afraid

Was to an info mtg. I'm 55 and afraid of complications that might come afterward, ex - gallbladder prob, getting the flu and violently vomiting.  Is this really worth it.  My bmi IS 41.  Thanks

What type of surgery are you thinking about having? Not all gallbladders go bad, and many doctors remove them at the time of surgery anyway. I think, and may be wrong here, but the violent vomiting issues is more worrisome in lap banders than rny patients. At least that's what my surgeon says in his informational seminars.

Is it worth it?? YOU BET!

Had roux-en-y gastric bypass at age 68 1/2 -  absolutely no problems, was back to my part time job in a little over two weeks.  Gall bladder
was fine, so doc didn't remove it, now almost two yrs out and still no problems.  You'll do fine  - don't worry.  Best decision I've ever made and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Pat R.

Welcome Margie.

It is necessary to be well informed of any possible complication pertaining to WLS. That way we can call the surgeon and get the problem resolved well before it becomes major.

My experience has been that most woes are a mere annoyance and easily fixed. Some difficulties are from not following the correct eating plan.

Before WLS my BMI was 58 and life was a living HELL!!! Life after WLS is worth any bump in the road.

Annette

I was 54 when I had lap-band surgery and it certainly has been worthwhile for me.  I haven't had the problems you mention.

Gallbladder problems aren't inevitable, and some surgeons prescribe meds like Urso Forte or Actigall as a prevention (maybe for 6 months after surgery).

Did you hear horror stories at this meeting about vomiting with an adjustable gastric band?  Vomiting is not good for the band - can make it slip out of position (which can often be resolved without further surgery) - but my surgeon gave me prescriptions for anti-nausea meds that work very well.  Do you get the flu easily/often?  Have you tried getting flu shots to prevent that?

Jean

Thanks all for the info.  I'm considering the Realize band.  My daughter is getting the bypass next week.  I'm getting nervous for her.   I have gotten a virus twice in the last 4 ears. Vomiting and diarrhea.  I do get the flu shot every year.  I'm just scared only in the hosp to have my kids and a tubal(1980).

Hi and welcome to OFF. This is what we are here for......to offer information when it is asked for. I am of the belief that if we don't pass on what we have we aren't going to be able to keep it.

I was 53 when I had my rny. I had a little problem with swelling after the surgery but that was it. I would think that problems happen the older we get regardless of having the wls or not. That is just a fact of life. But then again this is my own thoughts and opinions.

Is having the surgery worth it? I would yell from the mountain tops that I had no life before surgery. I couldn't shop without using the little carts in the stores, my diabetes was wild and so was my heart. Now after having the surgery I shop and walk all over the stores, I have been off all diabetes medicine since 1 week before surgery and have a 4.9 A1C. Before surgery I was taking oral meds 2 times a day and was taking 4 shots a day and then went to a insulin pump using U500 insulin instead of U100. The insulin was 5 times stronger than regular insulin and was still taking so much I was refilling the pump every few days. My heart is better (I have cardiomyopathy and CHF) and my ejection fraction number is now 64 which is normal for ALL people! I love life and life loves me too! Yes there has been little problems in the beginning because it is a learning experience but that is life too. We always learn something new each day that we live. The pros of having this surgery far far outweigh the cons of it. My life now is a life.......and that is what we are suppose to have. We can live our life like people always have...and there is nothing in this life that can make me think that I would be better if I never had the wls. I told my wls surgeon that if I never lost another pound I would still be just as happy because I love my life and I can do so much more now than I could ever do before. I knew that I wasn't long for this world going the way I was going....now it is a different story. I became a grandmother for the first time almost 2 months ago...now I know that I am going to be able to see my little angel grow up and become a fine and upstanding young man. Kayden is going to have the chance to know his grandma and I am going to be able to get down and play with him....and to swing with him at the park and do all the things that I would never have been able to do with him at the weight of 291 pounds.

Now I will get off my soapbox. ha ha  I hope that you make the right choice for you...each person has to come to their own decision, the one that fits their life. The must be true to themselves and no one else can do it for them. I will keep you in prayers that you make the right decision for you. But....welcome to OFF and post often so we can get to know you. Join in our little chats and know that you are part of us now.

I had my surgery at 49; no problems other than a minor infection in an incision. I've had two knee replacements in the same knee since, so that's two more operations and no big problems there (other than I still have a lot of pain). My doc didn't remove my gall bladder either; he said he only removes gall bladders if they're diseased before surgery or if there are problems after.

It's been 5 years and I haven't had any problems; I've lost 180 pounds and have kept it off within 2-3 pounds of my goal. I was up to 355 pounds at my heaviest. Having this surgery was the best decision I've ever made. But you have to make your own decision.

I had an RNY at 49 also, my BMI was 39 and I did fine. After I had lost about 50lbs my gallbladder started giving me trouble. I did not have any pain, but I did get sick to my stomach a few times before docs realized it was my gallbladder.  I went in and had it taken out by the doc who did my RNY. Worked out good, I got a free 10,000 mile checkup on my RNY. I have had no problems since, everything went good with the surgery. I came home the next day only because I live so far away. Otherwise I would have been let go the same day, I was back on my feet in no time at all.

                                                    Phyllis Gilbert

I was never afraid. I knew this was something I had to do (the alternative was going to kill me for sure) and I researched and knew all the risks, committed myself and said a lot of prayers. I had my GB sucked out in 12/2000 so I didn't have that worry. I was considered a light weight (BMI wise) also even though I was pushing 300 pounds (I am tall) but had a host of co-morbities and a long history of battling weight. Only you can decide what is best for you. Best wishes!