I've lost 60 lbs, but it's not worth it.

I feel so sorry for you but I have been happy and healthy since surgery. My only problem has been my love/ hate relationship with my old friend food. But other than that I would recommend this surgery to anyone who asks.

Please let me add to the many responses of how sorry I am that you have faced such health problems after your surgery. It is a serious surgery and one that does not come without risks.

I thought of those risks myself before having surgery, but for me, I was headed down a path of destruction that was just as scary. I have 3 children and a husband I don't have any desire of leaving behind too soon.

I hope and pray that you are on your path of recovery now. I wish you nothing but the best of health from here on out.

Please take care and keep us posted on your healing. This forum, I believe, is full of people that are concerned for your well being.

Have a blessed day.

 I too am sorry about what you've gone through, but I also have to second that your experience is the exception.  I understand where you are coming from, but I would not "flat out" discourage others from getting this surgery.  I am glad you shared your experience, and do agree this is not a decision to be taken lightly or purely for vanity.  

I am so sorry you are having complications and wish you nothing but a speedy recovery.  Right now you are in the midst of the FIRE but I have close friends here on OH who had LEAKS and almost died and have nothing but glowing words to say about their CHOICE to have WLS.

People have surgery for ALL types of reasons but never belittle their decisions for THEIR life.

Best to you.

Ms Shell

So sorry you've had such a rough trip with your WLS.  Hope your recovery is swift and complete. 

Like most of the people I read about here, I did the research and decided on WLS as a last resort to save my life. 

I tried and failed weight loss programs for years and was going to die young from diabetes, heart disease or stroke.   I knew I was risking my life with WLS, but it was not a questions of if, but when without it.

I now expect to live longer, as well as have a much better quality of life than what I've had this past decade.    Although I get a kick out of looking better and being able to buy clothes in real stores for the first time in 30 years, I LOVE being able to walk, sleep, sit in chairs, cars and airplanes, and be able to stand for more than 5 minutes without my knees dropping me.    It was not about vanity, but health.

Please stick around, and keep sharing.  We have many people that have faced horrific challenges, but many, many have pushed through and are now sharing their wisdom and strength with our new people.    Blessings to you.

 First let me say I'm very sorry for what you have been though. I just wanted to weigh in here because I had a very similar experience. I developed an infection and leak and was in and out of the hospital for almost a month. I also had stints put in and was on TPN. Of course there was a risk of dying and it was a very scary time for me and my family. Having the stints also made me very sick and threw up several times a day. It was probably one of the worse experinces I've been though.

I went into a very severe depression after the complications and thought I made the worst decision ever. I worked though my issues and got on anti-depressants and feel tons better. 

However I have no regrets about having my surgery and believe it ultimately saved my life. Looking good is just a plus but I was sick and tired of living life on the sidelines and missing out on so much. I couldn't play with my son, heck I could barely walk around the block. My weight held me back in so many ways. I used it as protection so I didn't have to live my life but one day I decided I didn't want to live like that anymore. 

It is very unfortunate to hear how difficult this surgery has been for you. If I had your complications I would be posting a very similar post to yours. However your experience and complications is not experienced by most bariatric patients who undergo VSG surgery. When dealing with anything surgery related there is always a risk involved. Hopefully all these complications you have experienced thus far are not long term and as the pain fades and your health is regained, you will be able to look back and realize that taking control of your obesity was the brave and right thing to do.

Of course advertisements pay the bills, however the advertisements on this site are beneficial to those interested in, or have already had VSG. Some people without insurance can have the opportunity to get the surgery in Mexico. What better way to learn about this option than with an advertisement. The bariatric vitamins I take which are essential for my continued health and success of my surgery are advertised here also.

Did I get VSG for vanity reasons? Of course it was part of the reason for my decision. Who doesn't want to have a fit attractive body. Who doesn't want to look in the mirror and not like what they see. Vanity - absolutely. However health reasons can not be overlooked either. Having lost over 100 pounds so far my health has totally changed for the positive. I have an abundant amount of energy. I no longer have to wear my CPAP for sleep apnea. I sleep well and feel refreshed upon waking. I no longer take naps all day. I am able to buy clothes that actually look decent on me. I no longer am taking my antidepressant medication. I exercise regularly and actually enjoy it. My blood pressure is down. I feel my health has and continues to be restored.

As far as loved ones are concerned, do you really think it is fair for a person to not address their obesity issue and have their friends and family have to take care of them because of lack of mobility, diabetes, and the billions of other horrible obesity related health issues that you will eventually get.

Having first hand experiencing my grandmother who is in a nursing home facility because of her careless and irresponsible actions of not taking care of her diabetes. So now  diabetes has given her dementia to the point of her not even knowing her family is. Looks like her not addressing her obesity and diabetes health issues has made us suffer as a family. I no longer have a grandmother to talk to and share memories with. All I can do is visit her in the nursing home and be grateful that history will not repeat itself with me.

As far as telling newbies or those researching VSG to not get the surgery is not very fair. The fact is your experience is the minority. Doing nothing about your obesity is not a safer or wiser choice. You will live a shorter, unhealthy, and less fulfilled life without your health. As far as death goes. There are billions of things you can die from no matter how careful or safe you think you are. We will all eventually die. Can those without their health say that they have truly lived. If they do they are lying to themselves.

I hope that you are able to look back on your challenging experience with your surgery and realize that all of your suffering has not been in vain.

It is hard for me to relate to your experience because mine has gone so smooth and complication free. For all those thinking about surgery, but not quite sure about it I simply have this to say. Life is to short. Don't let your health go down the drain. Obesity is not going to go away on its own. Fight for the opportunity to take back your life. VSG is that opportunity.

May you continue to heal and feel better.

I have not gotten my surgery yet. I will start my process on January 5, 2012. I would just like to extend my prayers to you. I truely wish you a healthy recovery from the drama you have been through, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially!

I'm sorry to hear of your complications and of your rough recovery. I hope things improve for you as soon as possible.