust to life after surgery and become comfortable with her new lifestyle changes, even though she lost over 140 pounds. All but one said they would do it again. 

That one told me she had MAJOR psychological problems  after her surgery.  She told me that she wasn't prepared for the mental aspects she faced after her surgery, even though she thought she was. She said  that she had "sailed" through her 1-hour psych evaluation and was cleared for surgery by the psych doctor without any problem or concern on his part. She also knew a few people who had WL surgery and had done extremely well, so she thought "If they can do it, then so can I". She told me that she actually had thoughts of suicide for the first few months following her surgery.  She did say that she lost a lot of weight, but not nearly what she needed to lose. And she regained  over half of it. She told me that she would "cheat" by eating candy and fast foods, even though it made her physically ill when she ate it.  She said that she became severely depressed, missed work a couple of days a week, and became "bitter at the world".  In her words - "Gastric bypass was the worst thing I ever did.  I know it has helped thousands of people, but I can tell you that it is not for everyone and I should never have had it."

WLS is a wonderful tool for the majority of people who have it.  I'm one of those who would do it again tomorrow.  It has changed my life and health for the better. However, it is obviously not for everyone.  It is not something that should be taken lightly or rushed into. It is a major surgery. As with any surgery, there's the potential for physical complications. And, because of the lifelong changes it will demand and require for success, the mental and psychological aspects need to be given just as much serious consideration prior to surgery. 

Just my opinion.

I didn't research WLS.  Back when I had my first RNY my options were to have the WLS or be dead in 1-2 years.  I originally did follow all of the instructions and lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time.  I think that I had lost about 240 lbs within the 18 mos post-op,  But, I was already cheating by that time.  I eventually regained 90 lbs until I had my second RNY because the docs found out that I had a staple line disruption.  I think that began to occur somewhere around my second year post-op check-up.  I asked the surgeon to check it and he said I was just having normal bounce back weight.  I found out 2 years later that I had the staple line disruption but there's no way to tell when it occured.  I had an RNY revision and lost another 40 lbs.  I was having mental problems at that point.  2 years later I joined a gym and lost another 20 lbs but I was banned from the gym for falling down twice on their property--they were afraid I was going to sue them.  I've managed to maintain my weightloss but I haven't lost anything more.

So, for me, WLS was a magic bullet.  I'm trying to make lifetime changes, but if I hadn't had the WLS, even my docs agree that I probably would have been dead about 5 years ago.  I'd rather be having post-op difficulties and be alive.

I'm sure that the regulars here know that I do have mental and psychological problems.  I am manic-depressive (genetic) and suffer from an anxiety disorder.  I probably also have a physiological problem with my white carb addiction and junk food problem.  But, I'm also actively working on that now.

Bama,
I just wanted to let you know that you seem to have become the "SAGE" here on the board.  I, for one, don't seem to have a lot of questions anymore-  I know what I have to do (not to be confused with i know it all!).  I still come here daily to try and help when I can, but also for the inspiration and to have my thought provoked.  I always helps to keep us focused and on track.  Your posts lately have been very thoughtful and insightful, and I just want to let you know, from one oldie to another, they are very much appreciated.
Regards,

Lou

 I'm sure it is a 'magic cure' for some younger folks. But for those who are a little wiser perhaps may see it differently. More as a lifesaving utensil than anything else. I researched it for about 3 months and then decided I wanted it if nothing else just to lose a hundred pounds pure and simple. I also have now realized it's not 'easy' it's not 'simple' it's not the 'magic' cure people think going into it. Nothing will make you thinner except you working at it. Now I did drop a lot of weight but I'm still within my little malabsorption window. Once my body realizes the intestines are still there just rearranged then I'm sure I will gain more. However, I try not to 'cheat' I eat protein bars and fiber cereals and wheat breads/rice/pasta when I DO eat them which isn't VERY often (but hey, it is LIFE in one form or another ya know? Gotta make mistakes). One problem I do think I have, but being diabetic I'll say I was scared of this happening to me, I don't dump at all, ever. I only get a little discomfort when I drink some milks other than skim. I was afraid I would dump on sugars and have hypoglycemia and not be able to survive ya know? But that's not the case. I don't dump. I may later on, who knows. But as for now I'm enjoying my tool as it is a tool and not a magic cure. I like this post because it shows people how a few of us don't think it is a 'magic cure.' 

