problems after 5+ years

I am healthy except that I am 100 pounds over weight.

Now THAT is the textbook definition of oxymoron.  I know NAAFA and other groups, along with many relatives, start thinking "I'm healthy just overweight."  I always think: yeah I guess denile isn't just a river in Egypt.

I'm a little over two years out so I don't know if I will develop some unforseen problem.  I will say, that I have a life now.  It's all been worth it.

The key to a successful WLS is to educate yourself, find a Dr. you are comfortable with and trust completly,  following his orders and constant close follow ups.  Everyone has a story, (good or bad) and this is what helps people with questions along the way. 
I am 4 yrs out and feel great.  I would do it all over again. Sure I have had some problems, but dont think for one minute I didnt have problems BEFORE the surgery.  We have problems with pr without WLS.  Vitamin deficiency is a definite problem.  I take a chewable tab which is more asorbable, I have had an iron infusion since my surgery and am now doing fine.  I WAS also headed for a life of insulin shots. before my surgery....I would rather take the iron infusion...
So, this journey is full of pros and cons, its YOUR choice to educate yourself and make a well informed decision that is right for you. If your not sure, keep looking , keep reading and keep asking questions.
Good luck and keep us informed.

Hi Lindy,

I agree with all the other posters.  You have to make this decision for yourself.  No one knows what the future holds for anyone.  Any surgery is a risk.  As far my decision to have WLS, I pray that it was the right decision, and that is all I can do.  Right now I am a little over a year out, and I feel really good, and my Labs have all been normal.  I did get a side effect after the surgery of Acid Reflux, but with medication everyday I am able to live with it.  This surgery is a tool that I needed to keep me on track, and I believe it is better than any diet I have been on!!!  Diets don't work!!!!  My suggestion to you is, if you can not lose the weight on your own, and have been on every diet made to man kind.  Then this surgery is for you,  like jmartin said, know one knows when you are going to die or what you are going to die of.  Obesity is a killer!!!!  Good-Luck with your decision!

Hi Lindy - have you ever heard of the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)?  That is the kind of WLS I had and it is not well known.  However, it has been very effective for me and I had a similar amount of weight to lose as yourself.  They basically remove about 80% of your stomach.  It's restrictive like lap band, but not reversible.  They do not reroute your intestines, so you do not have to worry about long term vitamin deficiencies.  You have a fully functioning stomach, it's just really small.  Another bonus is that when they remove the stretchy part of your stomach (the fundus) they remove the part that produces the hunger hormone, ghrelin.  After this surgery I had to remind myself to eat for the first 6 months!?!  Not being hungry all the time for the first time in my life was such a blessing, and gave me the opportunity to develop new, healthy eating habits that I continue to this very day.  The body compensates over time, but even at a year and half out, I don't have that starving kind of hunger that I used to have.  At first I had a hard time with the fact that it wasn't reversible but after giving it some thought I came to the conclusion that if I ever did get a WLS reversed I would surely gain it all back and then some.  I don't WANT that big 'ol stomach back, it was killing me.  Anyway, you might jump over to the VSG board here on OH and check it out.  That's one bunch of happy people over there.  It's not a miracle or a cure all, it's a tool like any other WLS.  I'm very happy with my choice.  Good luck with your decision.