Should I or shouldnt I? from England - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

amber d · 06-18-2007, 11:26 AM

Wow, Thank you so much for all the responses. I am starting to feel excited about my consultation on friday. You have given me hope that although surgery is no easy option, the general opinion so far is that it is worth the initial hardship.
Can I also ask if you have to sleep in a certain position until you are healed because I sleep usually on my stomach or side and hardly ever on my back. Does it hurt when you vomit or cough? These are questions that I forgot to ask in my last thread. I would love to hear from anybody that has time to respond about their experiences and if they have an opinion on my circumstances.
This morning, I felt very alone in my quest for WLS, but now feel more motivated and very much supported. thank you so much

coptergirl · 06-18-2007, 11:29 AM

I slept in a recliner for about three weeks because I couldn't lay down or turn over. I had my surgery open though, so thos who had it lap may have a different opinion. Yes it hurts to cough and sneeze for awhile (agian, I had the surgery open)...not sure about vomiting because I haven't vomited at all since surgery - I have gotten close, but no cigar

Livin' La Vida Lori · 06-18-2007, 12:46 PM

I also slept in a recliner for about 3 weeks and I had it done lap....I was always a tummy / side sleeper, so the recliner just made it easier to lay on my back. It was about 8 weeks before I felt comfy on my side & tummy again.

Nette72 · 06-18-2007, 01:11 PM

Amber this is a major decision so please take the time to do research (as you are) and take your hubby with your to appointments, support is a vital in your journey.

I had the lap done and was able to sleep on my stomach about a week later.

I didn't have any drains or tubes in when I awoke, just a couple bruises from IV's. Otherwise everything went well.

You will be sore, everyone is different, just take your time and don't over do things like I did.

Best of luck

shereeks · 06-18-2007, 02:11 PM

Hi Amber

I'm not sure who you are considering having your surgery with? Mine was with Dr Dillemans who was absolutely fantastic!

On your question of whether you should have the surgery or not bearing in mind you only weigh 210 is only something you can answer I'm afraid. My honest opinion is that 210 is not THAT heavy. I assume you have tried every other option possible and have not succeeded?

I speak from experience - looking back now if I am brutually honest I did see this as the easy way out and it absolutely wasn't. It's been a really long hard road for the past 9 months - I've been in and out of hospital with various mysterious complications.

But, saying that, I would never change my decision - it was absolutely the right thing for me to do - I would have weighed at least 320lbs by now instead of 166.

In terms of your husband I would be looking at his REAL reasons why he isn't supporting you - is he perhaps afraid of the new person you will become - more confident, happy and outgoing? I would try and sit down and have a real good chat about his feelings.

My husband wasn't overly keen in the beginning but he came round in the end and is now my biggest fan and supporter.

For the actual operation itself - it really wasn't that bad for me - yes I was in pain but after a week it was gone and I've felt worse pain before.

I was a huge diet coke addict before (5-6 cans a day) but I tell you what - I've not had one since and have absolutely no desire for one. Your tastes do totally change - I had one sip and it tasted disgusting!

If you need any advice feel free to private message me - I'm totally here to help

amber d · 06-18-2007, 04:25 PM

Thank you for all your advice and experiences. The doctor I am seeing in Leeds is called Simon Dexter and has a superb reputation.
I have tried dieting and have managed to lose 30 to 40 pounds but never kept it off for more than a year. I have tried all the traditional diets plus a few drastic ones and always got tired of them. I come from a family of big eaters. My siblings are all overweight. In fact I am the lightest. I said that my husband and family are against me having this done but to be fair to them, I know full well that if I go ahead with the surgery they will give me there full support. They are just frightened that they will lose me on the operating table and that I wont be happy when everybody around me is eating and I'm sipping broth through a straw!
Is there any questions you think I should be asking my surgeon on friday? I have written down a load of them already but would appreciate anything you might think relavant. The thing that frightens me most is feeling like something is stuck in my throat and cant swallow it down. I could imagine having a panic attack over it. Maybe I'm dreading things so badly that I might be pleasantly surprised when I finally have the surgery and it wasnt as bad as I thought. I will be glad when friday is here and feeling either elated or very disappointed.
Thanks once again for your support.

LisaBoston · 06-18-2007, 04:45 PM

Every doctor can do the procedure a little different from pre-op tests, liquid diet pre-op to what tubes you have. The information session would be great for you to attend and have your questions answered.

