Would you do it again? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

poet_kelly · 10-30-2009, 10:06 AM

My knees were a huge problem. I used to have to get cortisone injections every three months. The only reason I only got them every three months is because the doctor refused to give them to me more often. They were amazing when I first got them, helped a whole lot. But after six weeks, the effect was totally gone. I was limping around again. If I sat on the floor, there was no telling if I'd be able to get up again. Seriously. I would need help to get up. Just getting in and out of the car was very painful.

I have not had a shot since surgery. Um, I am not even sure I could get them anymore if I wanted them. Is cortisone an NSAID? But I haven't needed them. I had one shortly before surgery, and my knees have not hurt since. At all.

Kelly

mistymee · 10-30-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissah

And that's what I am waiting to feel like. The knee thing is one of my biggest problems. I am so so tired of the pain and stiffness.

Pre-op, I was walking with a crutch (I was too fat to be able to use two but I used it sort of like a cane) I was in agony. The doctor was sure I was gonna need knee replacement surgery and soon.

My knees are just fine now, though.. I can do so much now that I couldn't at 317. Life is just so ---normal--- now. Yeah, I'm frustrated cuz I'm stuck in the 180's.. but wow.. I'm about as normal as I've ever been.. this is the weight I always went to when I wasn't massively dieting, until the kids were born and then everthing went out of whack, but the 180's just seems where my body likes to be. But I can do things like climb rocks, and go for strolls (can't walk for exercise or do any type of constant repetitive motion that involves my left foot, but that is unrelated to my weight)

And yes, sex is different. And before, the knees didn't allow much in the way of variation, but that is now resolved as well.. I'll leave that up to the imagination, though

lol.

eyesthatkissu · 10-30-2009, 10:13 AM

I used to travel monthly to my Doctors pre-op meetings to answer questions for those looking to have surgery. He pulled me aside and told me he wanted me to go to the post-op ones instead because he thought people might have an unreal expectation based on my results. :P I have ZERO issues. I never had any. I'm healthier than ever. Any issues I did come across were emotional never physical. Once I grabbed a hold of those by the cajones I was great. I do know of people that have had very severe issues and when it comes right down to it, it's kind of a crap shoot. To ask if someone is happier now than pre-op is kind of a catch 22. Happiness really does come from inside, from how a person deals with life. That won't change with the numbers on the scale. That's why some kind of support is urgent post-op. We have to get things right inside our hearts and minds and just hope that the physical parts step right in line. Good luck on your quest!

Vikkator · 10-30-2009, 10:16 AM

I do think that the majority of people don't have problems post-op. For me, it was a matter of life and death. I chose to live the rest of my life thinner. I recently had a friend die of a massive heart attack at age 54. She had been thin most of her life but gained a lot of weight in recent years. I didn't keep in touch with her over the years, but I'm assuming her heart attack may have been prevented if she was slimmer. I know my bp was heading in the high numbers, but is pretty normal now. I went from a size 22 to a 6 in less than a year. It's awesome to feel like a normal person and to be able to buy clothes nearly anywhere (except plus size stores).

I love not having a problem squeezing into my car or getting by someone in a crowd or a restaurant. It's great being able to fit into a small booth and not have to be asked to be seated at a table. I'm a cheap date. I went out to dinner last night and it cost me $3 for a cup of soup. I love not having my knees hurt all the time. It's awesome to get doors held open for me or having guys check me out. I thought I'd never see that day again.

I've told others this story before, so I'm sorry for boring people with this, but my parrot still moans and groans when I go up the stairs. She used to hear me do that. Once she learns something, she does it forever. I keep telling her that I don't moan and groan anymore, but she still continues to mock me. Whenever I go near her (she is right next to the stairs), she starts with the groaning. I wish she'd learn a new comment when she sees me, but she only says what she wants to say.

But I am glad I did this. The only regret I ever have is sometimes I get disappointed when I go out to eat. I still get hungry, and I always order small meals, but I usually bring home enough for a second or third meal. Sometimes I just wish I could eat a salad and an entree, but I still can't do it. But that's a really good thing, I think.

