8 year? post op - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

noholes · 10-03-2009, 09:12 PM

Tomorrow,(October 4th) marks the day that I had surgery in 2001. It is with sincere "apprehension" that I even acknowledge this date. My journey was far from the "average stay'. I had every possible mis- fortune that might occur.
I left the hospital 14 months later 5 pounds heavier than I went into it prior to surgery.I don't want this to sound over negative, just a realistic version of what happened to 'me"(thankfully, not everyone) it doesn't normally go that way with everyone.
Yes, problems happened. I do in my heart believe than my Doctors did what they could to remedy the situation after it occured- maybe not as quickly as it could have been handled, but they did do the best of their ability to try and keep me alive. And I am alive- 8 years later- If you would have asked me this 6 years ago, I don't think I would have imagined still being alive.
I am not perfect- I still battle health problems, primarily because to save me there were different things they had to do to keep me alive that probably may have jepordized my long term health. I deal with the problems as they come.
I don't live my life as an angry critical person- I could not live that way. I believe in forgiveness. I truely believe that medical personal get into the business for their desire to 'help" people. I had an amazing interventional radiologist that thought of many things that keep me alive, and I will for ever be thankful to him.
I don't yet accept that how I am living is how I should be. I can't say I don't get jealous when I read posts about what people are able to do- I feel slighted, but, I continue to find the best solutions to 'my" problems. I hope that someone will find a solution to help me live a less painfilled live, but realize, there is only so much that can be done.
If you are wondering my stats" I started at 359- I now sit at 143. But remember, it's not all about the weight' there needs to be a quality of live that comes along with this.I have lost most of my teeth, my blood work(hemoglobin, vitamin d, and iron) are in the 'toliet" and I am getting to the point that:" I just don't have the strength to fight anymore and I fight daily pain with every attempt to eat/
I am not an anti- weight loss surgery person- I went into this with my eyes open, had done all of the research, was considered the "perfect" candidate for surgery. But-- it wasnt meant to be. I accept that.
My only "words of wisdom" if I can do so on My 8 year anniversary are" Feel comfortable with what you are doing, realize that things may happen, follow all the guidelines they give you, don't be afraid to call if you have a question and forcefully demand acknowledgement, exercise, do your part, live a happy live, be your own advocate and don't sweat the small stuff.

Before the comments come in" yes, I did take my vitamins, yes, I did eat as instructed(most of which was tpn or tube feedings) , So, it wasnt' caused by anything "i" did- just a body that wasnt exactly as the Doctor expected-
Happy day everyone. Enjoy your day. I appreciate support- hope I don't get a lot of back flack- but- everyone has their own opinion.
Good Night- Happy day.
Amy H

Claire-in-Texas · 10-04-2009, 06:36 AM

Amy, I am so terribly sad to read of your journey.

All you wanted to do was improve your quality of life and health. What a mess. Yes, things can happen, and they truly did to you.

I am hoping that over the past 8 years that wls has changed and improved. I notice that many new things are done now that weren't done in the past, new ways of doing things. That doesn't help you, of course, and my heart goes out to you.

noholes · 10-04-2009, 08:58 AM

Claire,

I appreciate your comments and really, I'm not looking for people to feel sorry for me-. Things happen, We don't always know why. I do realize that the excess weight I was carrying around probably would have caused me other problems in the future . I am really not overly negative(or try not to be)- I still get to be part of the lives of my children and torment them on a daily basis-

but that also includes getting to watch them as they grow and mature into young adults. I do get frustrated at times with the medical field in not knowing "what" to do- to "fix" me, but I guess that is a something I just have to learn to deal with and keep searching and looking for answers.
I can honestly say that food ,which was my comfort prior to surgery, does not have the same(if any) "appeal" to me anymore- I hate any and all- so, in my case, the surgery "did" work on the mental aspect

(although I don't suggest anyone following my path as a way to get over head hunger). All any of us can do is learn from our situation and just keep trying. I don't sit around thinking or asking woulda-? coulda? shoulda? I did, it did, I'm here 8 years later- ready to move forward to number 9.
Thanks for your comment. Have a great day.
Amy H

MiladyB · 10-05-2009, 11:04 AM

Amy, I just want you to know how much admiration and respect I have for you. I've been lucky enough to get to know you in person and you are such a warm and giving lady.

There is always some kind of trade-off when it comes to weight loss surgery. For some it is a bigger trade-off than any of us bargained for. But all you can do is go on from where you are. You don't have a negative attitude, Amy. Actually just the opposite. You continue to give of yourself as a support person for others who have chosen this path.

You are understandably frustrated. I don't blame you and as a person who is part of the medical field I am frustrated right along with you. The road of chronic complications isn't an easy one. The past year has certainly shown me that but as you, I believe on focusing on the positive aspects of life and giving forward to others who travel this journey.

I celebrate in the fact that you are here 8 years later and that I have the opportunity to call you a friend.

Here's to a year of hopefully answers for you, Amy. I'm always here when you need an ear. I hope you know that.

noholes · 10-05-2009, 03:07 PM

Thanks Beth,

Your support and listening have been a "good" outcome of the last year.
Thanks for taking a moment to comment and listen. Talk with you soon.

Amy