Would you do it again? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

Claire-in-Texas · 01-31-2008, 06:26 PM

I would do it again instantly, and I don't mind how many threads there are on this subject. They just give me yet another opportunity to express how grateful I am for RNY, how my quality of life has so totally improved, my health is that of a much younger woman, and I am able to know,for the first time in my life, the truly authentic me.

Best of luck on your journey!

lward76 · 01-31-2008, 06:56 PM

NO NO NO~~~~NO I wouldnt do it again never!! Everyone including your surgeroun tells you about all the good and how much weight you will lose and faster!!! But, what they dont tell you is alot of people get very nausuas that dont go away or throw up everyday!! That was me!! and my life which was none at all!! i got completley revesed on Jan 18 and havent been happier in my life!! But, would I tell someone not to have it done NO!!! Its your decision..ok unless you only have like 100-150 to lose I would definetly say go for the lapband!! Now your facts!! Search and do more research !!Not trying to scare you but that was how I lived and many on here do too!!! Listen closey to the good and bad!! good luck with 'your" decion!!

fisher1000 · 01-31-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lward76

Listen closey to the good and bad!! good luck with 'your" decion!!

Sage advice.

I would absolutely do it over again, and again, and again! I just wish I had done it 10 years ago. That said, Laura's right, the informed patient is the wise patient. I think it's important to hear everyone's experiences so that you can make the best decision for yourself. This is life-changing, and shouldn't be taken lightly. This forum, I think, is perhaps one of the best places for real, no-holds-barred information that will help you make the choice when it comes time for you to do so!

Good luck!

-Mike

Blueyz · 01-31-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiddengem

This question is intended for those who have had gastric bypass.

Knowing what you know now after all you have been through, would you do it again? Was it worth it? What would you have done differently? What would you tell someone who is just starting the process?

I had my mind made up that I wanted a lapband, but my surgeon says I might be a better candidate for bypass. But the cutting, rerouting, dumping syndrome, malnutrition, gas, indigestion, pregnancy concerns, etc. have me very worried. Here's a little about me...

I am in my mid-twenties and have always been heavy. My whole family is heavy. I am starting to really show symptoms of PCOS, which is the main reason my surgeon is suggesting the bypass instead of the lapband. I have only been married for a few years and we do want to have kids eventually. My family celebrations are always centered around food, such as a big dinner for a birthday or holiday.

How will the bypass affect me, and my ability to get pregnant and carry a child? Does the difference in diet (when compared to a normal person) put a cramp in your style? Are you still able to eat with others who don't have such stringent dietary restrictions?

I am just worried that the bypass is too severe for me. Any thoughts?

I have been through SOOOOOO much and I would do it all over the same way in a heart beat. I would not change a thing. I think things happen for a reason and my complications were handed to me for a reason. It has made me a tougher person.

There are a lot of things I can not eat, but I am ok with it because those items are junk food anyway and sugar. This is the reason I needed this tool and utilize it.

I am thankful every day for this decision. Many family members fought me, but I knew it was my decision and that I was the one who was going to live with it, not them.

I already had 3 children and my tubes were tied, so I didn't have to think about it. There are plenty who have had babies and lost the weight again, so I wouldn't worry. If you know it will make you healthy and you are good with your decision, then go for it.

Good luck...

rainrain · 01-31-2008, 09:37 PM

you decide!!
for me........yep...!!!It has been the very best thing, but as I have said before with as much as I have changed on the outside it is the inside which has changed the most..my confidence and happiness as well as my strong desire to take good care of myself and to value myself...

hiddengem · 02-01-2008, 09:37 AM

Thank you all for your insights. Many of you mentioned that the decision depends on how much weight you have to lose. I am at 5'7" and about 310 pounds, so I have about 150-160 pounds to lose.

I've also heard a common theme in the discussion that the lapband works better for those who have less weight to lose, and the RNY for those who have more to lose. Is this true? If so, about where is the cutoff?

I realize that there are the good and the bad, and that there is a risk that the bad will happen. I appreciate you all being so open about the risks and complications. I've been to a couple different surgeons, and one (not the one I'm actually having the surgery with) coasted over the risk for complications and all he would say is that he hasn't had any patients with complications. Ha! That info doesn't help me make an informed decision.

Does anyone have any information on complication rates? Like how many people have complications, which complications are common, etc.

Thanks again for your help!

Claire-in-Texas · 02-01-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiddengem

Thank you all for your insights. Many of you mentioned that the decision depends on how much weight you have to lose. I am at 5'7" and about 310 pounds, so I have about 150-160 pounds to lose.

I've also heard a common theme in the discussion that the lapband works better for those who have less weight to lose, and the RNY for those who have more to lose. Is this true? If so, about where is the cutoff?

I realize that there are the good and the bad, and that there is a risk that the bad will happen. I appreciate you all being so open about the risks and complications. I've been to a couple different surgeons, and one (not the one I'm actually having the surgery with) coasted over the risk for complications and all he would say is that he hasn't had any patients with complications. Ha! That info doesn't help me make an informed decision.

Does anyone have any information on complication rates? Like how many people have complications, which complications are common, etc.

Thanks again for your help!

A couple of really insightful questions in this post.

When I went to my surgeon, he asked me which surgery I wanted, and why. The WHY was very important to him, and I had some very specific reasons in my answer to the WHY question.

It isn't only the weight factor. It's a combination of ALL the factors. Co-morbidities being a HUGE factor in this. I won't go into all of my reasons/factors for the surgery, but my doctor's goal for me was much higher than mine, but the reasons I needed the surgery were nonetheless powerful.

Risks. Good point. My surgeon told me what the national risks were in terms of percentages (it was a printout that he reviewed with me). Then he told me the percentages in his own bariatric practice. Then I considered his reputation, the hospital (a Center of Excellence, designated such by the American Bariatric Society), and my own instincts about it.

This is a huge decision, but there is no black and white as to yes or no. There is a LOT of grey area, and only you and your medical professional(s) can make the determinations.

The best of luck to you!

racha9 · 02-01-2008, 06:09 PM

I would do it again in heartbeat, but I have had a pretty easy road. As everyone has said, do your research, and make the decision for you and no one else. Good luck!!

Gina in NY · 02-01-2008, 07:43 PM

[quote=hiddengem;253131]I've also heard a common theme in the discussion that the lapband works better for those who have less weight to lose, and the RNY for those who have more to lose. Is this true? If so, about where is the cutoff?

I realize that there are the good and the bad, and that there is a risk that the bad will happen. I appreciate you all being so open about the risks and complications. I've been to a couple different surgeons, and one (not the one I'm actually having the surgery with) coasted over the risk for complications and all he would say is that he hasn't had any patients with complications. Ha! That info doesn't help me make an informed decision.

Does anyone have any information on complication rates? Like how many people have complications, which complications are common, etc.QUOTE]

I would do it again in a New York minute. I would do it every year if I had to. My surgeon flat out told me his compliation stats. He has a lot to brag about, but the fact is, they know their complication rates. They have to. If they don't volunteer the info, ask. What is your death within 6 weeks rate? On the table? Stroke? Heart attack? Infection? Stricture? etc. You have every right to know these stats and should feel fine about asking.

Good luck!

rrk · 02-01-2008, 08:40 PM

I would do it repeatedly........if it made me die tomorrow the vast improvement in the quality of life that I have had over the past four years has more than made up for the early challenges and I do not think that I would have the chance to get old, that I have now, if I had not made a change in my life. This is a tool and you have to use it properly and understand that it is not something to be taken lightly.