The surgery is not for everyone. For me it was a very good choice, but I also weighed 100lbs more than you. I am 5'9. Best advice I can give you is read the stories here, learn everything you can about the surgery, including life after surgery. You don't know what cards you will be dealt. Some of us here can eat almost anything, some almost nothing...its the luck of the draw.

If you want to challenge yourself, start weaning yourself off the diet coke. You won't be able to drink it after surgery (well you shouldn't). I LOVED my diet coke and real coke before surgery, now I can't stand the taste of it. I have tried it a little, but would rather have something else. Your taste buds change after surgery.

As far as support...its VITAL after the surgery. I have great support from my husband and daughter....all my other support comes from this board. Its what got me through all the tough times.

Wishing you the best on your decision.

Escondido Elf · 06-18-2007, 06:12 PM

Hi Amber from England! Its true, everyone reacts differently, but I, too, wouldn't trade my surgery for anything. I HATE throwing up too, but the few times I have since surgery have been nothing like previously. Not fun, of course, but not horrible either.

I was never a soda drinker, but I liked coffee with half and half. Instead, I brew a nice strong pot of coffee and use it cold to make my morning protein shake. I mix coffee, protein powder, half a banana, a rounded teaspoon of cocoa powder and stevia. Delicious and no caffeine headache!

Definitely meet with the doctor for your consultantion -- he will be able to evaluate your specific situation. Good Luck!

Darlene · 06-18-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amber d

Hi there,
I joined this forum last september when I thought about having a gastric bypass. But for one reason or another the idea got shelved and here I am 10 pounds heavier ( I now weigh 210 pounds)
I have an appointment this friday with a very well respected surgeon who could do the bypass as soon as I want. (I am using my life savings to pay for this surgery so therefore I dont have to wait for insurance approval. Things are done a bit differently in England, If you are seriously overweight (over 350 pounds) then you may be considered for free surgery but you would have to go on a waiting list for anything up to two years.
I desperately need to speak to someone who has had this surgery because I feel so alone and unsure about things.
I know that I cannot spend the rest of my life trapped in this fat miserable body, but I am also scared that I will die on the operating table or that I will spend the rest of my life regretting this irriversable operation.
My husband and children are very against me even going for the initail consultation but say that they will accept what i want to do if it makes me happy. I am worried that if I have any pain or discomfort after the surgery, I will be left on my own to deal with it and that the only support i will get is " we didnt want you to have it done in the first place, so dont come crying to us now.
I'm so sorry to bore you with all the details bur as i have started to type I just cant seem to stop pouring out my thoughts. I would value anybodys comments, either posotive or negative. I just want your opinions on whether you think it is worth it when I only weigh 210. I am also worried that I may lose too much weight and end up wasting away. I cannot consider the lap band because it still leaves you with an appetite and I would graze all day so I dont think it is an option for me. Thank you so much for reading this. I have found comfprt just by reading this forum and by writing down my thoughts.
Hope you have the time to reply. If not, thanks once again for reading m story.
Regards from England

Hi Amber, If you are still having doubts, I suggest you do alot more research.....I am only 5ft. 1 1/2 in. tall and I was weighing 208 lbs. when I started my process, so we are about the same in the beginning of our journey.....I am now down to 160 lbs. and my surgery was 3 months ago, I only have about 40 lbs to go and I will reach my goal of 120 lbs...and that is just 3 months post-op...And I totally agree with Lisa, It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself....and I too would do it all over again in a heartbeat....the energy I have now is unbelievable with the 48 lbs. that I have lost.....so please ask alot of questions...and do alot of research.....cause it is a major decision to make.....Be Blessed in your thoughts, your decision and in your journey.....Love Darlene

TX DEB · 06-18-2007, 09:42 PM

Welcome to the forum family. I will tell you that for 8 weeks after my surgery I was in HELL. Some it only lasts for a couple weeks. I had trouble just drinking for over three weeks and still have some trouble eating. It is not easy. It is major surgery. You will most likely endure pain though some folks claim they have none. I'm not trying to sound rude but it does concern me that you are worried about some minor inconveniences. You can have complications but one knows until after surgery. Research this forum so you can have a wide variety of opinions to help you make the best decisions for you.
You will have to drastically change your eating habits as far as food choices and portions. This is not a quick fix. It is for life. Good luck to you and keep asking questions.