Bama thanks for sharing.

I have to say that I agree.  My PCP told me he had one patient that had WLS that it didn't work for and he cited physcological reasons for her failure.  He did say that it had worked wonders for the rest of his patients that he had recommended have WLS.

While it is not magic, WLS has been a miracle for me so far.  But for any lurkers out there or regulars that are researching WLS you have to know that it does require work and for me most of that is mental work.  You have to learn to make changes and set goals and while we are all imperfect you can't let a set back or a trip up stop you from getting back on track. 

Mine so far has been exercise.  I am very busy when I am at home with 7 kiddos so I am getting some but I don't exercise 4 days a week yet.  I am still working at it and I won't give up.

Great thread Bama.
I totally agree with you and the others. If you are not mentally prepared, you cannot succeed! And by mentally prepared, I mean you have to address those issues you know you have, but are hiding. I have them too. I am struggling right now with continuing my weight loss. I have sort of leveled out since the holidays. But I know what I have to do. Exercise. That is my mental block. I can avoid the carbs and the sweets. I can eat in moderation (hell - half the time I don't even want to eat). But tell me I have to exercise. That is difficult. And it is completely emotional/mental.

As I have stated before, WLS was a logical step for me and the treatment of diabetes and other health issues. And that has been very successful. I am so thankful that I have control back in my life as it relates to those health issues. Now I have to keep the control going to attain my weight goals. Yep - use the tool.

Wow, such great information and insight from everyone who has posted.  Reflection on where we were and where we are going is the name of the game here.  To those individuals looking to have the surgery, take all of this information and cherish what you read.  I can't add anymore to what has already been said so I won't even try.  Many of the people posting on this topic all have had surgeries very closely related in terms of time when we actually had the surgery.  Most of us are 10 months to a year post-op.  I will say that those posting a response so far have all been pretty successful in losing the weight because we have all been committed to making changes and working the tool the surgeons gave us.  None of us are perfect, we all slip a little bit in eating something we shouldn't = that is human nature.  The difference now though versus 10 months to a year ago, is that we have all learned to get right back on the saddle and get back on track to losing weight (Mental Toughness).  In the past, many of us would just say screw it and forget the diet (bad word I know), once we started to slip or cheat.

These forums are great for support - especially the mental support, which is probably the single most important part to being successful after actually having the surgery itself.

Taz   

    

thank you all for all the info ,I find it very helpful.  i ve been in the process of my pre testing since june and i get my final results on 1/26 after which i ll be sending them to my insurance co. Since i started this journey I have been researching and reading all the sites i could find,which there is so much info out there.  After all the help I received on line I know I m ready to improve myself and health. I only have a BMI 43 but between my high blood pressure,high cholesterol,sleep apnea ,arthritis, herniated disc and gout Im hoping to find out how to live alittle pain free without all the medication,  I ve been successful on past diets and exercise only to gain back more once I started feeling better. It is time for a new life style as I am approaching my 59th birthday. Thanks to everyone for all your input I have been reading

The next user name is the one I would normally use....sorry.

It wasn't the right thing for me....at least not now.  I'm down from 235 this past spring to 212 lbs this morning.  Even when I was at 235 my BMI was "only" 38.  

My BMI and the fact that I do have significant sleep apnea, made me consider it. 

I guess "considered it" meant I've researched it, been to an informational seminar, had a consultation, a psych eval, pre-op testing, meeting with nutritionists,  joined this site, but did not submit to insurance or schedule surgery.

Anyway, I'm being somewhat sucessful over the last year or so.  I hope it continues.  Wish me luck...I'll need it.