I have a problem with vitamin D too, but I've read that a lot of northerners have that problem anyway.

Melissah · 10-30-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyesthatkissu

To ask if someone is happier now than pre-op is kind of a catch 22. Happiness really does come from inside, from how a person deals with life. That won't change with the numbers on the scale. That's why some kind of support is urgent post-op. We have to get things right inside our hearts and minds and just hope that the physical parts step right in line. Good luck on your quest!

So true. Even now, am I happy emotionally? Somewhat. But the part that's not is weight induced. I tend to be really hard on myself, more than I ever have. I started support groups twice a month and been going since January....there are many post ops and I have watched them melt away and go through things and it's been an eye opener but it makes me want this even more.

Thanks

Melissah · 10-30-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikkator

I've told others this story before, so I'm sorry for boring people with this, but my parrot still moans and groans when I go up the stairs. She used to hear me do that. Once she learns something, she does it forever

haha that is so cute and funny.I've never heard the story so glad you told it again.

I think emotionally....I will mourn food. I'm sure many do. My psyce eval came up that I was an hedonistic eater....I do it for the love of taste. Eating out was a happy ordeal and I know years down the line I will be able to do it again but will have to make better choices and eat out very infrequently.

Thanks V. I am very excited about the whole journey.

eyesthatkissu · 10-30-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissah

So true. Even now, am I happy emotionally? Somewhat. But the part that's not is weight induced. I tend to be really hard on myself, more than I ever have. I started support groups twice a month and been going since January....there are many post ops and I have watched them melt away and go through things and it's been an eye opener but it makes me want this even more.

Thanks

The melting away is the fun part.

cali4ialuv · 10-30-2009, 12:52 PM

My only regret is not doing it sooner! By the grace of God, I've had no complications. I'm so much happier and healthier. My husband, whom I've been with for 22 years, says that he cannot beleive the person I've become. When I was heavy, I was very negative and non-sociable. I'm now out going and have a new lease on life. I suffered from diabetes, high cholesterol, joint pain, and depression. Food was a crutch. My life has drastically change as a result of me being healthy! I enjoy my five year old daughter and hubby so much. I love playing tickles with her, chasing her around, or getting down in the floor playing with her. (We ain't even going to discuss the added benefits of my new self-esteem that hubby and I share :~) Without the surgery, I never would have been able to conceive.

AAA · 11-01-2009, 10:43 AM

I'm 4.5 years out from the Duodenal Switch.

I wasn't one of the ones who felt it was "The Best Thing They'd Ever Done." I had a really rough recovery & didn't feel like myself again till 9 months out. I began to adjust to my new life and new plumbing at about that time. Then I began to learn how to eat and what to eat to feel well and not have bathroom problems.

I'd say at about 2.5 years out was when I decided I'd made the right decision for me. I wish I could've done it without surgery. Unfortunately, I couldn't and had to realize that.

I'm thin, healthier and life is easier than it was when I was big. I walk upright (as compared to bent over or in bed due to lower back problems). My cholesterol isn't over 300 as it was before. I'm not borderline diabetic as I was before.

I have to have blood tests done at least 2x a year. Eat a ton of protein & take a ton of vits/minerals each day. I also see more doctors than I did preop but I know that was coming [for a different reason] if I stayed big.

I don't worry about clothes fitting in the morning or comments b/c I'm big. I fit in and it's nice to catch a glimpse of myself in a window as I'm walking outside.

So, yes, I'd do it again.

Laureate · 11-01-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikkator

I've told others this story before, so I'm sorry for boring people with this, but my parrot still moans and groans when I go up the stairs. She used to hear me do that. Once she learns something, she does it forever. I keep telling her that I don't moan and groan anymore, but she still continues to mock me. Whenever I go near her (she is right next to the stairs), she starts with the groaning.

This gets me EVERY TIME! My sutures are hurting from laughing!