Considering RYN but afraid of the aftermath

I went to my exercise/nutrition class Tuesday. I feel I was not informed enough and no one in the "class" really asked questions but me! I have been heavy all my life. I have an eating problem where I don't eat and never really have an apatite until I start to try and eat more during the day but it's a bit over whelming.

The RN who gave the "class" stated that if you miss a day or 2 of your b12 or any other meds you could be paralyzed as one lady is now or simi-paralyzed as well as blind as the other lady is. This initially scared me I wont lie. So I started processing all the information because honestly before the "class" I was excited about seeing the surgeon and getting to the next process. Now I am scared as he**!

I've read that people on here have giving up so much and yes I do understand the benefits but I also see how this is going to be extremely difficult for me to do each day. The liquid you have to take down+chewable/liquid pills+doing this every day for the rest of my life.... I'm still a bit scared and I meet with you surgeon on Tuesday May 29th, 2012. I am wondering from the individuals who have had the RYN surgery and or doctors on here what there thoughts are. What type of questions should I ask my surgeon?

Ok, hope this helps ease some of your worries:

1.  Missing a few doses of vitamins most likely will not cause you that much harm in a day or so, I think that was a scare tactic.  Consistently not getting the proper nutrition through food and essentially vitamins after surgery, then yes it may cause ill effects.
2.  I did not have to take chewable or liquid vitamins for very long.  I did for about 2 months and then found some that are small and I take those and swallow them.  
3.  Fluid intake is no more or less than what most people are supposed to have anyway, everyone should be properly hydrated daily.
4.  I did not have to give up much, yes I wasn't feeling well for a bit, but once I got feeling better I haven't looked back on my decision to have the RNY.  My life has not changed, but has improved for the better.  I am able to do whatever I need and want to do with much greater ease now.
5.  I have changed my eating habits, but pretty much had several years ago when I really started focusing on my health and lifestyle.  My portions are very small, but it doesn't bother me at this point.
6.  I think that if this is something that you want to do for yourself to improve your health, you should meet with your surgeon and primary doc to get as much info as you can to make a well informed decision.

I am not saying that this surgery is right for you, but it was definitely right for me.  I met with many professionals and went to numerous support group meetings prior to my surgery so that I was as informed as I thought I could and should be.  It is still a learning process everyday and I work on better health and lifestyle choices everyday.  I do strongly encourage you to ask questions about whatever might be a worry to you so that you too can make an informed decision.  Best of luck to you!

Thank you much!

Oh my, the first thing I would ask the surgeon about is that RN's comment that if you miss the B12.  That is absolutely ridiculous.  Per my surgeon's instructions, I didn't start supplements for 4 weeks after surgery and I am not paralyzed or blind.  Is this specific class required by the surgeon you are using?  If not, I would find another source because she is not correct - unless your misunderstood what she said.

You must go into this surgery with your eyes wide open and be totally informed about the potential risks.  Meet with your surgeon and discuss your concerns and listen to him/her.

Yes, your supplements are very important and, yes, you must take them every day for the rest of your life.  After a few months, you no longer have to use liquid or chewable supplements unless you choose to - you can switch to pills you can swallow, which generally are cheaper.  I swallow pills for all except calcium because I like the Bariatric Advantage chews. 

RNY is a wonderful tool, but it is only a tool.  You must educate yourself to the risks and responsibilities.

Good luck.

Thank you... I feel that I have because honeslty she scared me and that was exactly what she said. I figured it was a scare tactic however being I wasn't really informed on many things I was scared! I got on line the other day searching for answers because I figured if it was that bad no one would be doing it and I happen to find this site. I appreciate all the input and ask that people "freind" me so that I can have more support as I continue on my daily journey to better health.

The first thing you need to learn is that sometimes even the professionals get the information wrong (or will lie to you on purpose...I know, right?) when it comes to WLS surgery. 

You have to take your supplements, don't get me wrong.  But missing a day or 2 here or there is not going to kill you.  Missing it for weeks at a time...that will get you. 

Fluids...tough to get them in at first but it's doable after a few months.  This was the best thing for me.  Doesn't mean it's the best for you.

I am not trying to dissuade you from RNY but I took a look at your BMI (73+) and I have to ask you have you considered the DS?  I encourage you to do your research on both surgeries.  You are in CA and I know there is at least one vetted DS surgeon there.  Try dsfacts.com and the ds board here. 

Don't let the surgeon make the decision for you.  And there is the VSG. 

Do your research! 

Good Luck with whatever you decide. 

Thank you for your reply. Yes I believe my BMI may be somewhere around there I am not sure. I will be weighed and they will tell me everything on Tuesday of next week when I go to see the surgeon. The reason for choosing RYN was because during the seminar the RN support counselor said that it may be a better choice for me.

I have a extremely low metabolism because of my disability not allowing me to walk but when I take off a couple of ponds like I have been maybe 10-20 everything else changes. They do 3 surgeries at the hospital I have chosen... http://www.altabatessummit.org/

I am definitely doing my research on everything which is how I found this site and I am still looking at other sites and on-line news ports as well as going to the support groups.

Thank you much for your assistance and I hope you "friend" me and continue the support through out my weight loss journey.

I have never had any problems (other than Lactose intolerant) from my RNY. Not one. I am 3 1/2 years out and can eat anything (ANYTHING) I want. I take a horse pill (lol) vitamin a day and all my labs are  always good. Honestly I have none of the issues talked about on this board. I think that Nurse was outta
line telling you that. Plus you have to understand just how many hundreds of thousands of people who have WLS and do just fine. They do not post, do not have complaints. Yeah you might be the one who gets the Worst case senerio, but you could also be the one who goes down in a plane crash. And alot
of the time someone who says "I know someone" is actually repeating a story they heard from someone else. Ask your surgeon if he Knows of someone that happened to.

Thank you for your post. I am definitely doing my research and will post my results. I know and realize that EVERY situation is different which makes for a different outcome for everyone which is why her comment scared me but not enough to not look into it any further.

Please "freind" me and I will keep posting what I learn and include my goals as well as daily struggles nad or success during my weight loss journey.

If I may ask, what kind of eating problem do you have where you don't eat and have no appettite but have gained a lot of weight?