Newbie having second thoughts about surgery

Thanks for your reply.  I am feeling better and better about the surgery the more I read the replies.  I know that this is merely a tool that I will use for the rest of my life.  I just have to get over the initial fear of being cut on and having my body parts shifted all around.  I am having the RNY.

I am telling you my story not to discourage you, but to help you understand some of the complications I have experenced in hopes that it helps you make an informed decision.

Before surgery I was very healthy but I was over weight with some mild high blood pressure. I was not on amy medications and had nevre been sick in my whole life.

I am almost 5 years out from RNY in those 5 years I have lost and maintained an 130 pound weight loss. The weigh loss has been a huge positive in my life, but there have been negatives as well.

In the first year after surgery I had 2 seperate surgical hernia repairs, my gall bladder removed and went to the ER 4 times with severe abddominal pain. in the past 4 years I have had 3 more hernia repairs, a twisted bowel, and a upper GI bleed where I was hospitalized for 3 days recieving iron and blood transfusions. I have two large stomach ulcers where my pouch was attatched to the small intestine, and they hurt and burn pretty much daily. I now take lots of pills mostly vitamins, iron but now I take carafate three times a day, and protinix 2 times a day for my ulcers. My surgeon said I would most likely be on these meds my whole life.

My stomach is loud, really really loud to the point I can't hardly eat in public because it is so embarrasing. I live in constant fear of my pouch and I view it most days as a threat to my life, I say that because I know the risks with these surgeries I have had, I could have died from bleeding to death from my GI bleed as my hemoglobin was critical when I got to the hospital, or from the strangulated/ twisted bowel.

I am in no way implying that any of these things could/would happen to you. But there is no way to know if they will or not. If I had known that I would have to face all of these problems, I would have never gone through with the RNY.

Just arm yourself with as much information as possible, and make the informed decision that is best for you.

Wishing you good luck on your journey

Thank you for your reply.  I am praying that things turn around for you.  Those are some of the things that I fear may be an issue for me.  But I realize now that I just need to stay prayed up and know that everything happens for a reason.  I must be as involved as I can in my post op recovery process. 

 Your surgery date is my 1.5 year surgiversary. I love how I feel now. I knew I needed this surgery and I wanted it.  I did have minor complications due to intubation but other than that, I've had no issues. Weight falls off. I eat my protein, take my vitamins and supplements, exercise, and drink plenty of fluids. 

You must decide if you are willing to do the work that the tool requires. If you are, then go for it. If you are not, then look for a different solution.

Wish you all the best,
Kim

WOW. Thanks for your reply.  I am starting off at nearly the same weight that you did and have the same goal weight.  I am so looking forward to having the RNY surgery now.  I find myself looking at smaller clothing already.  It will be a nice change to get up and go for long walks with my children.  Prayfully, one day I will be up and jogging with my 9 yr old.

I was very nervous too and I am still shocked with myself that I actually did it.  I am only 9 weeks out, but I feel this is the best thing I have ever done.  For me my weight loss is a little slower than average, I am down 33 lbs since surgery, but I feel great.

I am having surgery on Tuesday. I have had second thoughts too. It is a big commitment. But I still am going to take the plunge happily. I will take it one day at a time. I am with Larry the people
that are doing well do not post as often. So it looks like alot of people are having problems. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply.  You have lost more weight than I have. :).  I am wondering what surgery did you have?

I'm scheduled for surgery the day before you are.  I'm scared and nervous too.  I keep wondering if I'm making the right decision, but I have been trying to have surgery for the last 2 years, so lots of time to think about it.  I've tried losing weight other ways and I just can't keep it off, if it comes off at all.

I know with my weight where it is, I am at much higher risk for early death, cancer, etc.  So it's kind of the lesser of two evils.  Just happens to be one that I have not experienced yet, so I'm feeling a lot of stress about it.

Think about why you are having this surgery.....make a list of pros and cons if you need to.  Maybe it will help you feel better about your decision.

Thanks for your reply.  We are almost in the same boat.  i have been waiting a year for this to finally happen  and still cant believe I am almost there.  i have been weighing the pros and the cons and the Pros win.  Getting rid of some of this diabetic medication alone will be a big improvement.  Please keep me updated with your weight lose journey.