Scared...
So I know it's natural to be scared and somewhat anxious, especially when you are 10 days from Surgery. My surgery is Jan. 28th and I have been so excited and so ready to have this surgery. I've been researching since I started the process 6 moths ago, and I feel ready. Today I had pre-op and afterwards called my mom to tell her how everything went, and she was nervous (of course she is my mom and nervousness is expected) but she said she had told one of her center managers about my RNY and the manager said, "Oh she shouldn't have it, I have 2 patients right now who are on feeding tubes for the rest of their lives after having gastric bypass." So of course this has gotten me even more stressed then I already was, and making me slightly depressed. I don't know these peoples stories or what they have been through. I still feel I am doing the right thing, but my anxiety has sky rocketed. Any advise?
The majority of post ops don't come here and post when everything is going swimmingly. Yes, you could have complications. You could, and likely will, have complications from morbid obesity if you don't have the surgery. People are often quick to drag out the shaggy dog stories of their friend's cousin's Uncle Bob, who ate mashed potatoes and gained all his weight back/died/had his stomach explode. Okay, I am being facetious, but you have been preparing for six months. Be confident in your decision and know that most of us do not have complications.
Take care and good luck.
I fight badgers with spoons.
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Complications are very real in ALL surgeries but this one has a minimal percentage of complications. I had RNY on 9?11/12 and did not have one complication. I came home was up and around and did rest now and then. I followed my doctors diet plan and still do and I have had no problem what so ever. I think most people will tell you it is the best decision of their lives and wish they had done it sooner. I can't say you won't be one of the 1 or 2% that do have a complication or that something might arise later on and I can't tell you that you will never have a problem. I'm just saying it is a minimal number of people who do have some type of complication. Feeding tubes is scary but those two your Mom knows must have a story that goes with it. Maybe they did everything right, maybe they didn't and are now suffering the consequences of it. You'll most likely never know. You have to choose to do what is right and good for you. Be nice if your family supports your decision. Study up on some of the complications there on here but also know there are hundreds of people who didn't have any complications. It's a decision you have to make for yourself. I am a 60 yr old with a damaged heart from a heart attack and I have a pacemaker and defibrillator. I was an insulin dependent type 2 diabetic and was in kidney failure. I chose to do this surgery for my health. Since the surgery, I do not have to take any diabetes medicines, no insulin, and most of my pills have been cut out except for two that are for my heart. I feel good and am beginning to notice the 50 lbs I have lost. I was 249 when I began my journey and in 4 months I am now under 200. I am half way to my doctors goal. I can't exercise like everyone else so I take long walks on nice days and do a walking video when it's too cold for me to be outdoors. I have just started some toning with the weight bands and can do some low impact exercises. My heart feels stronger and my stamina has improved greatly. I can walk up two flights of stairs without stopping every few to catch my breath. I would say I have improved my health tremendously with this surgery and my doctors would agree. I wish you well and being scared and getting cold feet is natural and happens with everyone. Look to the bright side and the future after surgery. It will give you the power to improve your life. I will confess to you that I chickened out of this surgery 4 years ago and I regret it everyday. I got cold feet and listened to people telling me horror stories and I canceled out. I went 4 more years living in hell and hating what diabetes and insulin were doing to my body. I am so glad I got another chance and this time I jumped at it and came out of it with no regrets. Good luck, you will do fine.
What RosyKate said! Complications a re possible with any surgery--even gallbladder surgery. Would you refuse to have gallbladder surgery if you needed it? I don't know about you but I needed this surgery if I wanted to have a healthy life. I had high cholesterol,high blood pressure, and diabetes when I had my surgery as well as constant back and knee pain. The vast majority of people who have gastric bypass here and overall lose their weight and have a long healthy life. Trust your surgeon,take a deep breath and get ready to get your life back!
Ask your mom not to tell you any more scary stories about people that have had complications.
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
This surgery has risks, like any surgery does. But being MO has lifelong complications that can make you miserable until it kills you.
Chin up and keep coming on the boards for support.
