I'm a newbie and having gbs in 2 months - ThinnerTimes

JessicaG · 11-13-2007, 11:19 AM

Hello all,

I am a newbie on this forum but have been lurking for a couple of weeks now. I tell ya..some of you have me laughing hysterically reading your posts.

Anyhow, I am scared. I weigh 250# and am 5' 2" tall..giving me a BMI of 45 something. I work at a hospital speciallizing in bariatrics so I see many patients come through the doors for their pre op and post up xray studies. It's amazing how many people, like me, are out there taking this huge step in their life. But I can't stop and think how scary it is. Hubby thinks I am going to die if I have the surgery. My support system is not there with the exception of hubby. They all say it is such a shame you can't do it on your own. Well if I could I surely wouldn't be this size.

My concern is after surgery and the complications. Have any of you had serious complications afterwards....and if so what sorts and how were they resolved? Are they still resolved? Are you considered normal and healthy 6 months down the road?

One of my biggest fears is long term complications such as strictures and obstructions. I cannot afford to be sick. My job is very demanding with respects to lifting patients and working on my feet all day. In fact come January I have decided to take different hours at work so I could stay home with the kids during the week therefore saving on daycare expenses. So come the first of the year I will be doing 16 hours on Sat. and Sun..and 8 hours on Wed. My doctor said I will only be out for 4 weeks and I am hoping that will be true...but it is going to be tough the first couple of months.

There are so many unknowns and am unsure if this is the right decision.

All though the thought of fitting into a size 10 elates me.

What are your experiences post surgery.
Jessica

tazchic · 11-14-2007, 01:22 AM

Welcome!!! I am still pre-op, so I can't provide any insight, but do a search on strictures and obstructions. I am sure you will find a great deal of info.

mommy_to_two · 11-14-2007, 11:26 AM

Hi Jessica ~ I too am pre-op, so don't have much advice there. I am about one month into this whole process. I meet with my surgeon on the 19th of this month, and I can't wait!!! I am scared too. My husband isn't totally on board yet, but he isn't trying to dissuade me either. I think with more knowledge will come more support. We have two little ones at home, and any risk that I take, he freaks out about. (not thinking how risky my weight is)!!! Good luck to you!

Toony · 11-14-2007, 11:40 AM

You work in a Bariatric Unit... interesting!

These are all questions your weight-loss-team should be able to answer for you --- the surgeons keep "stats" on post-op complications... they'll also be able to advise you on time off from work, lifting restrictions, etc. That's really the best place to get the answers to your questions.

Katie

JessicaG · 11-14-2007, 04:48 PM

Thanks everyone,

I feel so far it's been a weird process. I went to orientation in July. Had an appt with the PA where I basically told her everything on my health then I was sent to the coordinator where she had set up all my tests and told me sx date. I hadn't even discussed anything with the doctor until just last week but even then we didn't really talk about much. I guess I was in shock that all was happening super fast and he may have assumed since I work in the radiology department that I was somewhat aware of the process. Anyhow, I don't see him again till a couple of weeks before surgery.

In all honesty...the only thing I do with patients is their preop workup...barium enemas and upper GI's. And their post op upper gi's to see if there is any leaks. It is all interesting and am amazed with each individual their story and their reasons to why they are taking this journey.

Again thanks for the words of encouragement and I can't wait to see all of your journeys.

Jessica

Claire-in-Texas · 11-14-2007, 06:47 PM

Hi Jessica, and welcome to the TT forum!

I agree with Katie (Toony) - your surgeon is the one who can advise you best as to what you can expect, and what your limitations would be. That's the best place to start.

In addition, I found "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" (book) to be extremely helpful. I got it for under $12, including shipping, on amazon.com.

It's a wild ride! It's the best thing I have ever done for myself! I would do it again 100 times!

Best of luck to you!

waterbottle · 11-14-2007, 11:52 PM

hello I had so many questions like you when I had my band fitted in August 2007.

I think it is soemthing you learn as you go along I have just had an obstruction for 3 days and my god is painful and when I rang them they asked me to go back and have some taken out the band but it has now passed thank god.

I do think they were pleased I had suffered this as they said I wont eat anything with breadcrumbs on again.

THEY ARE RIGHT LOL

take care Dianne

desmccoy · 11-15-2007, 05:59 AM

I have had strictures. I have had them repaired three times and the first one requiring a ten day stay in the Hospital. Not a picnic. According to MY surgeon 1 in 3 patients will have multiple strictures. Like many others on this board I am one of those people. I think if you worry so much about what "could happen" it will drive you crazy so just go on as if nothing will happen and if it does then take it with a grain of salt and come here to get the love and support you need because were are all here for you Hon.

katzz87 · 11-15-2007, 09:02 AM

I'm sitting right along with you, JessicaG. I initially went to the surgeon with the intention of having the lap-band...but came out with the gastric bypass as a better option for my history of co-morbidities. I was so freaked that I called the surgery center up and asked if I could speak to someone about my concerns, and they whole-heartedly suggested making another appointment with my surgeon to discuss any issues I have. So...make an appointment with the surgeon! I feel that I can not go into the operating room without knowing all they possible outcomes. I plan on having surgery in Jan or Feb...and will have it no matter what the possible complications will be...but I want to be aware of them! Not sure this makes sense...but don't feel rushed into this, ask questions, feel comfortable with your decision.

Cathy

Deirdrea · 11-15-2007, 09:32 AM

You have a lot of concerns. I would definitely get the book mentioned above but also; I would see if there is any pre-op and post-op education/support groups that you can go to. That is probably one of the best places to get questions like that answered. The issues and complications with this surgery are as different as the people getting it. Everyone reacts differently to the surgery and everyone has different experiences with it. Talk to the center that you're having your surgery at and see if they have any groups where you can talk to other people who are in or who have been were you are so that you can get the reassurances that you need to proceed with your surgery.