Friends or Enemies?

Why is it that ever since word got out that I will have WLS (if my insurance company ever approves me!) I am only hearing of the horror stories? My one friend claims that she knows somebody who ended up bald and toothless. Another friend told me that she knows about several people who ended up on respirators. And another said that she knows of two people who died from complications from WLS. I am quick to remind them of you guys and your successes. How can so many of my friends now of so many horrible situations? Do you think they are fabricating them? Maybe they are jealous? Nevertheless, I find my-self reading the memorials link on this site as well as researching WLS complications even more. I am trying not to let them persuade me. H E L P!!!

Hi Maryellen, I was once rabidly against the bypass until I came here and read success stories. I still wouldn't consider it for myself, because of my own health issues with iron levels, but my views have changed greatly and I deeply respect those who have had it. Same with DS. Any WLS has its own risks. I have not heard of ending up toothless. You might lose hair, I thinned on top, but it was nothing. I hear it's from anesthesia, or lack of protein. I get a lot of protein, so I don't know, really. You have to do what you feel is right for you. Research and weigh the options and risks. There was one woman at church who was against me having my surgery, but after seeing the results, she has changed her mind and asked where she can sign up Kristine

THANK YOU!

HI MAryEllen, I just wanted to say, that WLS is something that I had researched for AT LEAST 5 years, and always somehow, talked myself out of it, telling myself I can do this another way. Now after having it done, I'm wondering why I waited so long...(of course, I feel there has to be a reason that I waited!) I would do it all over in a heart beat. Marcy

THANK YOU!!!

Hi Maryellen and welcome to the club. A friend of mine who is in much worse shape than I was, weight wise, did his best to talk me out of wls. He told me stories, he claimed his wife an RN witnessed, regarding nightmare wls stories she has experienced. Today I am 54 lbs down feeling absolutely great and my friend is still a mess. He eats like a gavone, he can't breath, bend over, get out of his own way and so on. My only suggestion would have been to keep it under your hat until after the fact. Good luck! Kenny

Howdy Kenny! Judging by the weight loss it seems that you've gotten over your slump, I'm so proud of you. You told me about the support group in Goshen/Middletown awhile ago, would you mind giving me that information again. I thought i had it memorized but really my memory stinks right now! Getting in any good riding lately or has the rain but a damper on it? Please Be Well and Be Healthy, ANDI PS. my offer of being your walking buddy around the mall still stands, heck i'll be your walking buddy anywhere i'm tired of walking by myself....people are getting concerned that i'm talking to me too much!!!!

Hijack- Hi Kenny.. just wanted to tell you there is a posting by Cathy M- who is looking for patients who shared the same surgeon..and she has no responses..thought maybe you could help her... Donna

Thank you and I've decided not to mention it to anybody else unless it is totally necessary!

Hi Maryellen, I so sympathize with your struggle. I also got borraged with these horror stories. The fact is horror stories happen. When you sign up, you do so with a full understanding that stuff happens. Stuff happens even when you don't have WLS. Surgery of any type increases the risk of serious complicaitons, and WLS has its own risks. I also read all the memorials, talked myself in and out of WLS many times. It is such a personal decision. It was the hardest decision I have ever made in my life. BUT, for me, the best. I am 2 months post op. I feel great. I face challenges every day. It is VERY HARD, very exacting and asks me to question all my old beliefs in many areas of my life....but I feel great. I look so much better. I'm off Lipitor. I don't get short of breath just lifting my arms anymore. I can cross my legs. My chances of heart attack decrease monumentally every pound I lose (big family history of cardiac probs). I have never been successful on any diet like I have with WLS. So what I started to do, while I was making my decision, is thank folks for their concern, find a way to cut their concerns short, and just tuck those concerns in the entire information pile that I accumulated while making my decision. You will decide what's right for you, either way. You will weigh all the pros and cons and decide what your path is. One opinion does not a decision make. Feel free to email me any time. Good luck. Keep on posting!!! Amy