No Problems after WLS? - ThinnerTimes

CCluvs2scuba · 06-13-2008, 08:20 AM

I would like to know if there is anyone on this board who has NOT had any problems. I am scheduled to have Lap RNY next week and the more I read, the more I am second guessing my decission. It seems that everything I read, there is some kind of problem and I cannot tell if it is because the person did not do everything as directed and had troubles, or an inexperienced doctor or....

Thanks for sharing!

CC

P. S. I have posted this thread on a few different boards to get as many answers as I can. Thanks!

Marella · 06-13-2008, 10:21 AM

For me the question was how many problems can I get rid of if I have the WLS vs. complications and rotten quality of life.

Even though I am moderately healthy, I felt that my lifespan before WLS would have been about 10 years or less because all I did was gain weight, stay home and enjoy nothing. I'd need a coffin for a 500 pound woman and pallbearers from the Worlds Strongest Man competition. My 5'4" frame was suffering as well as my back, my knees, my heals, my neck, yada, yada, yada, plus, I just couldn't cry anymore and keep feeling sorry for myself. I was headed for a walker and/or a wheel chair, enjoying ramps and disability signs (which I have for my car and it expires in 2009, and hopefully, I won't need after awhile).

I've lost 30 pounds (so far) in 6 weeks and that was enough to jump start me walking, yes, because I have to, but also because now I have somewhere to go: OUT!

I'm six weeks post-op and very optimistic. I've already had a hernia complication, but I don't care. I'm told I have one-gallstone, but whether or not I'll need my gall bladder out, only time will tell. What else comes up, I don't know... at my age, I'm looking for a better quality of life so that I can live to be an active senior, and be around for my grandkids, that's why I had WLS... not for anyone, but for me.

Good luck with your decision.

Hello Katie · 06-13-2008, 10:39 AM

Just be aware that you can still have problems even following all the rules, it wouldn't have changed my mind but I didn't realize that when I went in for surgery. Even after my complications (hurt leg from Bovi, kidney stone, gall bladder attacks and later removal, vomiting) I wouldn't change anything but it's definitely something to be aware of and try and prepare for. I also didn't realize the complexity of taking vitamins. I figured I'd wake up and take 4-5 vitamins and be done for the day but it's actually an all day and even into the night process because certain supplements can't be taken together and have to be spaced hours apart.

Sue0609 · 06-13-2008, 10:42 AM

I am only 4 days post-op so it is too soon to say if I will have any complications (I don't consider my issues with painkillers to be a complication, that could happen if I broke and ankle). But you can work to eliminate some of the risks. Lost some weight before surgery (the docs will tell you how much) and choose a surgeon that has done at least 100 RNY. A study showed that the surgeon is learning and reducing complications until they've done about 100 surgeries and that after that there is little reduction is surgeon-caused issues. 100 is the "sweet spot". I chose a hospital 65 miles away (1:15 drive with no traffic, 2:30 drive with) instead of the hospital 5 miles away because I wanted that experience.

You have to balance the risks of the procedure against the risk of staying morbidly obese. It was a hard decision for me because I have no co-morbidities (no sleep apnea, no diabetes, no joint issues, no heart disease). I feel the surgery is my last chance to have a child. I have infertility of unknown cause, but they think the excess body fat could be the culprit. Since I'm 40 I don't have much time. My surgeon said she will clear me for IVF at 10 months post-op if I've lost 2/3 of my excess weight.

Marella · 06-13-2008, 02:49 PM

Sue, I feel for you, and sort of know where you're coming from... I pray that you will have that wonderfully healthy and happy bouncing baby. You have a truly noteworthy goal.

All the best...

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Wow CC, you've sure posted this questions enough times... really want an answer don't ya? Are you trying to get talked out of it, or into it?

Sue0609 · 06-13-2008, 03:29 PM

Thanks Marella. It's been a source of much heartache over the last 5 years. I had a miscarriage at 230 pounds and then couldn't get pregnant again (5 years ago). I then gained 69 pounds (15 after the miscarriage, 15 when I injured my leg, etc., etc.). Several people who knew I was pursuing RNY said they didn't think I was big enough. I carry a LOT of weight in my chest, I'm not wide, I'm deep! LOL! But 299 is 299 no matter where it is. Fertility centers won't provide infertility services if the woman has a BMI over 40, even if the cause of the infertilty is male factor (which ours isn't). Obese women have a lower success rate and they don't want the "fatties" messing up their numbers. Adoption choices are limited as well, China doesn't let obese people adopt, for example. And I know I'm being realistic with domestic adoptions as well. DH and I are older (I'm 40, he's 49). A young woman giving up a child is less likely to give her baby to a woman who might not be around to raise it. Plus there is plain old discrimination.

So, hopefully in a year I'll be pregnant! I just keep reminding DH and myself that all this will be worth it...

kit60 · 06-13-2008, 03:30 PM

7+ months post op and no problems related to gbs. I had a hysterectomy this week but have needed one for years. Now I hope I didn't jinx myself into haveing problems. No more high blood pressure, no more heart palpitations, no more exhaustion. It would be worth it even if I had problems. Good luck to you.

Vim&Vigour · 06-13-2008, 03:50 PM

hello CC!

In 6 months I am 10 years younger, have lost nearly half my planned weight, am fitter, healthier and considerably happier than in years!
No dumping, no side-effects...
I've described my surgery under my thread 'what to expect - in graphic details" - hope it might help!
No hesitations whatsoever, would do it again!
Good luck!
Cheers,
Vim

'thann · 06-13-2008, 05:03 PM

I'm about 5.5 weeks out and have had no problems whatsoever. I'm not susceptible to dumping and have tolerated every food I've tried. I feel fantastic and have more energy than I have in 18 years (when I gained the weight).

'thann

lala46205 · 06-13-2008, 05:13 PM

Let Me Start By Saying "knock On Wood" Although I Am Only About 2 Weeks Out, I Have Had No Problems...i Have Already Lost 33 Pounds! At First I Was Like "what The Hell Did I Do To Myself" Because I Wanted To Eat And Couldn't, I Then Realized Duh Thats How I Got Like This And The Weight Started Pooring Off And It Makes It Sooo Worth It..i Am Very Happy I Did It..i Know I Still Have A Long Way To Go But You Have To Out Weigh The Good And The Bad..i Actually Had No Health Problems But Knew Eventually I Would And Also Wanted To Do More With My Daughter That I Could Never Do...i Cant Wait!! Just To Go On An Amusment Ride With Her..take Her To The Theature And Sit Comfortably...its All So Worth It..think About How Important The Things You Want From This Surgery Are..gl