Im feeling confused - ThinnerTimes

audiebaby · 04-14-2008, 06:34 PM

I was very excited about waiting for approval for gastric bypass untill my cousins boyfriend asked me to research the sugery 10 to 15 years out...I went online and read alot of horror stories. I am now having second thoughts.. I know not everyone goes thru the negative consequences. I mention to a staff member at the doctors office, that I had heard that some gbp patients might at one point need a liver transplant. That person told me, not to believe everything I read online. I wish I could speak to someone who is 15 to 20 years out. I would love to know how someone that far out is doing. Now dont get me wrong, I've heard such wonderful stories as well, I want to be one of those succesful people as all of you tt friends have been. Your all so brave and with strong character. All have inspired me. Im still leaning toward the gbp surgery but would like to know how you felt after researching the negative longterm effects this could have on some individuals.
I really need to hear other peoples opinion. Thank you

MiladyB · 04-14-2008, 06:48 PM

One thing you do have to realize is that the surgery has changed quite a bit from 15-20 years ago. The type of surgery they did then did have a fair amount of potential complications, especially liver problems, which is why they don't do it that way any more. The RNY has even changed from 5 years ago, so what used to be potential complications might not be as true now.

Yes, this is a huge decision and you should be do a lot of research. What I would suggest is that you make a list of questions and go to your surgeon with them. Let him/her know what your concerns are. Don't be afraid to expect answers. This is your body, this is major surgery, there is potential for major complications...I'm not going to say that there isn't, but let that fear you have motivate you not freeze you cold in one place.

For me, I looked at what my quality of life was before the surgery. What were my health risks? You know with obesity there is a greater risk of liver problems and when you throw diabetes into the mix the chances increase even more....personally I feel liver problems is a real risk either way. So, ask yourself will this surgery improve the quality of my life? Is it worth the possible risk of having the surgery? Only you can answer those questions for yourself.

audiebaby · 04-14-2008, 07:02 PM

Thank you Beth. I did start a list at work today. I have read seveal of your threads and value your opinion. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my thread.

RevRuss · 04-14-2008, 07:15 PM

I started research about 8 years ago and in the beginning the risks(both death and complications) were way too high for me. I am a chaplain at the hospital and come in contact with many bypass patients. My hospital is accredited as a "Center of Excellence" for bariatric surgery (whatever that means).

When the surgeons here became more lapband friendly I began aneew my research. I intended to do the lapband because it was easier and I really didn't care on the speed of weight loss.

I was advised that bypass was best for me because of my out-of-control diebeties. So tomorrow (4/15) I'll have IVC filter and on Monday (4/21) I'll have bypass.

I wish you peace in your journey and remember that any decision has to be right for you and only you.

AToM · 04-14-2008, 07:44 PM

Good luck RevRuss,

I'm only 2 weeks out - but I truly believe if I didn't have GBP surgery, I wouldn't had to worry about things 15 years from now.

MiladyB · 04-14-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiebaby

Thank you Beth. I did start a list at work today. I have read seveal of your threads and value your opinion. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my thread.

You're very welcome. You owe it to yourself to make this decision with your eyes wide open. Surgeons don't always "tell it all". I'm not sure why that is but you have the right to know it all. If you go to your surgeon with really specific questions you will usually get answers. If you feel he/she is hedging your questions you may want to think of checking out other surgeons.

Like I said, this is major surgery and your insides are basicly permanently re-routed. If you aren't comfortable with that then maybe looking at the lapband would be something you would be more comfortable with. There most certainly are pros and cons to each kind of surgery.

Something that did help me to make my decision is that I looked at what potential complications I had if I remained at the weight that I was and what were the potential complications if I went ahead with the surgery. For me, continuing to live my life as I was, was a far greater risk and I had to risk my life in order to save it.

audiebaby · 04-15-2008, 06:35 PM

RevRus... Thank you for your words of wisdom I need all the peace I can get...Im having my surgery in a hospital also a , "Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence"!

Yes, I did think of the lapband but I don't think it will do the job. If I was only a 100lbs overweight lapband would of been my choice. Good luck with your surgery! You will be in my prayers. Please keep us posted with your progress.

Atom: Im also concerned with the future. Im so tired of diet pills. I have been on a diet close to 4 months. I lost 12 pounds in three months. This month I feel as if I gained weight again. Im also tired of feeling unsucessful with my diets. Im a single mother, my son has no siblings I want to be around for him when he is sad, happy, married and with children of his own . If I didn't have my son I wouldn't think twice about the surgery

In the end I might as well live my other half of my life thin.

Good luck on your journey and please keep us posted as well.

Beth... Writing a list of possative and negative is a very good idea. Thank you for the idea.

If I decide to have the surgery Im not turning back, Im going to leave it all in Gods hands. Walk forward and not look back at the door that once was left open.

lward76 · 04-16-2008, 07:19 AM

Hi, I just want to say i think its great that your trying to get all the info as you will need it. The good and bad. I wasnt even a year out and I was reversed, due to major problems, which really sucked but I am healthier now, and still have a small tool to work with, but I have learned alot from having the surgery and my eating is now much different. I have put on 15 pounds from the reversal though, but think i hit my spot which is okay with me. I would still keep doing the research until you know for sure that its gonna be right for you. I am probally one out of a million that it didnt work for so the chances for you is probally really good. And you stated that your going to Center of execllence.? That is even better in my thoughts. But, just remember if it doesnt work for you, you can be reversed it is a option! Just thought I would let you know because alot of people dont know that you can and since mine I have had so many messages that I can barley keep up, I even went off line for a month just to get a peace of mind on myself, not to sound selfish but it truley helped me out. Laura

audiebaby · 04-16-2008, 08:53 AM

iward, No one should judge you for taking a break from the forum, Im sure the reversal was an emotional event although you felt a million times better... I myself when feeling overwhelmed with the choice of having surgery. I too take a day or two off from forum and my research. I need that time to filter out everything I have researched not so much from this tt but from my research. The funny thing is when I research the web I get more confused but when I log on to TT im no longer confused. I see how happy everyone is with there healthy life and want the same for myself. Let me tell you this, With everybodys support and suggestions Im less confused. Im now leaning 90% towards the surgery. Thank you for your reply, it help me so much with my decision as well as everybody elses replies. Good luck..Im happy to hear your keeping up with your new healthy life. Wish you the best.