Would you do it again? - ThinnerTimes

hiddengem · 01-31-2008, 08:21 AM

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?

nextbigloser · 01-31-2008, 08:27 AM

I am 3 weeks out had lap Roux-en-Y. If you would have asked me this question a day or so after surgery I would have had my doubts. Today I would say yes I would do it over again and would recommend this to anyone considering wls. I am 3 weeks out and down 27lbs. Its an amazing feeling. If you do a search on pregnancy you will find that we have a few preggos here right now.

Corrine · 01-31-2008, 08:54 AM

I'm in my 50's so the issue of having kiddies never arose.

You bet I'd do it again!

Over the past 35 years I've been on every diet going (and a few I invented). I lost weight on all of them only to see those pounds back (with a few more along to join in the party).

At 260lb, if I had much of a future if wasn't going to be pretty. I was lucky - I didn't have any comorbidities other than arthritus. But it was just a question of time.

I don't know whether this is the surgery for you - only you will know that. It does require a complete change in eating behaviour. I was lucky - I went through an intensive pre-op course that addressed those issues.

You have to get your head around the fact that family gatherings aren't about food, they're about being with the family.

For me, food is now fuel. It's not a constant source of excitement or drama or comfort. I just pack a couple of small snacks to take with me just in case.

kellyMASS · 01-31-2008, 09:50 AM

Would you do it again?

i ASKED THE SAME THING....

CeeCee · 01-31-2008, 10:10 AM

In a heartbeat! Out 11 months, down just over 100 lbs., and I feel great! Mind you, there are some folks who do have problems- big, big problems. Look through all the topics here and you'll see it all, the good and the bad.
Good luck!

paige52 · 01-31-2008, 11:03 AM

I wouldn't... but read the link above we seem to have this quesiton frequently.

I always vote for the LapBand.... But i"m a rebel.....

I think it's very wise of you to be cautious aobut cuttign and re-routing your digestive system is only for the possible long term effects of vitamins absorbtion issues.

You can always revise to an RNY if you find LB doesn't work for you. The key is knowing that you have to work the tool no matter what the tool is. Teh long term weight loss for both procedure is very similar but it takes longer to lose the weight with LB. Just my 2 cents!

shereeks · 01-31-2008, 01:56 PM

In a heartbead - I definitely would. This surgery has completely transformed my life!

You don't say how heavy you are and I do think that has a massive bearing on it - if you're under 220lbs I'd be saying look at the lapband - over that and the bypass works really well. From what I've seen quite a few of the 'light-weights' have had complications - maybe just a coincidence.

I have had complications too but nothing so bad as to make me wish I hadn't had this done.

Good luck!

Nyn · 01-31-2008, 03:22 PM

I would definitely do it again, but that is just me. I was super morbidly obese with almost 200 extra pounds to lose. I have also had a fairly "easy" recovery and transition compared to some. Now, mind you, even an "easy" recovery comes with some pain, some throwing up, some fear, lots of emotions, and the standard food restrictions that will be with us for the rest of our life. I am also pretty cautious in that I don't test my pouch and don't eat any sugary foods because I don't want to know if I can. I highly, highly recommend a LOT of research and learning before taking such a big step. In my opinion, whether people should have the surgery really depends on how much extra weight you have, and how much determination you have on whether you really want to live this way. Talk to your bariatrics team and take advantage of classes, support groups, nutritionist help, etc. Good luck!!

kittens4 · 01-31-2008, 03:28 PM

For me, the lapband didn't sound like something I'd have success with. I needed the more drastic RNY...also, my insurance only covers 1 weight loss surgery per lifetime.....so I had to make it count!!!!
I had complications. 1 week out, I developed a bowel obstruction, spent 7 days in the hospital on "bowel rest", no food, just iv fluids, and ended up having to have a 2nd surgery!! After that little fiasco I went home, only to be re-admitted 3 days later with pneumonia!! I spent another 7 days in the hospital. I had to have a pik-line put in twice!

I had breathing treatments every 4 hours, I wasn't even allowed to walk to the bathroom, because my pulse ox levels were so low that whenever I'd move, alarms would go off!!!

Once I got back home I was set up with home oxygen...24/7! I had a 50 ft cord to roam around with! I was off work for 2.5 months!!! Still, even with all that, I have no regrets. I did wonder what the hell I'd done to myself at the time....and did have some buyers remorse...but it passed.

Good luck on your decision. It's not easy. Some people sail through it, others don't. I'm lucky in the fact that even with the complications....today I'm fine! I haven't had one moment of nausea/vomiting/pain/etc since that 2nd surgery. I thank God everyday for that!!!

paige52 · 01-31-2008, 03:31 PM

I have noticed a very strong correlation between being a lightweight when having the RNY and those that are SMO.

Some still do okay but overall I'd say that 75% of the complication people that I talk to didn't have more than 125 pounds to lose.

Then again I spend a fair amount of my time talking to people with extreme complications..... I wish I had done lapband...